Early Years Practitioner

Purpose of role

To work as part of a team of Early Years staff in providing high quality childcare and education reporting to the Childcare Manager.

· To provide high quality and safe provision which promotes all aspects of development of the children who attend the Nursery School and Childcare.

• To promote the welfare of children and to support the school in safeguarding children through relevant policies and procedures.

·To ensure that the nursery is a safe environment for children, staff and others.

·To develop and maintain partnerships with parents/carers to share involvement in their child’s development. 

· To work as part of a team to ensure the efficient and effective running of the Nursery School and Childcare.

Main duties and responsibilities

· To promote the health, safety and welfare of the children in the Nursery school at all times.

· To have an understanding of and be able to follow all relevant OFSTED and Nursery school policies and procedures.

· To demonstrate inclusive practice at all times.

· To assist with the meeting of all children’s health, safety and hygiene requirements.

· To interact positively and appropriately with the children at all times, in all environments and all weathers: being at their level, which may include working on the floor.

· To model positive social interaction and play and to provide exciting learning experiences.

· To work with and support NVQ trainees, students, casual staff and others.

· To attend and participate in all staff meetings called by the Childcare Manager and/or Headteacher including discussions on curriculum and the smooth running of the Nursery.

 · To use initiative to ensure the smooth running of the learning taking place.

Curriculum Responsibilities 

· To understand and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

· To value and encourage children in celebrations and activities from their own and other cultures.

· To use in the moment planning and support children’s individual interests.

Health & Safety Responsibilities 

· To comply with all relevant standards of safety, security and hygiene, ensuring that knowledge of the standards are up to date.

· To care for, maintain and clean the nursery environment and play equipment, ensuring that communal areas such as toilets, kitchen and laundry are always clean and in order. This is a shared responsibility with all staff.

· To report maintenance issues, in accordance with the Nursery policy.

Professional Development Responsibilities 

· To attend training courses as required, including all in-service training (inset) days.

· To take responsibility for ensuring own knowledge is up to date and relevant, i.e. keeping abreast of current educational practices and other relevant areas such as Health & Safety and Safeguarding Children.

Nursery Development Responsibilities 

· To contribute to planning for developing the Nursery’s services and practice.

· Sharing knowledge both existing and gained through daily practices, team meetings and training.

Liaison Responsibilities 

· To form good professional relationships with parents, volunteer helpers and visitors to the Nursery school and Childcare.

· To liaise with other agencies as appropriate maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

· To build and maintain links with the local community.

· To work alongside governors involving them in the work of the Nursery.

· To be aware that the opportunity may arise to become a member of the Governing Body.

Other Responsibilities 

· To check levels of materials and consumables, following Nursery procedures for ordering stock. · To assist with and attend fundraising events for the Nursery School.

· To assist in day to day administration of the Nursery School including; -answering the phone -taking messages -maintaining records, including accidents and incidents

· To undertake any other duties instructed by the Headteacher and Childcare Manager.

Gateway Criteria 

· To demonstrate competence in practice against the NVQ level 3 mandatory unit criteria.

· To take responsibility for a key group of children.

· To use more developed communication skills to encourage and support social/positive behavioural development.

· To teach using in the moment appropriately for all children.

· To demonstrate the ability to interpret observations and convert to assessment of need.

Key Person Responsibilities 

· Ensure children’s Tapestry profiles are up to date and accurate.

· To observe, assess and respond to children’s learning and needs.

· To teach in the moment and record teachable moments.

· To greet and communicate effectively with the child’s parents or carers on a daily basis.

· To produce children’s reports.

· To be aware of family needs: supporting and offering advice; seeking extra support if necessary. · To be involved in the planning and carrying out of home visits and child/parent induction and visits

· To plan and carry out meetings with parents to share information about their child’s progress.