We are seeking experienced and passionate Early Years Practitioners to join our established Pre-School team in both full and part time positions, year-round. The successful candidates will work within our lovely Pre-School setting with children aged 2–4 years, contributing to a warm, inclusive and stimulating learning environment.
Hours:
The core hours are worked Monday to Friday, year-round. Some flexibility can be offered, although applicants must be able to support an after-school club on designated days, which runs until 6.00pm.
Requirements:
- A relevant Level 2 or Level 3 Early Years/Childcare qualification
- Experience working within a similar Early Years environment
- A strong understanding and sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- A warm, nurturing and child-centred approach, with a genuine passion for helping children thrive
- The ability to work effectively as part of a team, whilst also using initiative and taking responsibility for key tasks
- Flexibility, reliability and enthusiasm, with a willingness to contribute to all aspects of Pre-School life, including after-school provision when required
For further details please see our job description below.
Reports to: Pre-School Manager and Head of EYFS in Highfield Pre-School
Responsibilities (2-4 years):
Planning and Organisation
- To attend one week of INSET during the school holidays for in-house training and planning
- To attend weekly staff meetings;
- To plan, resource and evaluate adult directed activities for all children;
- To plan and resource child initiated learning throughout the care provision;
- To plan and prepare specific activities, including baking, story and art activities, both indoors and outdoors;
- To create displays and mount children’s work;
- To ensure that the necessary materials and resources are available for all children;
- To create interactive role play areas and interest tables;
- To attend first aid training every three years and child protection training every year;
- To attend CPD courses and cascade information to the team at staff meetings.
Working with Children
- To have a sound knowledge and understanding of the statutory framework for the EYFS and characteristics of effective learning;
- To have a sound knowledge and understanding of the welfare requirements;
- To have a secure, detailed knowledge of child protection and Safeguarding procedures;
- To welcome and settle children during visits and when they have started;
- To scaffold children’s’ play and extend children’s language, promoting questions and ideas;
- To be responsible for groups of children engaging in specific activities;
- To assist children with particular learning difficulties;
- To take responsibility for small groups of children on trips and outings;
- To supervise children during outdoor play;
- To supervise children when crossing the road to HLC, following established procedure.
Assessment of Children
- To have a secure knowledge of the observation, planning and recording cycle;
- To have a secure knowledge of child development;
- To observe children;
- To write up observations, both summative and formative, and to write reports;
- To record and track key worker children;
- To complete formal and informal assessments of key worker children.
Care and Welfare of Children
- To administer first aid to children or adults and record in the Accident Book. Ensure that the parent/carer signs the Accident Book after they have been given an explanation of the event;
- To supervise and assist dressing and toileting of children, including nappy changing;
- To provide comfort and reassurance to children in distress;
- To accompany sick children to hospital or Wellness Centre.
Housekeeping
- To ensure Pre-School is kept tidy;
- To clean equipment used specifically for children;
- To keep playrooms tidy, replacing materials and resources appropriately;
- To use materials and resources economically;
- To attend to plants as part of a gardening related activity;
- To serve food and drink to children;
- To assist children with packed lunches and supervise them whilst eating;
- Occasionally purchase items for school using funds from petty cash;
- To ensure cups, plates, utensils are cleaned and stored safely.
Confidentiality
- Staff must read and agree to the Confidentiality Policy. Individual children must not be discussed out of school;
- Children’s records and information must be kept confidential.
Professional conduct
- Staff must ensure that any written communication with parents is correctly spelt and punctuated;
- Staff must remain professional, showing the utmost respect when discussing sensitive issues with parents;
- Staff must respect one another’s opinions and voice, supporting one another when necessary;
- If staff are unsure how to address a parent, or are faced with a difficult situation, the Pre-School Manager and Head of EYFS will offer guidance;
- Staff must have respect for others, including all staff (teaching and non-teaching), trainees, pupils and parents;
- Staff must demonstrate appropriate behaviour towards all children and young people at all times, both in formal and informal settings;
- Staff must be willing to listen to and act upon feedback and advice from the Pre-School Manager and Head of EYFS;
- Staff must take responsibility for their own learning. They must be able to discuss professional strengths in relation to practice and raise action points for their development;
- All staff must act in accordance with guidance as stated in the HLC Staff Handbook.
Person specification:
- Level 3 childcare qualifications is required and experience of working with children in a similar setting or to be able to demonstrate that they have the relevant skill set and interest to be able to do so.
Job Type: Permanent
Pay: £14.28 per hour
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Life insurance
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Harrogate HG1 2QG: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
