Job Description

The Nursery Practitioner is a key member of the early years team and is responsible for delivering high quality care and learning opportunities for children based on their needs and interests.

Purpose of Post

Promote positive relationships in the early years setting
Promote the health, safety and well-being of the children
Support the children's development, learning and play
Be a key person, carrying out all related responsibilities in building relationships with a small group of children and their families
Support the children's social, emotional and mental wellbeing reflecting a Trauma Perceptive Practice approach
Contribute to the effectiveness of team work
To be a role model and be able to showcase high quality practice with regards to individual and group work with children
To take responsibility alongside the Nursery Management Team for the safety, security and well-being of all children, staff and visitors at all times
To ensure that safeguarding procedures are followed in line with the Local Authority and Company procedures
To embrace, understand and promote Small Wonders and to understand the role you play as part of the team to provide high levels of care and education
To work alongside the management team to be responsible for Health and Safety Policies and Procedures at nursery

Performance Requirements

To reinforce company policy and procedures at all times and deal with any breaches swiftly and in an appropriate manner
Promote equality and diversity within the nursery, challenging any behaviour which does not support our inclusive practice and inclusion and equality policy
To be part of a team that provides a purposeful, stimulating environment that is rich in learning opportunities, both indoors and outdoors. Activities should take into account children's abilities, interests, language and cultural backgrounds
To support Small Wonders commitment to safeguarding children by following the companies safeguarding policies and procedures and guidance from the Local Authority Safeguarding Children's Board
To be flexible within working practice of the nursery and be prepared to help where needed; including undertaking domestic jobs within the nursery e.g. preparation of snacks, cleaning of equipment, putting bins out etc.
To also be flexible within regards to working in different rooms as and when required to ensure effective operation of the nursery
Respond appropriately to issues regarding confidentiality
Work well as part of a team
Work with a team to ensure the smooth running of the nursery
Attend staff meetings and training sessions necessary for continued professional development
Participate in all staff development activities, including appraisals and supervisions
Maintain staff ratios in accordance with Statutory Regulations
To offer excellent levels of customer service for all visitors
Act as a representative of the nursery and the company promoting a professional image at all times
Have an awareness of any legislation relating to your role

Childcare

Reflect on daily practice and identify areas for continual improvement
To ensure that all children are treated as individual and that we are supporting this through our approach to planning in line with the EYFS
To work in partnership to ensure standards are continuously being met in line with Ofsted Requirements and the EYFS
To ensure that any identified development needs are raised with the management team
Ensure that settling-in and transitions are well managed for all children ensuring they are communicated to parents, carers and colleagues
To ensure effective communication with staff and families through participation in staff meetings, parents evenings and Christmas Parties
Deal with any parent/carer issues or concerns in a timely manner, escalating any issue to your Room Leader as necessary
To support the planning and implementation of activities with individual or groups of children; promoting effective teaching and learning
To follow the guidance and requirements as set out in the EYFS
To use professional knowledge of the individual and diverse ways in which children learn and develop to meet their differing needs. To establish positive and sensitive relationships with children. To act as a role model and set achievable expectations
To promote the inclusion of all children
To meet the physical needs of children by encouraging good standards of personal hygiene, whilst promoting independence
To provide support for children's emotional and social needs by implementing the principles for promoting positive behaviour and role modelling high standards in all aspects of their role and personal conduct
To embed the core values of compassion and kindness, hope, connection and belonging within everyday practice
Participate in the key person system and be responsible for a group of children including monitoring, assessing, recording and reporting on their development and progress ensuring that key children's files are up to date
Observe and plan appropriately for the children utilising both the indoor and outdoor environment
To work in partnership with parents and carers. To provide objective and accurate feedback to parents and carers to support the child's learning and next steps
To work in partnership with other professions to support the child's learning and next steps
Practice positive behaviour management techniques
To promote good hygiene practices in the nursery and maintain high standards of cleanliness

Information about the School

We are a Day Nursery offering care for children aged 0-11 years between the hours of 7.30am to 6.30pm. We also offer wrap around care for local primary school aged children, along with a holiday club. We are situated next to Tyrrell's School.