Nursery Practitioner

Job Purpose

· To ensure responsibility for the effective daily management of the nursery alongside the Nursery/Deputy Nursery Manager, to have a sound knowledge of all Company policies, procedures, statutory welfare requirements and Ofsted expectations and requirements, and to ensure that these are maintained at all times.

· To be a role model to the staff team. Be able to showcase high quality practice with regards to individual and group work with children, dealing with staff and parent issues as they arise.

· 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 support the Nursery/Deputy Nursery Manager to ensure that safeguarding procedures are followed in line with Local Authority and Company procedures.

· To support the Management Team in leading the nursery to reach an Outstanding grading with Ofsted.

· To embrace, understand and promote Squirrels Childcare and to understand the role you play as a member of the management team in providing high levels of care and education.

Requirements;

• Full time 40 hours (4-5 days dependent on needs of the setting)
• 7:30 - 18:00 (Flexible working hours)
• Level 3+ in Childcare and previous senior experience
• 2 Years experience working within a childcare setting
• Good knowledge of the EYFS framework

Performance Requirements

· To reinforce Company policy and procedures at all times and deal with any breaches swiftly and in an appropriate manner.

· To act as a mentor to new starters and Modern Apprentices to ensure a full induction and on-going regular contact, offering any support and guidance and addressing performance concerns as required.

· Mentor and lead the Nursery Team alongside the Management Team and offer support and guidance as required.

· To promote and initiate ideas to maintain employee engagement.

· To work alongside the Management Team to support effective staff deployment and costs.

· Be an advocate to promote our company ethos, benefits, pension scheme etc.

· Continually motivate and develop the staff team within the nursery through effective role modelling, spending time in rooms throughout the setting.

· Ensure the nursery and the Company is seen as an ‘Employer of Choice’ internally and externally.

· To take agenda items at Staff Meetings if required.

· To recognise and reward Outstanding practice within the nursery.

· Promote equality and diversity within the nursery, challenging any behaviour, which does not support our Inclusive Practice and Equal Opportunities Policy.

Childcare

· Reflect on daily practice and identify areas for continual improvement.

· To promote and encourage all practitioners to safeguard children, and support staff to have a sound awareness of the Safeguarding Policy, both Company and Local Authority procedures. All staff must understand their role in safeguarding children.

· To ensure that all children are treated as individuals and those 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.

· As a Management Team, to oversee planning and children’s developmental records and ensure that they reflect their individual progress and are up to date.

· Ensure that settling-in and transitions are well managed for all children, ensuring they are communicated to parents, carers and colleagues.