Nursery Practitioner

We have a full time (35 hours) vacancy for a qualified nursery practitioner (NVQ level 3 or equivalent) to work in our nursery with children aged between 3 months and 11 years.  Applicants should be able to work on a shift basis between 7.30am and 6.15pm Monday to Friday including the full shift.  The role is for 35 hours a week.  We are seeking candidates with a genuine desire to work with children, and who can engender a safe, educational and caring environment. You must be able to work as part of a team, develop positive parental partnerships, and take on key person responsibilities. Salary is negotiable and dependent on experience.

Job Description

At Young Discoverers we aim to provide the highest quality of care and education for all the children in our setting. Our Ofsted inspection gained a “Good “rating and it is our aim to continue to develop and reach an “Outstanding “grade in the future. We engender an atmosphere where children and their families are respected and valued and all children are encouraged to investigate, explore, have fun and flourish. We expect our practitioners to hold a thorough understanding of the principals of the EYFS and Ofsted regulations, be competent in recording assessing and planning for the development of the children, and be confident in working in close partnership with parents and other professionals. We expect our practitioners to be enthusiastic, caring, respectful, professional and supportive and to undertake additional and continual learning in order to extend their skills base, and keep up to date with modern practice.  Study leave is available for those who wish to undertake further qualifications.

Key Responsibilities

To work with our existing team members with children aged between 3 months and 5 years.  To contribute ideas for activities for your allocated age group, delivering activities in line with developmental stages and learning styles and be involved in the planning process. To fulfill the key person role keeping up to date records of each key child within their group using observations and photographs to evidence learning, this process will be supported by the parents therefore practitioners will need to be able and confident to champion a strong parental partnership, and demonstrate high levels of communication. Practitioners will be expected to undertake additional duties or whatever it takes to ensure the smooth running of the nursery and the continuity of care for all children.  Ensure the safety and well being of all children in your care, reporting concerns to the line manager.   Work well with management and other colleagues in engendering a positive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone in the nursery and to provide support for students on placements with us, promoting the ethos of the nursery.

Key Requirements

In view of working with children, an enhanced CRB check is required, you must not therefore have any convictions previous or current, that are relevant when working with children.   Level 3 equivalent or above qualification in childcare.   Paediatric First Aid qualification.   Previous experience of working in an Ofsted registered environment.  Genuine desire to work with children, and follow a career in childcare.  Pride in your work, and ability to work as part of a dedicated team of practitioners.

Desirable

2 years plus experience in a children’s day nursery.  Further relevant qualifications in childcare.   Food safety qualification.

The Closing date for this position is Tuesday 31st January 2012.  If you are interested in applying for this post, please download this application pack, and complete and return to:

Ruth Newton
Young Discoverers Limited
7 Escrick Business Park
Escrick
York
YO19 6FD

Alternatively you may return your completed forms via email to ruth@youngdiscoverers.com

If you would like to discuss any of the roles, or have any questions prior to submitting your application, please do not hesitate to contact Ruth or Kathy on 01904 728700.