Casual Early Years Practitioners

Casual staff are required by the nursery to cover for or supplement our permanent or part time staff. Typically we need casual staff to cover for sickness, absence, holidays and periods of transition.

Employment is on a casual basis and you will be contacted directly by the Nursery Manager or Deputy if and when work is available, sometimes at very short notice.

Please note that we are unable to guarantee hours of work, which may be for a few hours, a whole day, a few days or a week at a time by mutual consent. We reserve the right not to provide you with work and you are under no obligation to accept work. Consequently, you will not have continuity of employment between engagements. You are free to work for other organisations whilst working for us but you must ensure that you do not work more than the statutory maximum of an average of 48 hours per week over a 17 week period (as laid down by the Working Time Directive).

Main purpose of the role:

• To work as part of a team to deliver a high standard of learning, development and care for children aged 0-5 years.
• To ensure that the preschool nursery is a safe environment for children, staff and others.
• To develop partnerships with parents/carers to increase involvement in their child’s development.
• To maintain records that fulfil Ofsted requirements as laid out in the EYFS
• Ensure the Safeguarding of children and staff within the setting

Responsibilities

• To actively participate in specific areas of nursery activity working and playing with children
• To use discretion and judgement, particularly when dealing with individuals
• Ability to engage and communicate appropriately and positively with children, parents and others
• A good understanding of GDPR legislation and an ability to translate this into daily activities and communications
• To follow the relevant orders and procedures for the RAF base and maintain a high standard of operation
• Attending all staff meetings as required

Duties

• To read, understand and adhere to all nursery policies, procedures and guidelines
• Assisting with keeping and updating records of children’s daily activities and observations
• Monitor and evaluate processes and report any concerns to the Nursery Manager
• Use appropriate language to challenge and support children’s development
• Comply with Health and Safety requirements in the setting
• Develop and maintain positive relations with others including outside agencies

Learning and Development

• Commitment to undertake all mandatory training, to include online training as well as attending instructor lead sessions.
• Prepared to invest in your own self development

Other

• Assist with marketing of services including Fundraising
• To undertake any other reasonable duties as directed.

This post requires a satisfactory, enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on appointment and are required to sign up to the DBS Update Service (the cost will be reimbursed)

This role requires the wearing of uniform of either branded shirt or tunic as necessary and depending on activity.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Experience

Essential:

• Previous experience, working as childminder, in a Preschool or Nursery setting

Desirable: 

• Minimum Level 2 qualification in Children and Young Peoples Workforce or equivalent

• Paediatric First Aid (full)(Training provided)

• Basic Food Safety / Hygiene Level 2 Certificate(Training provided)

Knowledge

Essential: 

• An understanding of the key principles of safeguarding children
• A good understanding of GDPR legislation and an ability to translate this into daily activities
• Able to demonstrate understanding of Early Years Foundation Stage

Desirable

• Working knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage

Skills and Abilities

Essential: 

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written

• Ability to write clear and accurate records

• Ability to competently use IT for report writing, outlook, online training etc

• Calm, caring and unflustered

• Approachable, cheerful and engaging personality

Desirable 

• Self-motivated and hands-on, guiding and supporting others