Assistant Practitioner

An Assistant Practitioner is responsible for maintaining the highest possible standard of care for children aged 3 months to 5 years.
Job Information
Full-time or Part-Time/Permanent position depending on age and experience
​up to 40 hrs per week
Monday to Friday (between the hours of 07.30 - 18.30)
Salary - £tbc (depending upon experience)

​Qualifications required
Childcare qualifications are desirable but not essential for this role. All abilities can apply.
​
Company Benefits
28 days annual leave per year (pro-rata) inclusive of bank holidays
An additional two days (pro-rata) on completion of three years’ service
Birthday day off
Christmas leave (3 days company closure)
Up to 50% discounted childcare
Uniform
Unlimited training opportunities at no cost to you!​
​If you wish to apply for this exciting position within Hopscotch please complete our online application form below:
Job Description
Childcare, Education & Safeguarding
  • Have an awareness of Child Protection, Safeguarding and being able to report any concerns
  • Recognise each child as an individual, understanding their development, recording and observing their progress
  • Be actively involved in the planning process and proposing suitable activities that motivate children’s learning and development based on their interests
  • Supervising children at all times
  • Help ensure that all children attending the nursery setting are kept safe and that their health and wellbeing is considered at all times
  • Assist in the provision of an appealing, safe, creative and stimulating environment
  • Have an understanding of the policies and procedures for assisting with meals and snacks for the children, including those with special diets and allergies
Operational
  • Be a responsible, reliable and effective member of staff working flexibly as part of the team
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with parents/guardians with regard to their child’s day and development
  • Assist in the care and cleaning of all toys and equipment within the nursery
  • Ensure all company forms are filled out correctly
  • Be familiar with and work within all company policies and procedures
Health & Safety
  • Take responsibility for your own personal awareness of all emergency and security procedures, drop off and collection policies
  • Work to all legislative standards and guidelines, developing an understanding of Development Matters
  • Uphold Hopscotch’s high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all areas of the nursery paying particular attention to the nappy changing, food service and sleep areas
  • Ensure the highest levels of your own personal hygiene
Staff
  • Ensure all company policies are adhered to and report any breach in procedure
  • Attend all staff meetings as required
  • Practitioners will be part of regular supervision meetings
  • Practitioners must undergo a DBS Enhanced check and we will require all staff to sign up for the DBS Update Service
  • Participate in all internal and external training/coaching courses as and when identified
  • Practitioners must undergo a DBS Enhanced check and we will require all staff to sign up for the DBS Update Service
  • Participate in the company mentoring scheme
  • Cover staff lunches where needed
  • Assist with all nursery activities as and when required
Person Specification - Essential
  • Natural affinity to children
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to work well in a team and independently
  • Reliable and trustworthy
  • Able to build relationships with others
  • Strong customer service skills
  • Ability to work under pressure
  • Caring nature
  • Energetic
  • Willing to learn and progress further in knowledge
Person Specification - Desirable
  • Former experience working in a childcare environment e.g. day nursery/after school club/school
  • Knowledge of OFSTED, EYFS and other relevant childcare policies and programs
  • Knowledge of safeguarding and the role of a DSL

​HDNAPWeb120722