Level 3 Practitioner

Level 3 Practitioner
Location:  Portswood, SO17 1DP

Salary Range: £20,176 - £20,384 (depending upon experience)

Hours: 40 hours per week (Between 7.30am and 6.30pm)

​Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
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Qualifications required: Level 3 in Childcare and Education or equivalent
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Benefits: Pension, 20 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays and 1 day off for birthday

Application
​Form

​If you wish to apply for this exciting position within Hopscotch please complete our online application form below:
JOB PURPOSE
  • To work as a member of the Hopscotch team providing the highest quality care for children encouraging and supporting their all-round development working within all operational and legislative standards and guidelines.
CHILDCARE and EDUCATION
  • Have an awareness of Child Protection, Safeguarding and being able to report any concerns
  • Practitioners have a duty of care to children and have responsibility to flag concerns
  • 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
  • To lead the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum to all children by supporting and promoting children’s early education and development
  • Ensure that all children attending the nursery receive the very highest standard of care, learning and play opportunities which are age and developmentally appropriate, enabling a smooth transition to school and beyond
  • Act as an ambassador for the safeguarding, health, safety and welfare of children, ensuring all legislation and policies are known, complied with and implemented
  • Participate as a key person where appointed, observing, assessing and planning each child’s development, next steps and individual needs, taking specific interest in key children
  • Be able to fully understand the procedure for reporting any concerns to management.
  • Supervise children at all times.
  • Attend relevant courses and training.
  • Work to all legislative standards and guidelines coaching any Level 2 Practitioners.
  • Work alongside colleagues, early years professionals and parents to ensure the wellbeing of all children and support children with special educational needs/disabilities
 OPERATIONAL
  • Assist senior team members and colleagues with planning activities appropriate for the age group, following all supporting guidelines as laid out in the EYFS.
  • Assist in the care, maintenance and cleaning of all toys and equipment within the nursery, recording and reporting any maintenance or safety issues/irregularities.
  • Be a responsible, reliable and effective member of staff working flexibly as part of the team.
  • Communicate clearly and efficiently with parents/guardians in regard to their child’s development encouraging active participation and interest in their child’s continual development and progress.
  • Provide an appealing, creative and stimulating room and environment
  • Ensure all company forms and procedures are filled out correctly
  • Be familiar with and work within all company policies and procedures and report any breach in procedure
 HEALTH and SAFETY
  • Take responsibility for your own personal awareness of all emergency and security procedures, drop of and collection policies.
  • Work to the highest standard of cleanliness in all areas of the nursery paying particular attention to the nappy changing, food service and sleep areas
  • Liaise with the catering team in the delivery of meals and snacks for the children, including those with special diets and allergies
  • Ensure the highest levels of your own personal hygiene and to the cleanliness of the children
 STAFF                             
  • ​Attend all staff meetings as required
  • Participate in the company’s appraisal scheme establishing and working to a Personal Development Plan
  • Participate in all internal and external training/coaching courses as and when identified.
  • Participate in the company mentoring scheme.

PERSONAL SPEC
Essential
  • Knowledge of OFSTED, EYFS and other relevant childcare policies and programs
  • Sound knowledge of safeguarding and the role of a DSL
  • 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
 Desirable
  • Former experience working in a childcare environment e.g. day nursery/after school club/school 
  • Paediatric First Aid trained
  • Mentoring in a childcare environment