As a nursery assistant based in one of our Little Owls nurseries you will be part of a great team and will deliver a high standard of care which meets the individual needs of the children. It is rewarding work, as well as energetic and at times challenging.
Responsibilities
* Provide high quality care and education for all children and support for families.
* Provide a broad and balanced Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum that will meet the requirements of the relevant national and local standards.
* Establish and deliver Individual Educational Programmes (IEP) and the Early Support Programme for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
* Observe and monitor children’s development and contribute to written reports of their progress.
* Maintain client confidentiality.
* Liaise with and provide professional advice to parents, social workers and health visitors involved with a child and their family.
* Liaise with local primary schools and prepare reports that will support the child’s transition into school.
* Report any injury or accident, ensuring that health and safety of the individual is maintained.
* Understand and operate the policies and procedures for the administration of medication including accurately recording and verifying drug sheets.
* Report any suspicious or suspected non‑accidental injury to follow and comply with Departmental Child Protection Procedures, in line with Local Safeguarding Children Board Procedures (West Yorkshire Consortium Procedures Manual).
* Support student placements: help prepare and present accurate, concise reports to the Manager and/or college tutors.
* Provide interesting and appropriate educational visits for children and families, observing Health and Safety policies and making risk assessments as required.
* Support parents and families where necessary in the successful admission and transition of their children.
* Take responsibility for a group of children during any building evacuation.
* Participate in and provide training and development activities as necessary to ensure up‑to‑date knowledge and skills.
* Undertake other duties appropriate to the post as required by the Service.
* Comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council policies, procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under the Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.
* Actively promote and support Leeds City Council policies on equal opportunities and work in an anti‑oppressive manner; carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
* Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
* Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
* Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
* Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
* Be aware of and support difference ensuring equality for all, working in an anti‑discriminatory manner, upholding equality & diversity.
* Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
Candidate Skills
* Excellent communication and listening skills.
* Ability to safeguard and motivate children and sustain their interest in play activities.
* Ability to write reports and plans to document children’s learning, development and wellbeing to the required standard.
Experience and Qualifications
* Minimum Level 2 qualification in childcare (credential recognised by the CWDC). To check if your qualification is relevant, please go to: www.gov.uk/guidance/early-years-qualifications-finder.
* Good standard of literacy and numeracy.
* Basic computer literacy.
* A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the Children’s or Adults’ barred list as applicable will be carried out on preferred candidates.
Personal Specification – Essential Requirements
* Able to communicate with a wide range of people individually, in groups and at all appropriate levels.
* Ability to safeguard children and support them to develop their resilience.
* Ability to motivate children through positive role‑modeling and sustain their interest in play activities.
* Ability to work as part of a team.
* Ability to listen and accept instructions.
* Ability to write reports and plans to document children’s learning, development and wellbeing, to the required standard.
* Ability to observe, record and monitor children’s development as they progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
* Ability to work in partnership with parents and carers to support children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
* Ability to support children and families in a culturally sensitive, positive and non‑judgemental way.
* Ability to support the development of children with special educational needs and disabilities in an inclusive setting.
* Ability to complete risk assessments.
* Ability to effectively use the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to plan and evaluate activities to aid children’s learning.
* Ability to supervise students and apprentices.
* Ability to use ICT packages, including Word and Excel.
* A flexible approach to working hours with the ability to change shift patterns as required.
* An ability to work with staff at all levels, working as part of a team, contributing to team cohesion and liaising with other professionals.
Knowledge Required
* A minimum of a relevant Level 2 qualification as defined in the 'Qualifications' section above.
* GCSE Maths and English or equivalent recognised by CWDC (Key Skills at Level 3, 'O' Level) or commitment to achieve this within 2 years.
* A relevant and current Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid certificate or a commitment to achieve this within the first 3 months of employment, as required in the EYFS framework.
* Knowledge and understanding of current legislation, policy and guidance relating to the work of Sure Start Children’s Centres including the 2004 Children Act, the 2006 Childcare Act, the Ofsted inspection framework, the EYFS, the SEN Code of practice and Working Together to Safeguard children 2015.
* Knowledge of a range of factors which create stress for children and families and awareness of protective factors.
* Current knowledge of practices to safeguard children and understanding of responsibility in the protection of children and promotion of their wellbeing.
* Knowledge of guidance documents which support the development of young children’s learning Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) profile.
Experience Required
* Experience of working with children and/or families.
* Experience of working in a nursery or childcare environment.
* Experience of planning and organising play experiences for children.
* Experience of teamwork.
Behavioural and Other Characteristics Required
* Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
* Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon.
* Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
Diversity and Inclusion
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
Benefits
* Competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays.
* Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
* Clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
* A range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.
Location and Working Conditions
Little Owls nursery assistants work within the UK. Home Office guidance requires proof of right to work in the UK before starting employment. Eligibility for sponsorship may apply for a skilled worker visa.
Application Process
Apply through the council’s recruitment portal. A DBS check will be performed on preferred candidates. The application deadline is not specified in the description.
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