*Job Overview*We are seeking a Level 3 Early Years Practitioner to support the safe, successful and effective running of Little Deers. Reporting to the Manager/Deputy Manager, the successful applicant will contribute a high standard of physical, emotional, social and intellectual care for children placed in the Pre-School.*Hours*30 -40 hours per week (negotiable), term time only*Main Duties and Responsibilities** To provide assistance with planning and implementing the daily programme of activities in both the indoor and outdoor settings* Actively intervene in children’s play to challenge, extend and support their learning* Implement the pre-school’s positive behaviour management policy* Assess and observe children in line with pre-school policy identifying next steps in child’s learning* Promote effective relationships with parents including opportunities for parents to share and engage in their child’s learning* Ensure that the setting is tidy, stimulating and set up to encourage independence* Bring any concerns about a child to the attention of the relevant person EG SENCO, Child Protection designated person* Ensure all records are up to date as required* Take on role of key worker for a group of children* To be flexible within working practices of Little Deers. Be prepared to help where needed, including to undertake certain domestic jobs within Little Deers, e.g. preparation of snack meals, clearing up and cleaning etc* Specific Child Care Tasks:* The preparation and completion of activities to suit the child's stage of development* To ensure that mealtimes are a time of pleasant social sharing;* Washing and changing children as required;* Providing comfort and warmth to children;* Uphold standards within the Setting by adhering to all policies and procedures;* Be available to meet with parents whenever reasonably asked during the normal working day* Check email before the start of school each day* Follow agreed order for lines of communication if raising issues/grievances etc.- Little Deers Manager, Little Deers Deputy Manager, Routeways Chief Executive/Routeways Deputy Chief Executive, Board of Trustees* To be aware of and comply with policies and procedures relating to Safeguarding and Child Protection, Health and Safety, Data Protection and reporting all concerns to an appropriate person* To be aware of and support difference and ensure all children have equal access to opportunities to learn and develop* To contribute to the overall ethos/work/aims of Routeways and Little Deers* To appreciate and support the role of other professionals* To attend and participate in meetings, training and professional development as required*Health and Safety*All employees will ensure that they:* Take care of their own safety and that of others* Ensure that equipment, vehicles and buildings are not damaged* Comply with health and safety procedures, instructions and Health and Safety matrix* Assist by reporting to the Manager/Deputy Manager any hazard, accident, damage or defect in order that remedial action may be undertaken* Undergo any training or instruction to enable them to work competently and safely*Other Information** All staff are responsible for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and to always adhere and comply to the Little Deers’ Safeguarding Policy and procedures. If, in the course of carrying out their duties staff become aware of any actual or potential risks to the safety or welfare of children in Little Deers, any concerns must be reported to the Manager, Little Deers’ Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Routeways Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Routeways Chief Executive.* All staff must commit to Equal Opportunities and Anti-Discriminatory Practice.* All staff are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and will also be required to complete an annual Self-Declaration Form. Reference checks will also be carried out.This Job Description is not a comprehensive definition of the post. Discussion will take place on a regular basis to clarify individual responsibilities within the general framework and character of the post as identified above.*Person Specification**Qualifications and Experience**Essential:** Minimum pass grade in English and maths* Minimum Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or equivalent*Desirable:** Experience of working in a similar setting*Professional Knowledge and Understanding**Essential:** Ability to work creatively as part of a team to ensure consistent high quality and inspirational learning opportunities for children* High expectations of children of all abilities* Understands the key worker system and the value of observations*Desirable:** Basic knowledge of child protection procedures* Up to date knowledge of the EYFS Curriculum* Ability to plan effectively for the needs of all children especially those with special educational needs and those that need to be challenged*Professional Skills:**Essential:** High quality relationships with children and staff* Must enjoy engaging parents in order to encourage their close involvement in the education of their children* Always creates a highly organised, tidy and stimulating environment*Desirable:** Good level of IT skill* Qualified in paediatric first aid*Personal Qualities**Essential:** Enthusiastic and passionate about children’s learning* Diligent with attention to detail and high expectations* Hard working and ambitious* Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to enthuse and motivate others and develop effective partnerships* To maintain a personal commitment to professional development linked to the competencies necessary to deliver the requirements of this post* Flexible approach and willing to take risks with innovation*Desirable:** Willingness to share expertise, skills and knowledgeJob Type: Full-timePay: From £12.50 per hourBenefits:* Company events* Company pension* Free parking* Sick payWork Location: In personApplication deadline: 14/12/2025Reference ID: Early Years Practitioner