Please only apply if you live within the Southampton region Hours: 37 hours per week for 52 weeks per year Course Duration: 18 months from start date To work within a team to provide appropriate play opportunities for the children within the setting and to assist with the day-to-day organisation of the College Childcare facilities and premises whilst undertaking relevant training. Main duties and responsibilities: Become aware of and ensure all relevant regulations and criteria within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) are adhered to at all times. Assist in the provision of a high quality environment that meets the needs of individual children from differing cultures and religious backgrounds and stages of development. Gain an awareness of and adhere to all Nursery policies, health and safety and relevant legislation at all times. Share in the responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children within the nursery, adhering to the College’s Safeguarding and Whistleblowing policies. Assist in the organisation, preparation and planning of continuous provision ensuring it is of an appropriate nature relevant to individual needs of participating children. This includes the preparation of various resources, art activities, wall displays and enhanced free play etc in line with the Government guidance and framework. Work within the team to ensure children’s personal development records, learning journeys reflect appropriate developmental targets for key children and support written documentation when necessary. Be aware of the high profile of the nursery and uphold its standards at all times. Ensure all volunteers, students and other apprentices who are undertaking any placements within our setting are made to feel welcome, valued, appreciated and fully included in our staff team. Assist with identifying own training and staff development needs, working alongside our own nursery staff and other professionals to gain a relevant and recognised qualification within the fix term contract. Work within a team and assist with day-to-day operational matters, ensuring the nursery is kept safe, secure and clean at all times. Be flexible to work in all areas of Highwood as and when required. Be prepared to assist with the provision of meal/snack preparation, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and individual dietary needs. Liaise with parents and ensure appropriate communication, encourage their involvement in the aims of the nursery and in all aspects of their children’s care. Respect the confidentiality of any information received. Undertake such other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post, which may be reasonably allocated. The Post holder will: Give a high profile to equality of opportunity in all areas of activity, including compliance with the Equal Opportunities policy. Aim to provide a safe and secure environment for all our students in compliance with our Child Protection policy. Ensure compliance with the Disability Statement, including the need to notify Human Resources of any changes in circumstances. Participate in the agreed scheme for staff development, training and appraisal and be committed to continuous personal and professional development. Carry out all duties with due regard to Health and Safety Regulations. Ensure compliance with the Financial Regulations of the College Ensure compliance with the College Computer & Telecommunication Systems regulations, policies and procedures. Notify HR of any changes in personal details, e.g. a change of name or address, telephone number, next of kin/emergency contact details, etc. Training Information Over the course of 24 months (dependent upon the level of course an apprentice is being enrolled onto), you will study things such as the principles of healthcare and safeguarding, person-centred care & support, physiological measurements, basic life support, dementia, cognitive & mental health support, moving, handling and infection control, supporting daily living, lifespan development and healthcare needs, duty of care and legislation. Higher level courses go into more depth within different pathways such as dementia, learning disabilities and Autism, children & adolescent mental health, combined therapies, complex care, maternity, mental health, rehabilitation, substance misuse and acquired brain injury (these topics may differ). Upon successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, you will achieve a qualification and a TQUK Diploma in Care. We and our employer partners are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, so a DBS check will be required for this role. To make you aware, this position is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore all convictions, cautions and bind-overs, including those regarded as ‘spent’ must be declared, and you will be asked about these during the recruitment process. Our delivery of training is through blended learning. Supported by one of our sector specialist tutors, they will deliver teaching sessions using various methods including face to face teaching, Skype, Facetime, telephone and peer virtual classroom whilst using our interactive multi-sensory teaching resources. Teaching sessions are normally bi-weekly or monthly, depending on the learner’s preferred learning style. Additionally, the tutor will provide the support required to ensure the learner enjoys and ultimately successfully achieves their goals and completes their training. We want learners to feel that our team are approachable at any stage of their learning journey. You will initially take an online assessment that will help us to understand your learning style and needs, then we will tailor your learning experience accordingly. We ensure that you stay on track to complete your programme on time by managing your expectations through our state-of-the-art e-portfolio system. At the end of your programme, your learnt knowledge, skills and behaviours will be assessed by an independent assessor in your end point assessment (EPA). As part of the apprenticeship, alongside your job role, 20% of your time in work must be dedicated to developing new skills. This can be any time devoted to learning and improving new skills without interruption.