Job Title: Early Years Practitioner (Level 3 Qualified)
Location: North London
Hours: Mon - Fri (09:00 - 17:00)
Job Summary:
We are seeking a committed and experienced Early Years Practitioner with a minimum Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education (or equivalent) to join our team in supporting the learning, development, and wellbeing of children under five and their families.
The successful candidate will play a key role in planning and delivering universal and targeted early years activities across centre, home, and community settings, including parenting courses, perinatal support, and early intervention programmes. You will work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues to promote high-quality learning and development experiences, inclusive practice, and early identification of additional needs.
Key Responsibilities:
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Plan, prepare, and deliver universal and targeted drop-ins, group sessions, home-based play visits, and parenting courses that promote children's communication, language, and overall development.
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Deliver early intervention programmes and perinatal support sessions such as Bump 2 Baby & Baby Bonding, independently or alongside colleagues.
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Develop and facilitate home-based play sessions, using approaches such as Forest Schools, baby massage, and coping with crying.
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Identify and refer children and families with additional needs to relevant support services, ensuring timely intervention and inclusive practice.
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Work with parents, carers, and families to strengthen their ability to support their children’s learning and development, including those with SEND, while respecting individual backgrounds (ethnicity, culture, language, gender, religion).
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Oversee and deliver high-quality crèche provision for children under 5 whose parents are attending courses or training.
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Supervise and guide temporary or sessional staff as needed to ensure the highest standards of childcare.
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Maintain a welcoming and engaging environment that encourages sustained parental involvement.
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Support parents into volunteering opportunities and continued engagement with children's centre services.
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Ensure all activities comply with relevant health and safety standards; conduct and regularly review risk assessments for all venues, equipment, and activities.
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Accurately record and monitor attendance, outcomes, and service feedback, contributing to evaluation and improvement.
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Use IT systems confidently for communication, data inputting, and reporting (e.g., Word, Excel, Outlook, internal databases).
Essential:
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Level 3 qualification in Childcare and Education or equivalent
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Sound understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Healthy Early Years London framework
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Knowledge of early childhood development, including developmental milestones and red flags
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Knowledge and practical application of Safeguarding Children policies and procedures
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Experience planning and delivering group sessions in centre, home, and community settings
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Ability to identify and act on developmental delays or additional needs, including appropriate referrals
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Confident in working independently and with groups of children and families
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with a commitment to inclusive and culturally sensitive practice
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Experience undertaking and reviewing risk assessments
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Skilled in engaging and supporting parents in their child’s development, including modelling positive interaction
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Ability to manage and maintain high-quality record keeping and documentation
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Proficiency in using Microsoft Office and database systems
Desirable:
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Baby Massage, or Perinatal Support
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Knowledge of local early years services and referral pathways
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Experience supervising or guiding sessional staff or volunteers