Acorn Early Years is looking for a caring, enthusiastic and dedicated Early Years Practitioner to join our friendly and supportive team at Kents Hill Nursery.
You must have a full and relevant Early Years Qualification. Minimum Level 3.
As an Early Years Practitioner, you will play an important role in supporting children's learning, development and wellbeing. You will work as part of a committed team to create engaging learning environments, deliver high-quality interactions and ensure every child feels safe, valued and supported to reach their full potential.
We offer full and part-time care for up to 60 children from the age of four months to four years, and are open from 7.30am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, all year round.
Our nursery building at Kents Hill has been designed in an innovative octagonal shape with a central atrium and light, spacious rooms. The nursery benefits from large garden areas which can be accessed from each of the rooms, giving children the opportunity to free-flow indoors and outdoors to access a full range of activities. The nursery has pet chickens that roam freely in part of the garden, enabling children to collect eggs and then take turns to take eggs home.
We are currently expanding with custom buildings that will enable us to offer a further 20 places.
The role will be 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, working between 07:30 and 18:15.
Recruitment Bonus
If you are offered an EYP role, you will receive a £500 recruitment bonus after successfully completing your 3-month probation period.
Key Responsibilities
Quality of Care & Practice
* Support a holistic approach to the EYFS curriculum
* Meet the individual care and learning needs of children
* Deliver high-quality interactions that support children's development
* Promote positive behaviour in line with Acorn policies and procedures
* Follow and extend children's interests through appropriate teaching methods
* Support planning in the moment and contribute to observations and assessments
* Promote children's independence and physical development
* Monitor children's progress and support next steps in learning
* Help create rich, stimulating learning environments indoors and outdoors
* Ensure resources and equipment are accessible, safe and well maintained
* Support first-hand learning experiences that meet the needs of all children
Key Person & Partnerships
* Act as an effective key person, building strong relationships with children and families
* Value parents as partners and communicate professionally and positively
* Complete accurate and timely documentation, including observations, care plans, accident forms, transitions and two-year checks (where applicable)
Teamwork & Professional Responsibilities
* Work collaboratively as part of a supportive team
* Support colleagues when needed, including less experienced practitioners
* Share relevant information with room teams and senior staff
* Reflect Acorn's ethos, values, policies and procedures in daily practice
* Safeguard all children and follow safeguarding procedures at all times
* Support the smooth running of the room in the absence of senior staff when required
What We’re Looking For
* A good working knowledge of the EYFS and safeguarding requirements
* A warm, calm and child-centred approach
* Strong communication skills with children, parents and colleagues
* A genuine passion for early years care and education
* Confidence to role-model positive behaviour and best practice
* Ability to work flexibly as part of a team
* Inspirational Level 2 and 3 qualified Early Years Practitioner
Safeguarding & Compliance
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK, be able to provide two satisfactory references, and all roles are subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
Benefits
* Payscales that are competitive, transparent and reviewed annually
* 65% Childcare discount – pro-rata according to contracted hours
* Generous family leave
* Christmas closure
* 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays (and the option to buy more)
* 4 dedicated training days and individual development plans
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