Job Overview An apprentice practitioner needs to work as a member of the Hopscotch team providing the highest quality care for children, encouraging and supporting the children’s all-round development and working within all operational and legislative safeguarding standards and guidelines CHILDCARE and EDUCATION Have an awareness of Child Protection, Safeguarding and being able to report any concerns Recognise each child as an individual appreciating their development, recording and observing their progress and planning their next steps based on their interests Supervise children at all times Assist in the provision of an appealing, creative and stimulating room and environment Be actively involved in the planning process proposing activities appropriate for the age range in accordance with the guidelines as laid out in the Early Learning Goals Assist with all nursery activities as and when required Attend relevant courses and training sector Work to all legislative standards and guidelines OPERATIONAL Be a responsible, reliable and effective member of staff working flexibly as part of the team Communicate clearly and efficiently with parents/guardians in regards to their child’s development encouraging active participation and interest in their child’s continual development and progress Assist in the care, maintenance and cleaning of all toys and equipment within the nursery, recording and reporting any maintenance or safety issues/irregularities Ensure all company forms are filled out correctly Be familiar with and work within all company policies and procedures Ensure all company policies are adhered to and report any breach in procedure HEALTH and SAFETY Take responsibility for your own personal awareness of all emergency and security procedures, drop of and collection policies. Work to the highest standard of cleanliness in all areas of the nursery paying particular attention to the nappy changing, food service and sleep areas Ensure the highest levels of your own personal hygiene and to the cleanliness of the children STAFF Attend all staff meetings as required Participate in the company’s appraisal scheme establishing and working to a Personal Development Plan Participate in all internal and external training/coaching courses as and when identified. Participate in the company mentoring scheme. Be committed to the successful and prompt completion of your Level 3 Qualifications Essential Natural affinity to children Strong communication skills Ability to work well in a team and independently Reliable and trustworthy Able to build relationships with others Strong customer service skills Ability to work under pressure Caring nature Energetic Willing to learn and progress further in knowledge Desirable Former experience working in a childcare environment e.g. day nursery/after school club/school Knowledge of OFSTED, EYFS and other relevant childcare policies and programs Knowledge of safeguarding and the role of a DSL Training to be provided: Level 3 Early Years Educator Apprenticeship Standard Functional Skills Maths and English if required The Childcare Company is an Ofsted ‘Grade 2 Good’ established leading National training provider delivering high quality apprenticeships in partnership with childcare employers to support the development and growth of our workforce. The Childcare Company is dedicated that each apprentice has the best possible learning journey, by providing training that develops the apprentice’s workplace skills, knowledge and personal development (behaviours) that will have a positive impact on them, in their workplace and in the wider society and most importantly sets a solid foundation to progress in their chosen career path. Training is delivered through blended learning. Supported by one our sector specialist tutors the tutor will deliver teaching sessions using a variety of methods including; face to face, Skype, virtual classroom, face time and telephone and additionally provide support and motivation. Working in partnership with the employer, apprentices will be provided with ‘on the job’ and ‘off the job’ training during their paid working hours.