Early Childhood Assistant Thank you for your interest in the above vacancy. The details of this role are as follows: Working hours: 8am – 12.45pm as required Contract type: cover Salary: £12.42 per hour Start date: asap JOB DESCRIPTION The Early Childhood Assistant plays a versatile role, covering staff absences and providing support across various settings within the Early Childhood Department. This includes Parent and Child groups, the Saplings provision for 2-4 year-olds, and the Kindergartens for children aged 4-6 years. The role requires flexibility, a nurturing demeanour, and an understanding of Steiner Waldorf principles. Key Responsibilities Main Responsibilities & Duties: Support the Group Leader in their work and in maintaining the setting ethos and atmosphere including but not limited to: • Help with the preparation of the setting (inside and out) and materials for the activities of each day • Support children while maintaining a child’s dignity and autonomy in toileting, changing and during meal times • Be prepared to help with the preparation of festivals • Be engaged with the content of ring time and support the listening skills at story time • Take care of children needing comfort • Attend to individual children’s needs as and when necessary and help maintain the rhythm • Prepare the morning snack • Be a positive role model for the children to imitate, whilst involved in craft and domestic activities • Take responsibility for the children in the indoor and outdoor environment as and when necessary • Help to clean, mend, and make equipment and maintain areas used by the setting, which include the room, cloakroom, toilets and garden. • Be able to cope with the pressures of a physically demanding job • Be able to speak, write and speak in English to a high standard • Uphold Early Childhood policies, curriculum guidelines and Governmental/Children’s Services policies and guidelines • Be prepared to support the running of the Early Childhood • Be eligible for registration under the Children’s Act 1989 • Be familiar with the EYFS regulations Safeguarding Children / Child Protection You will work in accordance with Michael Hall School policies and procedures for safeguarding vulnerable children. Equal Opportunities As a member of staff at Michael Hall School, you have a personal responsibility to ensure that you do not discriminate, harass or bully, or contribute to the discrimination, harassment or bullying of a colleague or colleagues, or condone discrimination, harassment or bullying by others. You also have a responsibility to ensure that all people that you have contact with during the course of your employment, including children, relatives and staff, are treated equally in line with the Equal Opportunities Policy. At Michael Hall School we are committed to providing a supportive and enriching environment for our students and staff alike. The Saplings Assistant plays a crucial role in fostering the growth and well-being of our youngest children, embodying the values of compassion, creativity, and community that are central to Waldorf education. Michael Hall is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We encourage individuals who resonate with our educational philosophy to apply for this rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of young children.