Purpose of the job: To take a lead role, alongside the Manager, in ensuring the welfare, learning and development of all children within the Nursery by working with initiative and creativity to foster an environment that encourages the children’s all-round development. You will need to be competent in the day-to-day running of the Nursery with regards to welfare requirements and the smooth running of the business. You will be able to step into the shoes of the Manager in their absence and represent the nursery. To actively carry out the responsibility of a named officer within the nursery and attend training in order to fulfill the role effectively with current knowledge and skillset.
Main duties:
1. To be involved in developing, reviewing and implementing all of our Nursery policies and procedures, ensuring we meet all Regulatory requirements set out in The Early Years Foundation Stage and by Ofsted.
2. To inspire and lead staff in good practice and achieving an outstanding level of care and education.
3. To effectively run the setting in the manager's absence, including dealing with finances, marketing, maintaining partnerships with other professionals, conducting staff appraisals & disciplinary procedures, and meeting all Welfare requirements set out in the EYFS and by Ofsted.
4. To ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the nursery as a whole, dealing with any issues or problems (with staff and parents) as appropriate in line with company policies and procedures.
5. To be involved in staffing – recruitment, training, disciplinary and other issues that may arise.
6. To offer guidance and support to other staff within the nursery, demonstrating excellent practice at all times.
7. To support the Group Operations Manager and ensure recommendations from visit notes are acknowledged and implemented.
8. To liaise with outside agencies such as the EYFSA, Area SENCo, Social Services, Police, Healthcare (GP, Health visitors, etc.) and Children’s centre staff as needed, while respecting confidentiality.
9. To take a lead role in Safeguarding children and refer any concerns about children, following the correct procedures.
10. To ensure staff fulfill their roles as co-ordinators (Senco, Enco, First aid, etc.) and take a lead role yourself in one or more of these areas.
11. To take on other duties as assigned by the management team and directors.
12. To open and/or close the nursery as needed.
13. To answer the telephone and deal with inquiries from families, providing prices and information about the nursery, and arranging ‘show rounds’.
14. To show prospective families around and ensure they have the best possible experience.
15. To promote the nursery as directed.
16. To organize rotas, lunch breaks, and staffing as needed.
17. To deal with complaints from parents as far as possible.
18. To ensure that correct ratios are maintained throughout the nursery at all times.
19. To maintain reliability, good timekeeping, a positive attitude towards children and their families, and a professional demeanor.
20. To ensure a smart appearance upon arrival at the nursery and maintain it throughout the day.
21. To oversee and check curriculum planning within the rooms.
22. To help provide a stimulating and varied program of play and learning opportunities.
23. To ensure the safety and well-being of the children, including undertaking daily risk assessments.
24. To undertake a key person role with specific children.
25. To assist in setting up and clearing away all activities and equipment.
26. To ensure high standards of hygiene and safety are maintained at all times.
27. To keep all information concerning the children confidential at all times, signing a confidentiality agreement upon starting work.
28. To actively encourage children’s progress in all areas of development through interaction and extension of play activities.
29. To be responsible for keeping Learning journeys and undertaking regular assessments for each child in your key person group.
30. To be involved in curriculum planning, policy writing, and record keeping as requested by the manager.
31. To attend staff meetings, training, and nursery events (sometimes out of nursery hours) as requested.
32. To attend regular training and keep updated on the latest good practice and guidance in Early Years.
33. To support the work and beliefs of the nursery by helping create an environment that promotes open and equal opportunities for children and adults.
34. To encourage the participation and involvement of all parents of children attending the setting.
35. To be prepared to help when other areas of the nursery may be short-staffed or with domestic duties.
Person specification:
Essential criteria:
1. Proven experience of working in a childcare setting.
2. Level 3 early years education and childcare qualification or equivalent, with a commitment to obtaining a level 4 qualification.
3. Sound understanding of child development and children's needs.
4. Ability to plan and implement a nursery curriculum, considering the SEN Code of Practice, child protection procedures, and equal opportunities.
5. Demonstrable knowledge of current legislation relevant to the early years.
6. Ability to work with parents and families to encourage their involvement.
7. Ability to effectively market the nursery to maximize occupancy levels and fee income.
8. Ability to effectively lead and manage a team.
9. Commitment to equal opportunities and understanding of equality and diversity issues.
10. Ability to write clear reports.
Desirable criteria:
1. Level 4 early years education and childcare qualification or equivalent, with a commitment to obtaining a level 5 qualification.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require a DBS. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders made against them.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Successful candidates must be willing to undergo child protection screening including checks with past employers and DBS. All applicants for employment will be required to complete an application form; a curriculum vitae will not be accepted in place of the completed application form.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: £12.20-£13.95 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Childcare
* Company pension
* Employee discount
* Free parking
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
Schedule:
* Monday to Friday
Ability to commute/relocate:
* Chelmsford: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Education:
* Diploma of Higher Education (required)
Experience:
* Nursery experience: 3 years (required)
* Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
* Management: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
* Driving Licence (preferred)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 02/11/2024
Expected start date: 04/11/2024
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