Responsible to – Managing Director, Operations Director, Head of Nursery, Deputy and Senior Early Years Educators
Staff responsible for – None (progression available)
Job summary – An Early Years Educator to join the White Stork Nursery team and continue learning and professionally developing in order to play a pivotal role in providing exceptional care and education for young children. The primary responsibilities will be working with a team of Early Years Educators, implementing a developmentally appropriate curriculum, and supporting a nurturing and stimulating learning environment for children aged 0-5 years. The purpose of the Early Years Educator is to work closely with the nursery team to learn and provide a safe, high quality education and care for the children. This post would be suitable for an apprentice or Early Years Educators wanting to continue training.
Main duties and responsibilities –
● Curriculum: Work closely with the nursery team to learn and implement a comprehensive, child-centred curriculum that promotes the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of children in line with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), Ofsted registration, inspection criteria and child development knowledge.
● Learning Environment: Create with the nursery team, an engaging and safe learning environment that encourages exploration, creativity, curiosity and involvement, while ensuring children's safety and well-being at all times. Learn to actively support the development of children’s language and communication skills, and support the nursery team in facilitating a communication friendly nursery.
● Children: Assist with creating a team culture of high expectations for all children and to demonstrate commitment to ensuring that they can achieve their full potential.
● Assessment and Progress: Learn and meet White Stork Nursery’s requirements for planning, observation, assessment and recording of children’s development, and learn various teaching strategies accordingly, to be able to ensure individualised attention and growth. Maintain children’s records and ensure these are kept up to date, supported by the nursery team. Learn to maintain a positive and proactive culture in being able to identify and support children whose progress, development or well-being is affected by changes or difficulties in their personal circumstances. Working with the nursery team to learn how to and when to refer them for specialist support.
● Safeguarding: Learn and implement skills and behaviours that safeguard and promote good outcomes for children. To uphold the highest level of safeguarding practice and ensure White Stork Nursery policies and procedures are adhered to at all times.
● Promoting the Nursery: Learn to effectively communicate information to prospective customers and provide guidance, support and reassurance to new customers. Remain professional and approachable to promote the nursery to a high standard.
● Parent Partnerships: Learn to maintain open and effective communication with parents, creating strong partnerships, providing updates on children's progress, addressing concerns, and actively involving parents in their child's learning journey. This involves creating trusting relationships with all families and ensuring parents feel involved and part of the White Stork Nursery family, supported by the nursery team.
● Staff Training: Engage in professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge, staying up-to-date with the latest early childhood education trends.
● Equality and Inclusion: Learn to prepare and use a range of resources suitable for children’s ages, interests and abilities considering diversity and promoting equality and inclusion.
● Regulatory Compliance: Learn about compliance with all relevant regulations including safeguarding and child protection, the EYFS and Ofsted etc., health and safety standards, and reporting procedures. Learn to ensure the premises, garden and equipment are well maintained and meet Health and Safety, and the EYFS requirements. To learn to have a sound knowledge of White Stork Nursery policies, procedures and expectations.
● Collaboration: Collaborate with other Senior Early Years Educators, Early Years Educators, management, staff, children and parents to contribute to the overall growth and success of White Stork Nursery. To work with outside professionals and agencies where required.
Requirements –
● Experience of working or volunteering with children, preferably in a childcare or similar environment.
● Experience of working in a nursery or similar environment, preferably with an understanding of being a key person.
● Early Years qualification and training or willingness to train.
● Interest in developing knowledge of Early Years development, Early Years Foundation Stage, Ofsted and the Early Years sector.
● Interest in being able to engage children through a genuine love to support and encourage development.
● Strong organisational and time management skills whilst prioritising tasks required in the nursery environment.
● Good communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate with children, parents, and staff.
● A calm, friendly, caring and patient nature to support children, parents and staff.
● Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and schedules in a dynamic childcare setting.
White Stork Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to endorse this commitment. The successful candidate must complete an enhanced disclosure via DBS and full referencing checks. This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).