Hours: 37 hours (all year round) – working on an 8am to 6pm shift pattern
Contract: Permanent
Location: Little Owls Meanwood
Are you interested in a career in childcare? Little Owls nurseries are currently recruiting for nursery assistants.
Little Owls is a great place to progress in your childcare career and many of our nursery assistants move on to become managers. We support staff to learn and progress by offering regular training.
We are committed to the ambition of Child Friendly Leeds. We want Leeds to be a city where all children are safe, happy and healthy, do well at school, fulfil their potential and grow up to be active citizens with voice and influence.
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
About the role
As a nursery assistant based in one of our Little Owls nurseries you will be part of a great team and will deliver a high standard of care which meets the individual needs of the children. It is rewarding work, as well as energetic and at times challenging.
You will:
* Provide high quality care and education for all children and support for families
* Observe and monitor children’s development and contribute to reports of their progress
* Liaise with and provide professional advice to parents, social workers and health visitors
About you:
We are looking for qualified, enthusiastic, adaptable candidates with personal qualities to care for and develop young children. You must have:
* excellent communication and listening skills
* ability to safeguard and motivate children and sustain their interest in play activities
* ability to write reports and plans to document children’s learning, development and wellbeing to the required standard
We expect the following experience and qualifications:
* minimum of level 2 qualification in childcare.
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
* a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
* membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
* a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
* a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Apply for this job online. Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact:
Applications received are assessed for shortlisting every two weeks. We hold interview panels regularly to fill ongoing vacancies in our nurseries.
Please be aware that successful applicants will be employed by LCC and not a particular centre and could be asked to work at any of the city wide Little Owls Nurseries.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve.
Job Description
Job purpose
Under the general direction of the Manager and senior staff, the Nursery Assistant role is to work as part of a team to deliver a high standard of care which meets the individual needs of the children. To make and maintain positive relationships with the children and to safely meet the physical care and management needs of children.
Responsibilities
* To provide high quality care and education for all children and support for families.
* To provide a broad and balanced Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum that will meet the requirements of the relevant national and local standards.
* To establish and deliver on the delivery of Individual Educational Programmes (IEP) and the Early Support Programme for children with Special Educational Needs and disabilities (SEND).
* To observe and monitor children’s development and contribute to written reports of their progress.
* To maintain client confidentiality.
* To liaise with and provide professional advice to, parents, social workers and health visitors involved with a child and their family.
* To report any injury or accident, ensuring that health and safety of the individual is maintained.
* To support student placements.
* To provide interesting and appropriate educational visits for children and families, observing Health and Safety policies and making risk assessments as required.
* To take responsibility for a group of children during any building evacuation.
* To comply with the requirements of all Leeds City Council policies, procedures and staff instructions, including responsibilities under the Health and Safety Policy and Procedures.
Qualifications
It is an essential requirement of this post that the post holder should hold a minimum of a relevant Level 2 qualification as defined by the Sector Skills Council for Childcare.
Personal specification
Essential requirements: The candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria for the post within the context of the specific role duties and responsibilities.
Skills required
* Able to communicate with a wide range of people individually, in groups and at all appropriate levels.
* Ability to safeguard children and support them to develop their resilience.
* Able to motivate children through positive role modelling and sustain their interest in play activities.
* Able to work as part of a team.
* Able to listen and accept instructions.
* Able to write reports and plans to document children’s learning, development and wellbeing, to the required standard.
* Able to observe, record and monitor children’s development as they progress through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
* Able to work in partnership with parents and carers to support their children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
* Able to support children and families in a culturally sensitive, positive and non-judgemental way.
* Able to support the development of children with special educational needs and disabilities in an inclusive setting.
* Able to complete risk assessments.
* Able to effectively use the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) to plan and evaluate activities to aid children’s learning.
* Able to supervise students and apprentices.
* A flexible approach to working hours with the ability to change shift patterns as required.
Knowledge required
* A minimum of a relevant Level 2 qualification as defined in ‘Qualifications’ section above.
* GCSE Maths and English or equivalent as recognised by CWDC.
* Knowledge and understanding of current legislation, policy and guidance relating to the work of Sure Start Children’s Centres.
* Current knowledge of practises to safeguard children and understanding of responsibility in the protection of children and promotion of their wellbeing.
Experience required
* Experience of working with children and/or families
* Experience of work in a nursery or childcare environment
* Experience of teamwork.
* Experience of planning and organising play experiences for children.
Behavioural and other characteristics required
* Committed to continuous improvement
* Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities to ensure up-to-date knowledge, skills and continuous professional development
* Understand and embrace our values, behaviours and codes of conduct.
#J-18808-Ljbffr