JOB PURPOSE
To assist in the provision of inclusive play and learning opportunities for all children attending our 33 place setting. To help maintain a safe, stimulating and enjoyable environment.
To assist in the provision of full day-care/sessional care and appropriate learning opportunities for children between 3 months and 12 years of age, with extra support for our two year olds and to liaise with other play workers to enhance the transition into either the pre-school room, from preschool to full day care or once attending school, our wrap around care sessions.
MAIN DUTIES
1. To assist in the planning, delivery and monitoring of care and play and learning opportunities for children between three months and twelve years of age in accordance with their social, emotional, physical and intellectual needs.
2. To help supervise the children in the setting as well as in the delivery of and collection from schools and to protect them from dangerous or harmful situations.
To assist with health and safety checks and termly risk assessments. To share any child protection concerns with the Room Leader.
3. To respond to each child’s need for individual care and attention and provide a high level of care that will enhance the children’s general health and well-being. Extra regard needs to be made for children of two years of age as they grow in independence until they can fully express themselves.
4. To act as a key person to a small group of children and ensure their needs are reflected in the planning of activities and routines. To spend quality time with your key children on a focused task each day.
5. To be aware of children’s special educational needs and support these children effectively, referring to any care plans or/and support(play) plans.
6. To keep informative, accurate and up to date records, including records of progress, and any behavioural or developmental reports, using BABYSDAYS where appropriate. (Training will be given on the BABYDAYS system)
7. To help liaise daily with parents/carers about their child’s needs, interests and progress, and to provide parents/carers with a daily activity record where necessary.
8. To contribute to, and to attend, his/her staff appraisal.
9. To attend regular staff team meetings and help contribute to the overall planning of care and learning in the setting.
10. To liaise with other agencies, both statutory and voluntary, where appropriate.
11. To attend any conference, training event or meeting as identified by the Room Leader/SURESTART Manager and to keep up to date with current good practice.
12. To adhere to all SURESTART policies and especially to the code of practice on confidentiality and Data Protection 2018.
13. To perform any other duties as deemed necessary by the Room Leader or SURESTART Manager.
PERSON SPECIFICATION & ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
a. Good oral and written communication skills.
b. The ability to respond to children with a warm, enthusiastic, non-punitive attitude, and to maintain a calm, reassuring manner, with extra regard for our two year olds as they learn to express themselves.
c. An ability to engage with parents/carers in respect of their own needs for advice, education and personal development.
d. A current and live DBS Certificate.
DESIRABLE
a. Training in the care and education of children between three months and twelve years of age and a commitment to obtaining further qualifications as appropriate.
b. A current First Aid/Food Hygiene certificate.
c. Conversant with current legislation relevant to the Early Years.
d. A minimum of Level III Early Years Education and Childcare qualification, or equivalent.
e. Experience of working with children of this age group in a similar setting for at least one year
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require an enhanced criminal records check