Nursery and Preschool Practitioner

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

Full and relevant Level 2 or above Early Years qualification which allows the applicant to work within Early Years ratios Maths and English Qualification equivalent to GCSE grade 4 or above Willingness to participate in development and training opportunities

Desirable

Training in the relevant strategies e.g. parenting and/or in particular learning areas, e.g. quality improvement, observation and record keeping, Communication, Language and Literacy, ICT, maths, etc. Full working knowledge of relevant policies/codes of practice and awareness of the EYFS statutory framework Understanding of principles of child development and learning processes and in particular barriers to learning Health & Safety certificate Paediatric First Aid qualification

Skills and Knowledge

Essential

Ability to plan effective learning and care programmes either under appropriate supervision and guidance or in collaboration Ability to work independently using own initiative Ability to self-evaluate learning needs and actively seek learning opportunities Ability to relate well to children and adults including other professionals/carers/parents Ability to demonstrate and promote good practice in line with the ethos of the school both indoors and outdoors Ability to manage multiple tasks, whilst ensuring children, colleagues, parents and carers are respected and listened to Fluent English speaker Effectively communicate with adults and children Good written, verbal and non-verbal communication

Desirable

Proven experience of working with children in an early learning environment, either on placement or in paid employment , including on a 1:1 basis.

Experience of working in Early Years in a school environment

Experience of working as part of a team

Ability to reflect on learning and care needs and use this knowledge to impact on children’s outcomes e.g. in planning, procurement of resources, Individual Education Plans (IEPs), communication with parents

Experience of working with other agencies and professionals

Knowledge and understanding of the type of external support that is available to support children’s development and how to access these services Ability to interact with children and support their involvement in physical activities and outdoor play

Personal Qualities

Essential

Proactive and positive team player, able to work constructively as part of a team to understand pre-school roles and responsibilities and own position within these Enthusiasm for learning and working with children Caring, friendly, approachable, open, inclusive, welcoming, and personable Able to maintain confidentiality at all times

Desirable

Reflective approach and commitment to personal development Able to provide consistently high levels of quality care and education opportunities to all children, in pressured and sometimes challenging environments