Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Reports to: Nursery Manager

Job Outline:

To work in new nursery with children aged 3months to 5 years, as team to deliver high quality childcare in accordance with company philosophy and policy, all relevant legislation, local and OFSTED requirements.

Key Objectives:

- Employ the highest standard of support in the nursery.

- Communicate effectively and appropriately with staff, pupils and parents.

- Observing, monitoring and recording all children's development

- Undertake relevant paperwork, training and assessments

- To be a positive role model to the children

- To support and actively promote the safety, security and well-being of all children, staff and visitors at all times.

- To work alongside the Nursery Manager, to lead the nursery to achieve an Outstanding grading with Ofsted in all inspections.

- To embrace, understand and promote Explorers and to understand the role you play as a team in providing high levels of care and education.

- To ensure the provision is of the highest quality; providing a safe, stimulating and caring child-centred environment catering for the children’s educational and developmental needs and meeting the National Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage

- To understand and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

- To liaise closely with parents/carers to ensure high levels of involvement and customer satisfaction at all times.

- Act as a representative of your nursery and the Company, promoting a professional image at all times.

Supporting Objectives:

- Ensure that all agreed quality and safety standards are maintained in the nursery at all times.

- Develop the curriculum and implement the operational policies, procedures to ensure quality standards are met.

- Follow the training manual and induction for all new members of staff, and adhere to your contracted terms.

- Ensuring you adhere to the meals and menus with the company’s food policies.

- Proactively promote the nursery· Ensure that the nursery’s procedures on Safeguarding are adhered to liaising with the Manager, Director and local authorities as required.

- Be observant of any children who may appear to be at risk and immediately report any suspected child protection issues to the manager.

- To gain a have a sound awareness of the Safeguarding Policy (both Company and Local Authority procedures and understand your role when safeguarding children.

- Show a willingness to undertake additional roles to meet the needs of the nursery, children and staff.

Curriculum Development & Best Practice:

- To develop and adhere to initiatives that support children ensuring their individual needs are met within the group setting.

- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum provided and identify areas for development and observe and report any developmental issues.

- Ensure that individual records of all children’s educational developmental progress are kept, based on day to day observations and review regularly progress towards the milestones of the Early Years Foundation Stages.

- To ensure that all children are treated as individuals and that we are supporting this through our approach to planning in line with the EYFS

- Encourage the involvement of parent/carers at all levels of the nursery, including regular reviews of children’s progress.

- Whilst following the company’s philosophy, maintain a flexible approach to the work of the nursery in response to the needs of children, families and staff.

- Carry out all responsibilities and duties of the post with due regard to the companies Equal Opportunities policy.

- Reflect on daily practice and identify areas for continual improvement.

Health & Safety Management:

- Ensure the highest standard of safety and security within the nursery, and assist the manager to ensure security systems are always fully operational and used properly by all staff. Follow all appropriate emergency procedures and report any concerns.

- Report any health and safety issues within the nursery, ensuring compliance with the Company’s Health and Safety Policy and procedures at all times.

- Operate the highest level of cleanliness and hygiene in within the nursery.

- Assist the manager in working with the catering team, to ensure that the meals provided are healthy and nutritious and cater for individual dietary needs, report any concerns.

Person Specification:

- Level 3 or above

- A minimum of two years working in a group day care setting for children aged 0-5 years

- Knowledge of OFSTED standards and experience of inspections (desirable)

- Knowledge of working towards the Early Years Foundation Stage

- Knowledge and application of National Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage

- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

- Well-organised

- Proactive and innovative approach to challenges and ideas, plus strong problem solving capabilities and teamwork

- Ability to work within a pressurised environment.

- Willingness to develop new skills and undertake further training when necessary.

Job Title: Deputy Nursery Manager

Reports to: Nursery Manager

Job Outline:

To work alongside the nursery manager and in the managers absence to plan and deliver daily management of the nursery, in accordance with company philosophy and policy, all relevant legislation, local and OFSTED requirements.

Key Objectives:

- To support the Nursery Manager to ensure the effective daily management of the Nursery.

- To have a sound knowledge of all Company Policies, Procedures, Requirements and Ofsted expectations and ensure that these are maintained at all times to a high standard.

- To be a positive role model to the team and demonstrate high quality practice throughout every aspect of nursery life e.g individual and group work with children, dealing with staff and parents/carers.

- To support and actively promote the safety, security and well-being of all children, staff and visitors at all times.

- To act as the Designated Safeguarding Person within the setting in the Nursery Manager’s absence, dealing with and providing support for any issues as they arise. - To work alongside the Nursery Manager, to lead the nursery to achieve an Outstanding grading with Ofsted in all inspections.

- To play an active role in completing a rigorous action plan that supports the development of areas required.

- To embrace, understand and promote Explorers and to understand the role you play as a member of the management team in providing high levels of care and education.

- Provide strong and positive leadership in management of the nursery.

- To ensure the provision is of the highest quality; providing a safe, stimulating and caring child-centred environment catering for the children’s educational and developmental needs and meeting the National Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

- To understand and follow the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) which sets standards for the learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old.

- To liaise closely with parents/carers to ensure high levels of involvement and customer satisfaction at all times.

- To support the manager in the management, supervision and appraisal of all staff members.

- Act as a representative of your nursery and the Company, promoting a professional image at all times.

Supporting Objectives:

- Ensure that all agreed quality and safety standards are maintained in the nursery at all times.

- Develop the curriculum and implement the operational policies, procedures to ensure quality standards are met.

- Follow the training manual and induction for all new members of staff, supporting the manager were necessary.

- Assist the manager in ensuring meals and menus comply with the company’s food policies

- Proactively promote the nursery to meet occupancy levels and support the manager in managing and maintaining these.

- Ensure that the nursery’s procedures on Safeguarding are adhered to liaising with the Manager, Director and local authorities as required.

- Be observant of any children who may appear to be at risk and immediately report any suspected child protection issues to the manager.

- To assist the manager in ensuring that all practitioners and support staff have a sound awareness of the Safeguarding Policy (both Company and Local Authority procedures), and all staff to understand their role in safeguarding all children.

Staff Management:

- Support the manager in developing a leading team to achieve outstanding OFSTED status.

- To assist with the induction staff into the company's philosophies and aims and objectives.

- Assist with the overall management of staff, to include rotas, meetings, supervisions and to include annual appraisals and six month reviews to identify staff training and development needs working with the manager when required.

- Ensure the required standards, ratios and conditions of registration are maintained at all times.

- Working in partnership with the team, deliver the care standards and educational programme on an on-going basis, taking into account any equality and diversity requirements.

- Show a willingness to undertake additional roles to meet the needs of the nursery, children and staff.

Curriculum Development & Best Practice:

- To develop and implement initiatives that support children ensuring their individual needs are met within the group setting.

- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the curriculum provided and identify areas for development and observe and report any developmental issues.

- Ensure that individual records of all children’s educational developmental progress are kept, based on day to day observations and review regularly progress towards the milestones of the Early Years Foundation Stages.

- To ensure that all children are treated as individuals and that we are supporting this through our approach to planning in line with the EYFS

- Ensure all information stored is in line with data protection legislation.

- Encourage the involvement of parent/carers at all levels of the nursery, including regular reviews of children’s progress.

- Whilst following the company’s philosophy, maintain a flexible approach to the work of the nursery in response to the needs of children, families and staff.

- Carry out all responsibilities and duties of the post with due regard to the companies Equal Opportunities policy.

- Reflect on daily practice and identify areas for continual improvement

Health & Safety Management:

· Ensure the highest standard of safety and security within the nursery, and assist the manager to ensure security systems are always fully operational and used properly by all staff. Follow all appropriate emergency procedures.

- Report any health and safety issues within the nursery, ensuring compliance with the Company’s Health and Safety Policy and procedures at all times.

- Operate the highest level of cleanliness and hygiene in within the nursery.

- Assist the manager in working with the catering team, to ensure that the meals provided are healthy and nutritious and cater for individual dietary needs.

- Responsibility for the day to day management of the premises and services, liaising with Manager to ensure essential repairs and maintenance of the building are carried out.

Person Specification:

- Level 3 or above

- A minimum of two years working in a senior capacity in a group day care setting for children aged 0-5 years

- Knowledge of OFSTED standards and experience of inspections· Knowledge of working towards the Early Years Foundation Stage

- Knowledge and application of National Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage

- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal

- Knowledge of health & safety legislation· Well-organised and works autonomously

- Strong people management skills with the ability to lead and motivate a team

- Proactive and innovative approach to challenges and ideas, plus strong problem solving capabilities

- Ability to influence, negotiate and work within a pressurised environment.

- Willingness to develop new skills and undertake further training when necessary

Job Title: Early Years SENCO

Reports to: Manager/Director

Job Outline:

Responsible for the day to day management of the special educational needs (SEND) provision in the setting.

Safeguarding Requirement:

Explorers is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. It is a requirement of all staff that they share this commitment and follow the prescribed policies and procedures to continuously promote a culture of safeguarding across the whole organisation.

Main Duties:

- To oversee the day-to-day operation of the SEND policy.

- To co-ordinate provision in the setting for children with SEN.

- To support and work in partnership with each key person at the setting.

- To contribute towards implementing duties relating to relevant legislation including the SEND Code of Practice 2014 and Equality Act 2010.

- To take action in relation to SEN to support the setting achieve and maintain a minimum good Ofsted rating at the next inspection.

- To monitor the observation, identification, assessment and support of children with SEN and apply a graduated approach to identifying and meeting children’s needs.

- To collate information on the needs of individual children.

- To ensure all records on children with SEN are maintained and relevant information is passed to reception class teachers and school SENCOs at transition.

- To offer confidential support and advice to parents, including daily informal contact and regular reviews of their child’s progress.

- To work in partnership with the staff team to ensure that appropriate approaches and materials from the Early Years Foundation Stage are known and used.

- To liaise with other relevant agencies on the delivery of SEN provision and the individual needs of the children with SEN and in conjunction with the manager, ensure that relevant external referrals are made, including bringing children who are not progressing to the attention of the local authority and the settings manager/director.

- To be familiar with local practices for safeguarding children and investigating Early Help Assessments; to have information on local services and be able to signpost parents for additional support.

- To advise and support staff on issues relating to inclusive practice, which may include contributing towards relevant in-house training.

- To seek support and advice from the setting’s senior management team to ensure effective delivery of the settings SEN provision.

- To attend relevant training to keep skills and knowledge up-to-date.

This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the manager/director. The post holder is also expected to be flexible and adaptable in their approach to fulfilling their duties.

Person Specification:

- Level 3 early years education and childcare qualification or equivalent

- Proven experience of working within a childcare setting and some experience of working with children with SEN and/or other disabilities

- Good knowledge and understanding of the relevant legislation such as the SEND Code of Practice (2014), and the Equality Act 2010 as it relates to disability and early years settings.

- Good written and verbal communication skills, as well as the ability to foster relationships.

- Knowledge of differentiating the early years curriculum for all children and knowledge of the procedures for implementing a graduated approach

- The ability to challenge and overcome negative attitudes and discriminatory behaviours form staff, parents and sometimes children.

- The ability to recognise what good practice ‘looks likes’ and be able to confidently promote inclusive practice.

- A commitment to promoting an ethos of effective inclusion to all users, visitors, staff and the local community.

- A commitment to continuously promoting a culture of safeguarding.

- Good observation, identification, assessment and record keeping skills.

- The ability to work as part of the senior management team on the delivery of SEN provision.

- The ability to manage time and workload effectively.

- Willingness to undertake further training related to the role.

Derisible Criteria:

- Commitment to undertake further training or qualifications relevant to special educational needs.

- Knowledge and experience of working with external agencies

- Awareness of current SEN and disability issues through relevant training and/or personal experience

- Knowledge and experience of an alternative communication system such as Makaton or the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS)

- Previous experience of training staff.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.