Early Years Practitioner

About the role

St Hilda’s Harpenden is a small, caring and stimulating Girls’ Prep School and is seeking to appoint a Early Years Practitioner part time from January 2024 to join our dedicated team. The position is Term Time only. This role is to work in our Pre-Reception Nursery class each afternoon 11:45pm until 5.45pm.

Option to work in 7 weeks of holiday clubs as well - 41 weeks (approx. 3 half terms, 1 wk+ Easter, 2wk x July Summer, 1 wk+ Christmas). Apart from two of the half terms, all the holidays usually fall in the State School term time. Option for own child to attend clubs, some light cleaning at the end of the day. This a permanent position.

NVQ Level 3 in Early years is essential or Level 2 and studying or willing to study. Newly qualified or experienced staff are welcome to apply.

To be considered for shortlisting please complete the Teaching Staff Application form which can be found on our website. https://www.sthildasharpenden.co.uk/about-us/vacancies/

For further details please contact hr@sthildasharpenden.co.uk.

CVs only will not be considered.

Principle Tasks

• Have a sound understanding of early childhood development and the National Curriculum.
• Show respect and care for each child in order for them to succeed in an atmosphere of care and respect observing and encouraging good manners in the children.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene and to be responsible for the pupil’s personal cleanliness and comfort.
• To be creative in setting up and providing suitable activities for the girls and boys.
• Assist with playground duties or nap time for the pre-nursery children.
• To learn to use the smartboard for activities/films.
• To maintain an efficient record of those attending and keep a constant headcount.
• To pay high attention to detail in terms of general tidiness. Helping to organise, maintain, and clean equipment and resources that support the Curriculum.
• To uphold high standards in presentation of food/drink and table manners.
• To uphold all the safeguarding principles and report any incidents to the appropriate staff or log on our MIS system.
• To remain calm in an emergency and be aware of fire evacuation procedures.
• To undergo First Aid Training.
• To work well in a team and be a welcoming face for the parents with good communication skills. Encourage, establish, and maintain a working partnership with parents/carer.
• To be vigilant about the safeguarding of the children in your care and their welfare at all times.
• To attend INSET training days and meetings before each term begins.
• Maintain and respect confidentiality where appropriate.
• Attend in-service training courses as appropriate, to extend own skills and knowledge. To take part in meetings in order to assist in long, medium- and short-term planning.

Person Specification

Essential

NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in Early Years Childcare

Experience of working with young children.

We will organise training if required - Food Hygiene Certificate L2

We will organise training if required - Paediatric First Aid Training

Good education to GCSE level in literacy and numeracy, or the equivalent

Desirable

Experience in a day care setting Experience in a school setting

• Ability to inspire, motivate and maintain the enthusiasm of every child.
• Ability to work on their own initiatives and to prioritise tasks as well as work in a team.
• Ability to maintain safe and tidy standards in all working areas.
• To present a pleasant and polite manner with parents and other adults.
• Knowledge and confidence in the use and delivery of IT.

Knowledge and Understanding

The Early Years Practitioner should have knowledge and understanding of:

· The needs of young children

· Child development and the ways in which children learn;

· The roles played by various adults in a child’s education;

· Behaviour management strategies;

· Equal opportunities

· Safeguarding