Little Owls Middleton Nursery Assistant

Job title: Nursery Assistant

Salary: B1 £25,185 – £25,989

Hours: 37 hours (all year round) – working on an 8am to 6pm shift pattern

Contract: Permanent

Location: Little Owls Middleton

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 (see https://www.gov.uk/guidance/early-years-qualifications-finder)
• Good standard of literacy and numeracy
• Basic computer literacy

What We Offer You

• 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

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 meets national and local standards.
• To establish and deliver Individual Educational Programmes (IEP) and the Early Support Programme for children with 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 liaise with local primary schools and prepare reports that support the child’s transition into school.
• To report any injury or accident, ensuring health and safety.
• To understand and operate the policies and procedures for medication administration.
• To report any suspicious or suspected non-accidental injury and comply with safeguarding procedures.
• To support student placements by preparing accurate reports.
• To provide educational visits for children and families, observing health and safety policies and conducting risk assessments.
• To support parents and families where necessary in admission and transition.
• To take responsibility for a group of children during building evacuation.
• To participate in training and development activities to ensure up-to-date knowledge and skills.
• To undertake other duties appropriate to the post as required by the Service.
• To comply with all Leeds City Council policies, procedures and staff instructions, including Health and Safety.
• To actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s Equal Opportunities and anti-oppressive policies.

Qualifications

Minimum of a relevant Level 2 qualification as defined by the Sector Skills Council for Childcare. Degrees recognised by the CWDC (e.g., BA Hons Childhood Studies) are acceptable. Early Years Professional Status also acceptable.

Essential Requirements

• 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 resilience.
• Able to motivate children through positive role modelling and sustain their interest in play activities.
• Able to work as part of a team and listen to instructions.
• Able to write reports and plans to document children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
• Able to observe, record and monitor children’s development as they progress through the EYFS.
• Able to work in partnership with parents and carers.
• Able to support children and families in a culturally sensitive, positive and non-judgemental way, including support for children with special educational needs and disabilities.
• Able to complete risk assessments.
• Able to use ICT packages, including Word and Excel.
• A flexible approach to working hours with the ability to change shift patterns as required.
• Able to work with staff at all levels, contributing to team cohesion.

Knowledge Required

• A minimum of a relevant Level 2 qualification in childhood care.
• GCSE Maths and English or equivalent recognised by CWDC or commitment to achieve within 2 years.
• Relevant Paediatric First Aid certificate or commitment to obtain within 3 months.
• Knowledge of current legislation, policy and guidance relating to Sure Start Children’s Centres, the Children Act 2004, Childcare Act 2006, Ofsted inspection framework, EYFS, SEN Code of practice, Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015.
• Knowledge of factors that create stress for children and families, and protective factors.
• Current knowledge of safeguarding practices and responsibilities in child protection.
• Knowledge of guidance documents that support the development of young children’s learning (EYFS profile).

Experience Required

• Experience of working with children and/or families.
• Experience of working 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.
• Understanding and observing Leeds City Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy.
• Performing all duties with regard to the council’s Health, Safety and Wellbeing Policy.
• Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
• Understanding and embracing the council’s values, behaviours and codes of conduct.

Inclusivity Statement

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

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