Little Owls Laurel Bank – 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.

Key Responsibilities

• 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.
• Maintain client confidentiality.
• Support parents and families with the successful admission and transition of their children.
• Provide a broad and balanced Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and deliver the Individual Educational Programme (IEP) and Early Support Programme for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
• Contribute to written reports of children’s progress and to the early support programme.
• Prepare reports for transition into school and liaise with local primary schools.
• Report injuries, accidents and suspicious or suspected non-accidental injury following safeguarding procedures.
• Operate medication administration policies, accurately record and verify drug sheets.
• Support student placements and help prepare accurate, concise reports for managers and college tutors.
• Provide interesting and appropriate educational visits for children and families, observing Health and Safety policies and making risk assessments.
• Take responsibility for a group of children during building evacuation.
• Participate in training and development activities as necessary.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the post.
• Comply with Leeds City Council policies, procedures and staff instructions, including Health and Safety.
• Actively promote and support Leeds City Council’s Policies on Equal Opportunities and work in an anti-oppressive manner.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum level 2 qualification in childcare, as defined by the Sector Skills Council for Childcare.
• Good standard of literacy and numeracy; basic computer literacy.
• GCSE Maths and English or equivalent, or commitment to achieve within 2 years.
• A relevant and current Paediatric First Aid or Emergency Paediatric First Aid certificate, or commitment to achieve within first 3 months.
• Experience working with children and/or families, preferably in a nursery or childcare environment.
• Experience of teamwork and planning/organising play experiences.

Skills and Knowledge

• Excellent communication and listening skills.
• Ability to safeguard children, motivate them and sustain interest in play activities.
• Ability to write reports and plans documenting children’s learning, development and wellbeing.
• Ability to observe, record and monitor development as per Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Ability to work in partnership with parents and carers in a culturally sensitive, positive and non-judgemental way; support special educational needs and disabilities inclusive setting; complete risk assessments.
• Ability to effectively use EYFS to plan and evaluate activities.
• Ability to supervise students and apprentices.
• Ability to use ICT packages, including Word and Excel.
• Flexible approach to working hours with ability to change shift patterns.
• Ability to work with staff at all levels, contributing to team cohesion and liaising with other professionals.

Knowledge Requirements

• Knowledge of current legislation, policy and guidance relating to childcare, including the 2004 Children Act, 2006 Childcare Act, Ofsted inspection framework, EYFS, SEN Code of practice and Working Together to Safeguard Children 2015.
• Knowledge of factors which create stress for children and families and awareness of protective factors.
• Current knowledge of practices to safeguard children and understanding of responsibilities in protection of children and promotion of their wellbeing.
• Knowledge of guidance documents supporting development of young children’s learning and EYFS profile.

Behavioural and Other Characteristics

• Understand and embrace Leeds City Council values and behaviours.
• Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the best city ambition of health & wellbeing, inclusive growth and zero carbon.
• Understand and observe equality and diversity policies.
• Willingness to participate in training and development activities.
• Flexible and adaptable to change.
• Actively participate in appraisal, training and development activities.
• Compliance with health and safety policies and procedures.
• Support equality for all and work in an anti-discriminatory manner.
• Recognise and challenge incidents of racism, bullying, harassment and abuse, reporting concerns appropriately.
• Work within flexibility protocol of the Council.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and statutory holiday entitlements.
• Membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions.
• Clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities.
• Staff benefits to support wellbeing.

Equal Opportunities Statement

We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from women, carers, veterans, LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.

Background Checks

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check against the children’s or adults’ barred list will be carried out on preferred candidates.

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