Nursery Practitioner

Precious Gems Day Nursery

Job Description – Nursery Practitioner

Job Title: Nursery Practitioner

Location: Precious Gems Day Nursery, West Malling, Kent

Reports to: Nursery Manager and Nursery Owner

Employment Type: Full-time / Part-time

Qualification: Level 3 Early Years Qualification (preferred)

About Precious Gems Day Nursery

Precious Gems Day Nursery is a warm, welcoming, family-run nursery where we pride ourselves on providing a safe, nurturing and stimulating home-from-home environment.

We believe every child is unique and deserves to feel happy, valued, supported and confident as they learn and grow.

Our dedicated team works closely with families to provide high-quality childcare and early education, encouraging children's independence, curiosity, communication and emotional wellbeing.

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic and reliable Nursery Practitioner who shares our passion for giving children the very best start in life.

Main Purpose of the Role To provide high-quality care and education for children in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), safeguarding requirements, nursery policies and procedures.

The Nursery Practitioner will support children's learning, development and wellbeing through meaningful interactions, stimulating activities and positive relationships with children, families and colleagues. Key Responsibilities

1. Childcare and Wellbeing

● Provide a safe, caring, nurturing and inclusive environment for all children.

● Build positive, trusting relationships with children and their families.

● Support children's emotional, social, physical and intellectual development.

● Encourage independence, confidence, kindness and positive behaviour.

● Meet children's individual care needs, including personal hygiene, toileting, nappy changing, mealtimes and rest periods.

● Recognise and respect each child's individual needs, interests, abilities and background.

● Support children during transitions between rooms and when preparing for school. 2. Learning and Development

● Deliver engaging, age-appropriate learning experiences in line with the EYFS.

● Observe, assess and record children's learning and development.

● Contribute to planning activities based on children's interests and developmental needs. ● Support children's communication and language development through stories, songs, conversations and play.

● Encourage early literacy, phonics, numeracy and problem-solving skills.

● Promote outdoor learning, exploration and Forest School-style activities.

● Support children with additional needs, working alongside parents, the SENCo and external professionals where appropriate.

● Maintain accurate developmental records using the nursery's Tapestry system. 3. Safeguarding and Health & Safety

● Understand and follow the nursery's safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.

● Remain vigilant to signs of abuse, neglect or concerns regarding children's welfare.

● Report safeguarding concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).

● Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and confidentiality.

● Follow health and safety procedures, including risk assessments, accident reporting and infection prevention.

● Supervise children appropriately indoors, outdoors and during outings.

● Follow procedures relating to allergies, dietary requirements and the administration of medication.

● Maintain a clean, hygienic and safe learning environment.

● Follow all applicable EYFS statutory safeguarding and welfare requirements. 4. Working with Parents and Families

● Build warm, professional and respectful relationships with parents and carers.

● Communicate positively about children's daily experiences, achievements and development.

● Provide accurate updates through Tapestry and daily conversations.

● Respect confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

● Support parents with children's developmental milestones and transitions.

● Participate in parent meetings and discussions when required. 5. Teamwork and Professional Conduct

● Work collaboratively with colleagues to maintain a positive and supportive nursery environment.

● Follow instructions and guidance from the Nursery Manager and senior staff.

● Attend staff meetings, training sessions and professional development opportunities.

● Maintain professional standards of conduct, appearance, attendance and punctuality.

● Support colleagues during busy periods and contribute to the smooth running of the nursery.

● Follow nursery policies, procedures and the staff handbook.

● Demonstrate a positive, flexible and proactive approach to daily responsibilities. 6. Outdoor Learning and Community Activities At Precious Gems Day Nursery, we value children's experiences beyond the classroom. Practitioners will be expected to:

● Participate in outdoor learning and Forest School-style activities.

● Support supervised outings to local parks, the library and community spaces.

● Participate in community visits, including visits to local care homes.

● Promote children's understanding of the natural world and their local community.

● Ensure children's safety and wellbeing during all activities and outings. Person Specification Essential Requirements

● A recognised Level 3 Early Years qualification that meets the applicable qualification requirements.

● Previous experience working in an early years setting.

● A genuine passion for working with young children.

● A caring, patient, enthusiastic and positive attitude.

● Good communication and teamwork skills.

● An understanding of child development and the EYFS.

● A commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.

● Reliability, punctuality and professionalism.

● Willingness to undertake relevant training and professional development.

● Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

● Willingness to support children's personal care needs. Desirable Requirements

● A valid paediatric first aid qualification.

● Experience supporting children with SEND.

● Knowledge of Tapestry or similar online learning journals.

● Experience with outdoor learning or Forest School activities.

● Makaton knowledge or training.

Safeguarding Statement

Precious Gems Day Nursery is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with children's barred list information where the role is eligible, satisfactory references and verification of qualifications and suitability.

Our Expectations At Precious Gems Day Nursery, we expect every member of our team to treat children with kindness, patience, dignity and respect. We believe that a happy, supportive team creates the best possible environment for children to flourish.

All practitioners are expected to demonstrate our nursery values and contribute positively to the caring, family atmosphere that makes Precious Gems special.

Additional Information

This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not exhaustive, and the Nursery Practitioner may be required to undertake other reasonable duties appropriate to their position. The job description may be reviewed and updated in line with nursery requirements, changes in legislation and statutory guidance.

Precious Gems Day Nursery

Pay: £27,539.00 per year

Benefits:

• Childcare
• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person