Qualified Nursery Practitioner

We're looking for a passionate and qualified Early Years Practitioner to join our team in our brand-new Preschool for children aged 3–5 years (24 children maximum capacity), in Hoddesdon town centre. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a fresh, inspiring learning environment where you can help shape the experiences of our youngest learners from day one.

As part of our dedicated Early Years team, you'll work in a nurturing, child-centred setting that values creativity, curiosity, and high-quality care. Our unique site will also include a Parent and Staff Wellness Centre, reflecting our commitment to supporting the wellbeing of children, families, and our team.

Job title: Nursery Practitioner

Responsible to: Manager

Purpose of the job: To work as a key person and as part of the nursery team under the direction of the manager. To provide safe, high quality education and care for young children which meets the individual needs of children attending the setting.

Safeguarding requirement: Tiddley Tots Nursery 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 policy and procedures to continuously promote a culture of safeguarding across the whole organisation.

Main duties

• To assist with the planning of the curriculum using the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) for guidance.
• To help to set up for the daily programme and to help tidy away at the end of the session.
• To act as a key person to a small group of children, liaising closely and building an effective relationship with parents/carers and ensuring each child’s needs are recognised and met.
• To work in partnership with parents/carers and other family members.
• To advise the Manager of any concerns, e.g. health and well-being of children, parents or the safety of equipment, preserving confidentiality as necessary.
• To take action to support the setting to achieve and maintain a minimum good Ofsted rating at the next inspection.
• To teach children, offering an appropriate level of support and stimulating play experiences.
• To ensure that children are kept safe and that you understand when to follow child protection procedures.
• To support meal times within the setting.
• To actively participate at team meetings, supervision meetings and appraisal meetings.
• To attend training courses as required and to take responsibility for personal development.
• To keep completely confidential any information regarding the children, their families or other staff, which is acquired as part of the job.
• To be aware of and adhere to all the setting’s policies and procedures including those relating to confidentiality, equality and diversity, health and safety, fire precautions, dropping off and collection of children, food safety, cleanliness of the setting, safeguarding, setting hygiene and whistleblowing. This is not an exhaustive list of the setting’s procedures.
• To ensure that adequate records are kept and updated regularly.
• To promote the setting to current parents and potential customers.
• To comply with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation.
• 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 line manager. The post holder is also expected to be flexible and adaptable in their approach to fulfilling their duties.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Willingness to learn and undertake further training.
• Level 3 early years education and childcare qualification or equivalent.
• Previous experience of working with young children.
• Sound knowledge of child development from birth to five years.
• Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Good communication skills.
• An understanding of play-based approaches to children’s learning and development.
• A commitment to continuously promote a culture of safeguarding.
• A commitment to equal opportunities.
• A commitment to working effectively with young children and families.
• A friendly and flexible approach at work which facilitates the development of effective relationships.

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.

Pay: £29,119.44 per year

Work Location: In person