Job Description -  Nursery Assistant & Keyworker, Term Time, Maternity Cover. Starting September 2024

We have a lovely term time only, 25-28 hour position at our small private pre-school. This position is temporary for maternity cover. We are looking for the right person, therefore experience and/or a level 3 qualification is preferred but not essential. This position involves opening up the nursery in the morning and setting up and requires a confident and responsible individual. The right candidate will have a genuine love of children and be passionate about their care & development. They will be a hardworking, committed and adaptable team. They will welcome being part of our warm and friendly team and work well in a rewarding fast paced, fun and supportive environment.

Duties

To work as part of our dedicated early years team, supporting and assisting with the day to day running of the nursery. To provide safe, calm & caring support to our children during their daily routines, learning & development. To be a keyworker, responsible for children's records, learning and development.  To communicate effectively with parents and colleagues. To assist with planning activities based on our curriculum. Helping set up equipment and resources and tidying away. Providing colleagues with essential support and working as part of a team.

Days and Hours - 7.45/8  to 3.30 Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and 7.45/8.00-12.30 Friday.

25- 28 hours.

Whytebeams is closed on Friday afternoons and Wednesday’s. We operate term time.

The role & duties

• To work within our policies and procedures with safeguarding as a priority.

• To assist with the daily set up of the nursery and garden according to the planned curriculum.

• Assist with tidying away throughout the day and at the end of the day.

• Ensure that all resources and equipment are clean and safe at all times and are stored safely.

• To work with colleagues in a supportive manner, as part of a team.

• Provide high standards of care for our children and families.

• Offer support to children whilst maintaining a safe and stimulating environment.

• Work as a keyworker, observing, assessing and planning for children’s development. Keeping EYFS records for key children.

• Supporting the children’s learning and development during adult led activities.

• Assist children with daily routines such as toileting, snack and lunch and outdoor play in a caring and calm way.

• To advise the manager or deputy of any concerns with regard to safeguarding or child protection and the safety of equipment or the environment.

• To maintain confidentiality at all times with regard to our children and their families or our staff.

• To follow the daily deployment and undertake any tasks needed to support the running of the nursery; this may include washing up, cleaning or tidying.

• Have an awareness of the EYFS, our curriculum planning and its role in our daily routine.

• To attend training courses, inset days and meetings as required which may fall outside of contracted hours.

• To keep up to date with current good practice.

• To show a commitment to equal opportunities, young children and their families.

• An NVQ Level 2 or 3 is preferable OR GCSE Maths & English grade C and above.

 

The essential criteria you will need...

• A satisfactory enhanced DBS check confirming your suitability to work with young children, applied for by Whytebeams upon starting.

• A kind and caring nature to support our very young children.

• Strong command of the English language, both written and verbal.

• A friendly and flexible approach where you are willing to adapt to the changing needs of young children in a busy environment.

• The ability to fit in and work with our established team, offering them support to carry out their duties.

• To be a motivated team player with a proactive can do approach

• Good communication, literacy and numeracy skills.

• The ability to remain calm under pressure and during busy periods.

• To be able to use your own initiative but not be afraid to ask for advice if you are unsure.

• A willingness to learn and to attend training courses as required.

• Good interpersonal skills to be able to communicate with parents and visitors.

• To be energetic and physically fit to assist with moving equipment daily.

• To show a commitment to equal opportunities for our children and families.

• An NVQ Level 2- 3 is preferable.