Job Description

To work in family style units with colleagues, children and their parents to create meaningful, learning experiences that last a lifetime. Orchard has been delivering high quality and unique childcare and education for the children of hardworking Caversham families since 1989 and is immensely proud of its emphasis on nurturing relationships between families within a rich and supportive local community.

Families choose us for our down to earth, nature and art inspired environment that allows children to be themselves, feel right at home and reach their potential while exploring our beautiful 1/2 landscaped garden and forest school. Planning in the Moment works very well for most children, balanced with some regular adult led sessions they thrive and often exceed their developmental individual milestones with ease because what we do is entirely rooted in what they need and what they like. Children and staff are fed a fabulous home cooked lunch each day by our dedicated cook.

If you are an experienced practitioner who understands the vitality of nature based learning and open ended play experiences then please get in touch. We are building a team of part and full time colleagues who are intelligent and inspired by our values that celebrate creativity and community.

Your role as a qualified Level 3 educator is to work alongside and support the Room Leader to play an active part in guiding and monitoring young children's progress and development as part of a co-caring group. Attending meetings and staying connected to your own learning and CPD is part of the role as we model life long learning and self reflection.

Keeping children safe in education is all our duty and we expect you to be comfortable working in a culture that openly discusses safeguarding and to be curious and professional contributor to maintaining the highest standards of care and education and wellbeing.

The post involves key working for those who are suitable, depending on days and hours and specific experience and therefore an ability to build rapport with families and act as an advocate for the children is crucial. The broader role includes pastoral support of colleagues, being available to parents and mindful of the stresses they are experiencing as working caregivers, to be able to work with administrative systems and communicate with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the each session are all woven in around meeting the children's primary care needs and mental and intellectual growth.

Orchard is open 52 weeks a year and because of this we regret that we cannot offer term time only positions. However, if full time does not suit your life style at this time there is significant scope to discuss a range of part time and job share options and shift patterns for the right team mates. Afternoon only shifts are 1pm-6pm morning only are 8am-1-2pm, middle shift is 9.30am -2.30pm or similar and can be discussed at first interview. What matters to us as we look forwards to welcoming new colleagues is your aptitude and attitude that puts children front and centre and in return that we can offer you a genuinely warm, stimulating and respectful working environment that values and recognises you.

How to apply:

Please send your up to date CV via email to admin@orcharddaynursery.co.uk with a covering letter detailing your interest in and suitability for a qualified Level 3 Practitioner position at Orchard, describing why you choose to work with young children and indicating your ideal working pattern. We will read every application with gratitude and enthusiasm but may not be able to respond to applications if we receive high numbers and if the requisite criteria are not met.

Please note that we will require proof of your right to live and work in the UK, your DBS check and your Level 3 (or higher) qualification. You will be expected to have to be willing to complete successfully a Paediatric First Aid course and to be of sufficient health to meet well the physical and emotional demands of this important role. Good attendance is essential to the safety of the children in our care and the mental wellbeing of the early years workforce.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: 14.00-15.25 per hour

Expected hours: 25 - 40 per week

Application question(s):

Do you have a level 3 early years educator diploma? What is your last training in safeguarding children ?
Education:

A-Level or equivalent (required)
Experience:

Childcare: 3 years (required) key person: 1 year (required)
Language:

English (required)
Licence/Certification:

Paediatric First Aid Certification (preferred) DBS check on the update service? (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Location:

Caversham RG4 6LJ (preferred)
Work Location: In person