Job Description

Successful applicants if eligible will receive a 1000 payment from the Department of Education after they have been in the role for 6 months. To be eligible for a payment, you must have either: not have worked in a nursery before, have worked in a nursery before but not in the last 6 months or have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months but on a temporary contract.

About us

My Little Explorers started in 2012 as a Forest School in Farley Mount. In 2022, it opened a second location in Romsey - a Forest Nursery. Both settings are secure natural spaces where children can develop their imagination, take risks and build on social skills. With the support of Early Years and Forest School practitioners children learn in a natural environment and have the freedom and space to be themselves - to run and hide, climb and build dens, tell stories and cook on the campfire. Every day is different as our outdoor settings change from season to season creating new learning opportunities.

Job Overview

What is the purpose of the job?

As an Early Years Practitioner, you will form an integral part of the forest school structure, working together as part of a team, providing the best care and education needs for the children.

Experience, skills and attributes

NVQ 3 or above in childcare and education with a thorough working understanding of Ofsted requirements the Early Years Foundation Stage and Safeguarding requirements. The ability to work as part of a team and use initiative to plan activities. Inspiring children with effective communication and listening skills. Enjoy working outdoors and embracing all that nature has to offer!

Key Responsibilities

Childcare and Education

Support the day to day working of the setting in conjunction with the Nursery Manager. Promote high standards of quality within the setting in respect of the environment, resources and experiences offered to children Ensure that all children attending the setting receive rich and stimulating experiences appropriate to their age and stage of development. Ensure that practice and provision in the setting meets the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and Forest School ethos. Ensure that children are kept safe and that staff understand and, when necessary, follow Safeguarding Procedures. Promote and facilitate partnerships with parents/carers and other family members. Support the development of good practice with regards to SEND and inclusion. Maintain a positive attitude at all times with children, parents, visitors and work colleagues. Ensure confidentiality, where appropriate, is maintained. Attend regular staff meetings, planning meetings and undertake training as required
Healthy and Safety

Supporting the Manager in the day-to-day operation to ensuer the health and safety of the children, their parents and carers, the team and any visitors to the nursery. Adhere to all health and safety policies and procedures. Be fully aware of all emergency and security procedures.
General

Support with administrative duties associated with the nursery, such as maintaining children's records, and liasing with other settings. Adhere to all Company policies and procedures. Ensure that the Company's policies on diversity and equal opportunities are adhered to.

Personal attributes

Enthusiastic, creative and able to think outside the box Good communicator and able to work and be part of a busy team. Ability to help children reach their next goal and enhance their learning. A good role model and caring key worker Able to communicate well with parents as well as children Able to embrace the weather and not worry about dirt under your fingernails!
We are open 51 weeks of the year and offer flexible working hours, amongst other benefits we also offer

A competitive salary based on experience Generous holiday scheme Discounted childcare for parents Ongoing professional development and training Pension scheme Uniform provided Multiple staff family events Paid day off on your birthday 1000 incentive for eligible candidates
Please get in touch if you think you can be part of our amazing team.

The duties and responsibilities in this job description are not exhaustive or restrictive, changes and other duties relevant to this post may be added. This job description may be reviewed in the future.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Permanent

Pay: From 12.21 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 20 per week

Benefits:

Additional leave Childcare Company events Company pension Employee discount Free parking On-site parking
Ability to commute/relocate:

Romsey: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Experience:

Nursery: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

Paediatric First Aid Certification (preferred) Level 3 Early Years Diploma (required)
Work Location: In person