We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic, and dedicated Early Years Teacher to join our friendly nursery team in our outstanding setting. You will play an important role in providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment where children aged 0-5 can learn, develop, and thrive. Working as part of a supportive team, you will help deliver high-quality early years education in line with the EYFS framework, supporting children's development through engaging activities and meaningful play.
Key Responsibilities About the Role
You will play a key role in supporting children's learning and development through engaging activities, following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
Lead on the implementation of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum
Provide a high standard of physical, emotional, social and intellectual care
Ensure the standards of environment, resources and experiences offered to children are of the highest standard
Lead planning for the EYFS and ensure rich and diverse outdoor play experiences are offered
Maintain accurate and effective children's records
Promote and facilitate partnership with parents/carers and other family members
Ensure that the induction process for new children is effective and adapted to suit the needs of the child and parents
Support the development of good practice with regard to additional needs and inclusion
Ensure that children are kept safe and your team understands child protection procedures
Ensure the nutritional needs of the children are met and Food Safety Regulations are complied with
Develop and maintain professional working relationships with advisory teachers, schools, health professionals and other outside agencies as appropriate.
Ensure the effective implementation of key person procedures within your room and be a key person carrying out all related responsibilities in building relationships with children and their families
Ensure the smooth transition of the children to the next room and involve parents/carers in the timing of this
Ensure children spend as much time as possible outside in the fresh air
Remain abreast of current developments in childcare and education policy and practice.
Health and Safety
Undertake a shared responsibility for health, safety and cleanliness throughout the nursery
Ensure the general cleanliness of the children at all times
Adhere to Health and Safety policies, to manage risk and ensure any remedial action is taken immediately
Be fully aware of all emergency and security procedures e.g. fire precautions, security, dropping off and collection of children
Operate the highest standard of hygiene and cleanliness particularly in the bedding and nappy changing area and food surface areas
Assist in maintaining the nursery buildings, resources and equipment to a high standard reporting maintenance or cleaning issues appropriately and promptly.
Operational
Promote the nursery to current parents and potential customers
Support the manager and staff during regulatory inspections and to assist in the implementation of any recommendations
Be reflective about own leadership role to ensure that the process of self improvement is continuous and enhances performance.
Staff
Support and supervise room staff with their day to day duties
Ensure that new staff have a meaningful induction period
Support staff access training and personal and professional development
Act as a role model to other staff, demonstrating good practice and motivating and inspiring the staff team
Support and mentor staff and students
Work with other room leaders to ensure a consistent approach
Encourage teambuilding and training of staff
Ensure time is used effectively, demonstrate good time management to others.
General
Conduct parent show arounds when needed and be confident when dealing with parent concerns
Adhere to all company policies and procedures
Be prepared to undertake additional training and qualifications
Attend and be involved with, out of working hours activities, e.g. training, parents' meetings, open days, children's Christmas party and regular planning/staff meetings.
Undertake certain domestic jobs within the Nursery, e.g. preparation of snack meals, cleansing of equipment and other such duties and responsibilities of an equivalent nature as may be determined from time to time by the manager
Undertake other duties as reasonably requested.
Safeguarding
Portland Nurseries is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All staff are expected to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide suitable references.
- 2 years post qualifying experience in a day-care setting
Education and Training
- A EYTS or QTS Qualification
- Paediatric First Aid certification, or willingness to undertake
Knowledge
- A sound knowledge of child development for children aged birth to five years
- A sound working knowledge of Ofsted standards and the Early years Foundation Stage Framework (EYFS)
- An understanding of a play based approach to children's learning and the value of outdoors experience
- Understanding of the key worker role
- A sound knowledge of child protection procedures
Skills and Abilities
- A caring, patient, and enthusiastic approach
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal
- Ability to develop effective relationships with colleagues, parents and outside agencies
- Ability to lead a team
- Ability to plan and organise workload
- Competent in using computer systems and multiple software packages to support daily tasks and productivity.
Other Requirements
- An understanding and commitment to equal opportunities
- An understanding of Health and Safety in the workplace
- A willingness to undertake further relevant training including some evenings and weekends
- Experience of leading and supporting staff teams in improving practice
- A higher level qualification in Early years and Education
- Leadership Training
- Evidence of Outdoor play training
- A knowledge and understanding of current thinking on childcare and education
