Beacon Nursery Practitioner

YMCA St Helens is committed to equality of opportunity in employment and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates irrespective of religious belief, gender, disability, age, race, political opinion, marital status, sexual orientation or whether or not they have dependents.

Definition of the Role:

To provide a high standard of physical, emotional, social, and intellectual care for the children in our Beacon Nursery facility.

Purpose of the Role:

To assist the Nursery Manager to provide professional childcare. To support other nursery staff, as part of a professional team, in working with children on their education and social development and provide a high quality of care. Ensure compliance with policies and procedures relating to child protection, health, safety, security, and confidentiality.

Responsibilities:
- To be aware of and demonstrate understanding; how to safeguard children under local safeguarding procedures in accordance with legislative documentation.
- Operate a programme of activities suitable to the age range of children in your area in conjunction with other staff.
- Ensure the safety and wellbeing of all children attending nursery.
- Play with, communicate, and care for all children regardless of each child’s individual needs.
- Keep an accurate record of achievement for your key children, for parents.
- Complete assessments at the periodic points in your key children’s development.
- Work with parents of special needs children to give full integration in the nursery.
- To be flexible within the working practices of the nursery, being prepared to help where needed, including undertaking any domestic tasks e.g. meal preparation etc
- Check, assemble and maintain equipment and ensure it is safe for use.
- Recording accidents according to Beacon Nursery Policy and Procedures.
- Utilise all practical skills and knowledge to ensure that the service provided is of the highest standard. St Helens YMCA is an Investor In People.
- Specific childcare tasks – ensure mealtimes are a time of pleasant social sharing, washing, and changing children as required, providing comfort and warmth to a poorly child.
- To carry out all other reasonable tasks and instructions as may be specified by your supervisor or line manager or another senior member of staff.
- To ensure the nursery consistently meets the EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
Essential Criteria:
- Evidenced experience of working with young children aged 6wks – 5yrs
- Knowledge of child development and safeguarding
- Ability to communicate well with adults and children
- Recognised accredited childcare qualification level 3.
- Computer literate.
Desirable Criteria:
- Knowledge of key worker systems and record keeping
- Knowledge of the Children’s Act
- Knowledge of the desirable outcomes
- To be able to demonstrate the ability to work as part of a team
- Ability to write legibly and good presentation skills
- Demonstrate creative ability
- Understanding of Equal opportunities
- Awareness of health & Safety and Practical hygiene issues.
Advantageous Criteria:
- Experience in a day-care setting
- Good organisational skills
- Able to demonstrate the ability to take on a responsibility role
Skills and Attributes:
- Good communication and organisational skills.
- Experience of working with young children.
- Highly responsible, trustworthy, and reliable.
- A good understanding of childcare practices.
- Ability to work cohesively as part of a team.
- High level of attention-to-detail.
- Enthusiasm to develop your skills and knowledge.
- Approachable, compassionate, and patient manner.
- Adaptable to change and willingness to embrace new ideas and processes.
- Ability to work unsupervised and deliver quality work.
- Conflict resolution, be able to support children to work through arguments and difficult situations.