Overview
Mill Cottage Montessori are looking for a new Nursery Assistant Apprentice. You will be studying toward your Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship Level 2. This is an Ofsted 'Outstanding' Nursery near Brighouse and a great opportunity for someone with a passion for childcare who would like to pursue a career in this field. The role involves training with staff who guide apprentices and share knowledge and skills to develop your practice. Practitioners provide support to children and their families, assisting with aspects of early years development, learning and education.
Responsibilities
- Be flexible with working practices and be prepared to help where needed, including certain domestic duties within the nursery (preparation of snack, meals, cleaning of equipment, etc.).
- Understand that you will be required to move to all age ranges within the nursery as part of your training.
- Work alongside the manager and staff team to ensure the Montessori philosophy is fulfilled in practice.
- Assist children with independence (dressing/undressing, potty training, teeth brushing, supporting at meal times, and modelling sharing and table manners).
- Follow the nursery’s policies and procedures at all times and become familiar with all policies.
- Provide comfort to an unwell child and ensure children are collected by someone known to the nursery.
- Offer equal opportunities to all children with regard to religion, race, gender, disabilities, culture or language, challenging discrimination or racism.
- Follow individual learning and development plans for tailored targets and strategies.
- Act as an ambassador for the nursery and maintain a positive image of its aims and objectives.
- Keep an accurate Learning Journey file on key children after settling in and observations as determined by your mentor.
- Develop your role within the team, particularly as a key worker.
- Prepare and complete activities that suit each child’s stage of development.
- Once trained on the EYFS, support the team by completing observations and link these to development matters; assist babies and young children through transitions and significant events (e.g., moving to school or a new home).
- Recognise when a child is in danger or at risk of harm and follow procedures to protect them.
- Identify risks and hazards in the provision and during off-site visits and follow reporting procedures.
- Use infection prevention and control techniques for hand washing, hygiene, safe disposal of waste and correct PPE.
- Use equipment, furniture and materials safely, following manufacturer instructions and provision requirements.
- Encourage children to be aware of personal safety and develop personal hygiene practices.
- Promote health and wellbeing by encouraging healthy meals and physical activity appropriate for age, both indoors and outdoors.
- Carry out respectful care routines (feeding, weaning or complementary feeding, nappy/toilet care, skin, teeth and hair care, rest and sleep).
- Communicate with all children, including those for whom English is an additional language or with additional needs, using verbal and non-verbal methods.
- Support children’s development in language, writing, reading and early mark making; support mathematical learning including numbers, patterns, counting, sorting and matching.
- Support the graduated approach for assessment, planning, implementation and review of each child’s plan, and participate in transitions and significant events.
- Work with colleagues and external professionals to meet the needs of babies and young children and enable progression.
- Engage with parents or carers to recognise their role in health, well-being, learning and development, and encourage active involvement in care and learning.
- Share information with parents or carers about healthy diets, dental care and physical activity.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Early Years Practitioner apprenticeship Level 2 (training pathway provided through the employer/partner training provider).
- Ability to be flexible and take on a range of duties as required by the setting.
- Good communication skills and a caring, patient approach.
Note
Training and career development opportunities are available. There is potential for a full-time role after successful completion of the apprenticeship. This description reflects current practices and may be updated in line with nursery policy.