Childcare Practitioner

Integrated Care System; Wakefield; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a team as a full-time Childcare Practitioner in Wakefield. The role involves providing a rich, inclusive learning environment tailored to each child's needs and ensuring effective communication with parents and staff. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 qualification in Childcare, Paediatric First Aid certification, and a passion for fostering children's development. The position offers benefits including an NHS pension and onsite nurseries.

Benefits

NHS pension

Generous holiday entitlement

Onsite nurseries

Childcare vouchers

Qualifications

• Hold a Level 3 childcare qualification.
• Possess a valid Paediatric First Aid certification.
• Have knowledge of safeguarding policies.

Responsibilities

• Provide a stimulating and safe learning environment for children.
• Communicate effectively with parents about children's development.
• Maintain observation and assessment records using digital systems.

Skills

Effective communication

Cultural sensitivity

Education

Level 3 in Childcare Qualification

English GCSE Grade 4-9 or equivalent

Paediatric First Aid certification

Food Safety Certificate Level 2

Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the team at Abacus Nursery as a full-time Childcare Practitioner.

The role involves using an individual approach to each child, building on their existing skills by introducing them to a wide range of experiences. You will be responsible for maintaining a high-quality service by providing a rich and stimulating learning environment that is sensitive to children's cultural and individual needs and promotes equal opportunities.

You will act as an expert to less experienced staff and childcare students, offering support and advice to parents. Daily responsibilities include ensuring the safety and security of the nursery, managing medication administration as per parental instructions, and taking necessary actions when a child becomes ill, including seeking advice from senior staff and contacting parents as appropriate.

Effective communication with parents and staff about children's welfare, development, health, and social care is essential, including through annual parents' evenings and daily updates. As a child's key person, you will ensure effective communication links with team members and other professionals such as SENCOs, health visitors, and educational specialists.

Main duties of the job

• Maintain a professional appearance in line with the Trust dress code.
• Uphold the Trust's values and behave responsibly to maintain public confidence.
• Maintain professional and courteous relationships with staff, respecting diversity and promoting equality.
• Uphold the privacy and dignity of children and families.
• Work within the guidelines of Ofsted's Statutory Framework for Early Years and the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.
• Participate in planning and evaluating children's development needs, activities, and routines.
• Ensure the environment is stimulating, culturally sensitive, and promotes equal opportunities.
• Record and maintain children's observation and assessment records using digital systems and share these with parents.
• Support the nursery's quality monitoring systems, including ECERS and ITERS.
• Have knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures and comply with them.

About us

We are an acute NHS trust caring for over one million people across Wakefield and Kirklees, with 10,000 staff working in various settings. We are committed to continuous improvement, valuing our staff, and fostering an inclusive environment that supports diversity and wellbeing. Our benefits include NHS pension, generous holiday entitlement, onsite nurseries, childcare vouchers, and more.

Job responsibilities

Key requirements

• English GCSE Grade 4-9 or equivalent
• Level 3 in Childcare Qualification
• Paediatric First Aid certification
• Food Safety Certificate Level 2

Person Specification

Please click 'apply now' to view the full person specification. Submission of an application is not obligatory.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This position is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A DBS check will be required to assess any previous criminal convictions.