Early Years Practitioner

Holy Corner Community Playgroup; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 23,000; Full time

Job summary

Holy Corner Community Playgroup in Edinburgh provides a welcoming, child-led space for children aged 2 to 5 to learn through free play. The Practitioner observes needs and delivers responsive care and learning activities, acting as Key Person for a small group and coordinating with colleagues to ensure consistency.

You will support learning and development, maintain records, participate in self-assessment and training, and contribute to a positive ethos within the Playgroup.

Qualifications

• Experience with children aged 2-5 years in a childcare setting.
• Excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a childcare setting.
• Well organised with good planning and recording skills.
• Flexible approach to duties and shifts.

Responsibilities

• Deliver frontline support to children aged 2-5 in play and learning.
• Respond to children’s interests with resources, conversation and activities.
• Provide individualised nurture and care, including emotional support.
• Promote rights and interests of children and families in the Playgroup.
• Hold the Key Person role for a small group and maintain Personal Plans.

Skills

Experience with 2-5 year olds

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Flexibility

Education

SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF Level 7

HNC in Childhood Practice

SSSC registration

PVG check

Professional references

Tools

IT skills

Job description

The Practitioner’s overall responsibility is to create a positive space for children’s health, well-being and learning in a free play, child-led environment, with observations of children's needs in order to meet them responsively.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering front line support to children aged 2 to 5 years in play and learning
• Responding to their interests with resources, conversation and activities and planning approaches
• Providing individualised nurture and care to young children, including emotional comfort and intimate care
• Promoting the rights and interests of the children and families who make up the Playgroup
• Holding the post of Key Person for a small group of children, becoming aware of their individual circumstances and interests and recording these in their Personal Plans
• Communicating and planning as a team. Planning should take account of children’s interests, communities, and national guidance on Early Learning and Care
• Developing and maintaining the skills required for the post. Including ongoing self-assessment, contributing to the self-assessment taking place across the Playgroup, and updating SSSC membership with required training
• Setting up and clearing away the resources on a daily basis, in line with responsive planning, learning focus, and professional reflection
• Keeping the Playgroup clean and fit for purpose

Documentation:

• You are required to have, or be working towards, a practice qualification of either anSVQ Social Services (Children and Young People), SCQF Level 7, or a HNC in Childhood Practice
• Registration with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) within the first 6months
• Successful PVG must be gained before starting in the role
• Professional references are essential

Essential:

• Proven experience working with children aged 2-5 years old
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong communication skills and the capability to contribute to a positive ethos
• Ability to work independently and in a team within a childcare setting
• Well organised
• Ability to be flexible

Desirable:

• IT and administrations skills