Nursery Lunchtime Assistant

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

40 days holiday

Volunteer day

2 staff training days

Gym membership discount

Childcare discount

Ongoing training and development

Job summary

The University of Birmingham is seeking a Nursery Lunchtime Assistant for its Edgbaston site. The role supports high-quality care and safe play as part of the EYFS framework, with light domestic duties in the playrooms.

You will help prepare meals, supervise mealtimes, and assist the nursery team in providing engaging play opportunities while maintaining a safe, hygienic environment. Flexible, team-oriented individuals are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• Experience with children birth to five and behaviour management.
• Level 2 early years qualification.
• GCSE English Grade C or equivalent.
• Knowledge of child development from birth to five years.
• Understanding of EYFS curriculum and Health & Safety.
• Commitment to Equal Opportunities and Child Protection procedures.
• Willingness to undertake relevant training such as First Aid.
• Genuine love of and enjoyment from working with children.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and set tables, and clear them after meals.
• Assist staff during mealtimes and feed children appropriately.
• Feed bottles and prepare meals for younger children.
• Support play opportunities and interact with children.
• Arrange room with toys and layout for easy access.
• Work as part of a team or independently.

Skills

Experience with children birth to five

Behaviour management

Effective communication

Education

Level 2 early years qualification

GCSE English C or equivalent

Job description

In line with recommendations and regulations relating to Early Years safeguarding and recruitment, please note that for this role:

The University will seek references from at least one referee prior to interview. Candidates must therefore provide at least one referee whom we can contact immediately. The remaining referees will usually only be contacted if you are offered appointment. Please indicate clearly on your application form which referee(s) we may contact prior to interview.

Candidates invited to interview will be asked to disclose all past names, for the sole purpose of verifying identity for Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and safeguarding checks. Candidates will be asked to bring documents to verify their identity (e.g. birth/adoption certificate and any evidence of name changes).

All successful candidates will be required to undergo a DBS check covering all names used.

Role Summary

The role of the Nursery Lunchtime Assistant is to ensure that all children attending The Elms Day Nursery receive high quality care, are kept safe, and receive rich and stimulating play experiences which meet their individual needs and support all aspects and components of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. This role will entail light domestic duties as and when required in the playrooms.

This role as a Nursery Lunchtime Assistant is working up to 11.20 hours per week for a private early years day nursery based in leafy Edgbaston, next to the University of Birmingham campus offering excellent public transport links. You will receive a generous package of benefits including:

• 40 days paid holiday a year
• 1 paid day a year for volunteering
• 2 paid staff training days
• Discounted gym membership at the new sports centre
• Staff discount on childcare
• Ongoing training and development opportunities

Main Duties

• Responsible in preparing and setting the tables. He/she is also responsible it clearing them away.
• May work in all areas helping staff and children during mealtimes. He/she is responsible in feeding the children and providing them right amount of food according to age and weight.
• Responsible for feeding bottles and preparing meals for younger children.
• Responsible in assisting the nursery team in providing the appropriate play opportunities and to also have continuous interaction with the children who are under their supervision.
• Responsible in setting out the room with toys and activities as well as arranging furniture so children could access them more easily.
• Work as part of team or on an individual basis.

Personnel

• Notify the Management Team of any concerns or issues regarding Company policies and procedures.
• Maintain a positive attitude at all times with children, parents, carers, visitors and work colleagues.
• Ensure confidentiality, where appropriate, is maintained.
• Work as a team with other team members and undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by line management.
• Actively participate in all self-development activities including appraisals, 1:1 meetings and interim performance reviews.

Training

• Learn about and keep abreast of current developments in childcare and education policy and practice.
• Attend regular team meetings, planning meetings and undertake training as required.

Facilities

• Ensure efficient and effective use of available resources reflecting diversity.
• Undertake a shared responsibility the premises, garden and equipment are well maintained and meet Health and safety/EYFS requirements.
• Ensure that the nutritional needs of the children are met and the Food Safety Regulations are complied with.

Health and Safety

• Take responsible care for the Health and Safety of themselves and colleagues who may be affected by acts or omissions at work.
• Demonstrate the highest standard of hygiene and cleanliness of the children at all times.
• Ensuring the premises and the environment are safe, clean, tidy and well maintained.

The nursery team has a personal responsibility to identify any training and development they feel they need to meet the requirements of their role. The nursery team has direct access to Human resources in all matters relating to their employment. For all day-to-day operational matters the Nursery Manager is the immediate supervisor. The duties and responsibilities listed above form part of the contract of employment and describe the post as it is at the present time. The University of Birmingham reserve the right to change the duties and responsibilities above and the post holder is expected to accept any reasonable alterations that from time to time may be necessary.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Experience in working with children from birth to five years and behaviour management
• Level 2 early years qualification
• GCSE English Grade C or an equivalent
• A sound knowledge of child development from birth to five years
• An understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and the statutory framework
• An understanding of Health & Safety in the workplace
• An understanding and commitment to Equal Opportunities and Child Protection procedures
• A willingness to undertake relevant training such as First Aid
• A genuine love of and gain enjoyment from working with children
• Be both mentally and physically suitable to care for children
• Emotional resilience in working with challenging behaviours
• Effective communication skills and the ability to write legibly
• Able to work as part of a team
• Honest, reliable and flexible
• Able to demonstrate reliability and have a good attendance record
• A professional attitude and manner
• An enthusiastic and energetic approach to work

The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust