Nursery Practitioner

Ymca Black Country Group; West Midlands; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization in the UK is seeking an enthusiastic childcare practitioner to promote a safe and stimulating environment for children aged 0 to 5. The ideal candidate should possess a Level 2 NVQ in Childcare and have experience working in culturally diverse areas. Responsibilities include supporting parents, planning learning activities, and ensuring the wellbeing of children. Competitive pay starts at £12.21/hour, with a £1,000 bonus after six months in the role.

Benefits

£1,000 payment after 6 months

Competitive hourly rate

Qualifications

• Childcare qualification Level 2 NVQ or equivalent required.
• Experience in a culturally diverse area preferred.
• Knowledge of Ofsted Standards essential.

Responsibilities

• Support and guide parents/carers to enhance skills.
• Maintain a safe, stimulating learning environment.
• Assist in planning and delivering effective programs.

Skills

Childcare qualification Level 2 NVQ or higher

Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationships with children

Experience in a culturally diverse area

Knowledge of Ofsted Standards

Education

Level 2 NVQ in Childcare

Job description

About the Association

YMCA Black Country Group is a group of YMCA charitable companies and associated trading subsidiaries – the Association – operating in the Black Country and South Staffordshire area. The charity employs around 200 staff across several sites, delivering a wide range of community services including support and advice, accommodation, family work, health and well‑being, training and education. YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive and energising communities where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.

Job Role

• Motivated by the desire to help children develop, you will be part of a team providing high quality care for children from birth to 5 years.
• The post holder will provide a warm and welcoming environment within the Nursery where young children and their families can feel valued and obtain positive help and support.
• Responsibility towards the promotion and practice of safeguarding the welfare of children that you come into contact with.

Responsibilities

1. To offer support and guidance to parents/carers enabling them to extend their own skills, boost their confidence and ensure the emotional well‑being of their child.
2. To share responsibility for the display and maintenance of a safe, stimulating, interactive, learning environment in the Nursery.
3. To work within the guidelines of the EYFS and assist in the planning, preparation and delivery of an effective programme of activities to help babies and young children develop.
4. To provide stimulating learning experiences enabling young children to grow in confidence and independence.
5. To share responsibility for the observation, assessment, monitoring and record‑keeping of children’s learning and development using a variety of methods.
6. To record these observations and produce individual profiles for each child in your care.
7. To share responsibility for providing full access to an effective programme of activities for children identified as requiring additional support.
8. To participate in staff meetings.
9. To provide cover for practitioners within the team as necessary.
10. To work in partnership with other professionals involved with the children and their families, i.e. health visitors, Children's Centres, speech therapists.
11. To assist with the supervision and training of students.
12. To care for sick children and those suffering minor injury.
13. To be familiar with the fire drill and procedures for the safety of the children.
14. To assist with checking equipment for safety and suitability to use and preparing resources as appropriate.
15. Responsible for ensuring the room is cleaned at the end of each day.
16. To assist in the identification of child protection issues.
17. To access personal and curriculum development opportunities.
18. To undertake duties in such a way that ensures a positive multi‑cultural approval and with full regard for the principles and policies in place at the YMCA and comply with the Equal Opportunities & Diversity Policy and Child Protection Procedures within the organisation.
19. Operate within YMCA policies and procedures, strictly observing Health & Safety regulations of colleagues, parents/carers and yourself and the Safeguarding Children & Young People Policy.
20. Operate within Nursery policies and procedures.
21. Ensure all work practice is inclusive, expressed through a wholehearted commitment to welcome those of all faiths and none.
22. Undertake any other related duties that are consistent with the job.

Qualifications and Experience

• Childcare qualification Level 2 NVQ, equivalent, or higher.
• Experience of working in a culturally diverse area and a commitment to equal opportunities in the workplace which creates a welcoming environment for people of all faiths and none.
• Knowledge of Ofsted Standards.
• Ability to form and maintain appropriate relationship and personal boundaries with children.
• Ability to travel between sites when required.

Pay and Benefits

Pay Rate: £12.21 per hour if level 2 qualified, £12.36 per hour if level 3 qualified.

Successful applicants will receive a £1,000 payment after they have been in the role for 6 months. To be eligible for a payment you must either:

• not have worked in a nursery before
• have worked in a nursery before but not in the last 6 months
• have worked in a nursery in the last 6 months but on a temporary contract