Job Summary

To work as a member of the Nursery Team to ensure that all children attending the setting receive high quality care, are kept safe and receive rich and stimulating play experiences. To be responsible for meeting the requirements of regulatory bodies with relation to Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Birth to Five matters, special needs, safeguarding, Health and Safety and to ensure that company policies and procedures are adhered to.

Key Responsibilities

• To assist in ensuring that the nursery provides a safe, happy and stimulating environment that is appropriate for individual children and enables them to meet their full potential.
• Deliver a key person approach.
• Ensuring that, at all times the safeguarding and welfare requirements are met.
• Observe, plan and evaluate appropriately for children using the EYFS curriculum for prime and specific areas of learning.
• Conduct parents meetings to discuss progress of children.
• Support transitions to older rooms and primary schools.
• Maintain accurate and effective children’s records, using formative and summative assessments.
• Work in partnership with parents and careers.
• Have an Understanding of British Values.
• Ensure children’s needs are met including SEND and Safeguarding.
• Work with other agencies including area SENDCOs, EYFS advisors and health professionals as appropriate.
• Ensure that the nutritional needs of the children are met and that Food Safety Regulations are complied with.
• Undertake a shared responsibility for health and safety, safeguarding and mental wellbeing of all children attending the setting.
• Ensure the general cleanliness of the children at all times.
• Adhere to all Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Be fully aware of all emergency and security procedures relating to the nursery.
• Operate the highest standards of hygiene and cleanliness in the nursery, including cleaning of classrooms, garden and staffroom.
• Adhere to all company policies and procedures.
• Mentor and role model for other staff, supporting new staff and apprentices.
• Meet the company’s minimum standards, philosophy, belief and ethos and implement the values daily.
• Take on extra responsibilities for continuous professional development.
• Maintain relevant knowledge of the industry by completing training as and when required.

Essential Criteria

Qualification

• Minimum Level 2 or 3 Early Years Educator (EYE) or equivalent qualification.
• A valid Paediatric First Aid certificate.

Experience

At least 1 year of experience working with children aged 0-5 years in an early years setting.

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and child protection policies.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage with children, parents, and colleagues effectively.
• Ability to plan and deliver age-appropriate activities that support children’s learning and development.
• Strong observational skills to assess children’s development and plan next steps.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently when necessary.
• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks.
• A caring and patient nature, with a genuine passion for working with young children.

Compliance

• Enhanced DBS check required.
• Right to work in the UK.

Relevant Experience

• Experience working within a nursery, preschool, or other early years setting.
• Experience in creating and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment for children.
• Experience working with children with additional needs and implementing individual support plans.

Education and Training

Mandatory

• Level 2/3 Early Years Educator (EYE) or equivalent.
• Paediatric First Aid certification.
• Safeguarding training.

Desirable

• Additional qualifications in child development, special educational needs, or similar.
• Food hygiene certificate.
• Health and Safety training.
• Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Knowledge

• In-depth knowledge of child development and milestones.
• Understanding of diversity, equality, and inclusion in the early years.
• Awareness of the key transitions in the early years and how to support children through them.

Skills

• Creative skills for designing engaging learning activities.
• Organizational skills to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Conflict resolution skills to handle difficult situations with children and parents.

Abilities

• Ability to foster positive relationships with children and their families.
• Ability to reflect on practice and seek continuous professional development.
• Flexibility to adapt to the changing needs of the nursery environment.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience in implementing and managing key person systems.
• Knowledge of current early years research and the ability to apply it in practice.
• Experience with electronic learning journals and other digital tools for monitoring and recording children’s progress.
• A commitment to continuous professional development, including willingness to undertake further training.
• Experience in outdoor learning and understanding the importance of nature in early years education.

This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the role. Duties and responsibilities may vary based on the specific needs of the nursery.

Equal Opportunities

Maxxi’s nurseries is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.