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To provide high-quality care, education and learning opportunities for children aged 0–5 years, supporting their individual development, wellbeing and emotional needs. The Level 3 Early Years Practitioner will work as part of a professional nursery team to provide a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

The practitioner will build positive relationships with children and families, contribute to planning and observations, and support children to develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive.

Key Responsibilities

Children’s Care and Wellbeing

• Provide warm, responsive and consistent care to children.
• Build strong, positive relationships with children and respond sensitively to their individual needs.
• Support children with personal care routines, including toileting, nappy changing, mealtimes, sleep and dressing.
• Promote children's independence, confidence and self-esteem.
• Follow individual care plans, dietary requirements, medical needs and other relevant guidance.
• Support children's emotional wellbeing and help them manage transitions and changes to routines.

Learning and Development

• Support the delivery of an engaging, child-centred curriculum based on the EYFS.
• Plan and provide age-appropriate activities and experiences that reflect children's interests and developmental needs.
• Use observations and professional knowledge to identify children's next steps.
• Encourage learning through play, exploration and real-life experiences.
• Support children's communication, language, physical, social and emotional development.
• Provide appropriate challenge and support to help every child make progress.
• Make effective use of both indoor and outdoor learning environments.

Key Person Responsibilities

• Take responsibility for a group of key children, developing strong relationships with them and their families.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of key children's interests, development, routines and individual needs.
• Complete appropriate observations, assessments and records.
• Communicate effectively with parents and carers regarding their child's day, development and wellbeing.
• Support settling-in periods and transitions between rooms and into school.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

• Have a clear understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
• Follow the nursery's safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
• Recognise and report signs and indicators of abuse, neglect or other safeguarding concerns.
• Maintain professional boundaries and appropriate conduct at all times.
• Follow procedures for accidents, incidents, medication, intimate care and other safeguarding matters.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information appropriately.

Health, Safety and Risk Management

• Maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment for children.
• Carry out and follow relevant risk assessments and safety procedures.
• Ensure children are supervised appropriately at all times.
• Follow food hygiene, infection control, safe sleep and safer eating procedures.
• Report hazards, accidents, incidents and maintenance concerns promptly.
• Ensure resources and equipment are used safely and appropriately.

Teamwork and Professional Practice

• Work collaboratively with Room Leaders, colleagues and management.
• Communicate effectively with colleagues to ensure consistency of care and practice.
• Contribute positively to the nursery's culture and values.
• Attend staff meetings, training and professional development opportunities.
• Reflect on practice and actively seek opportunities to improve knowledge and skills.
• Support apprentices, students and less experienced colleagues where appropriate.
• Follow nursery policies, procedures and professional standards.
• Maintain a professional, positive and respectful approach at all times.

Person Specification

• Recognised Level 3 Early Years/Childcare qualification.
• Strong understanding of the EYFS.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection.
• Understanding of children's development from birth to five.
• Ability to communicate effectively with children, parents and colleagues.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Caring, patient and nurturing approach.
• Reliable, responsible and professional.
• Commitment to providing high-quality care and learning experiences.
• Previous experience working in an early years setting.
• Experience of supporting children with SEND.
• Knowledge of observation, assessment and planning.
• Experience acting as a key person.
• Additional relevant training or qualifications.

Expected Professional Standards

All practitioners are expected to:

• Put children's safety, wellbeing and learning at the centre of their practice.
• Treat every child as an individual and promote equality, inclusion and respect.
• Maintain high standards of professional conduct.
• Be proactive, enthusiastic and willing to learn.
• Take responsibility for their own practice and development.
• Communicate openly and professionally with colleagues and families.
• Contribute to a positive, supportive and inclusive nursery environment.
• Follow all nursery policies and procedures consistently.

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