Nursery Practitioner

The role of the Nursery Practitioner 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. At the Elms we work with children, parents, external agencies and the community to ensure the welfare and safety of children to give them the very best start in life.

This role will primarily be based at The Elms with flexibility expected to support our other nurseries when required. The Elms supports children from babies to pre-school ages 3-5, with impressive outside space and a sensory room.

The University operates 3 successful day nurseries – The Elms and The Maples (both in Edgbaston), and The Oaks (in Selly Oak) – providing high quality childcare for over 330 children belonging to University staff, students and local families. You will be joining a dedicated and supportive team of over 120 nursery professionals.

Main Duties:

- Provide high quality, positive care for babies and children from 6 weeks old to 5 years through social, emotional, educational and practical interaction, nurturing and guidance.
- Promote all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework.
- Make sure children are kept safe, are well, and that Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures are followed.
- Act as a key worker undertaking all aspects of the key worker role and advocating for the children within your group.
- Create a safe, secure and welcoming environment that enables children to participate in a range of adult and child-led learning and development experiences, whilst building confidence and independence.
- Ensure the nutritional needs of babies and children throughout every stage of their development, adhering to Food Safety Regulations, NHS Guidance and Department For Education Nutritional Standards.
- Attend to children's basic care needs, including changing nappies and helping children with potty/toilet training.
- Work as part of a team to provide a high-quality nursery service in line with the setting ethos, implementing the setting's policies, procedures, routines and contributing ideas and strategies for ongoing development.
- Work with outside professional bodies or agencies as appropriate.
- Ensure the health and safety of nursery users through implementation of the settings health and safety procedures and ensuring the completion of ongoing risk assessments.
- Carry out light domestic duties as and when required in the playrooms.
- Undertake other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:
- Childcare and Education NVQ Level 3 or equivalent
- GCSE English Language and Maths or equivalent Level 1 qualifications
- Basic Literacy in English
- Knowledge of developments in early years education and willingness to undertake training
- Sound knowledge of legislation, regulations, Ofsted requirements, inspection criteria and the Early Years Foundation Stage
- Understanding of how to ensure health and safety and hygiene in a childcare setting
- Approachable with good interpersonal skills, and able to communicate with a range of people including parents, children, staff, visitors and other professionals
- Demonstrate a commitment to all aspects of Inclusion
- The ability to retain and interpret information provided such as policies and procedures which regulate work practices

Desirable:
- Current and relevant experience in an early years setting
- Paediatric First Aid training
- Basic Food Safety training

Benefits:
- 40 days paid holiday a year
- One paid day a year for volunteering
- Occupational sick pay
- Pension scheme
- Access to three high quality subsidised day nurseries
- Birmingham Professional development programme
- State-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, art gallery, museum and botanical gardens on campus

All offers are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and safer recruitment vetting checks. The University will seek references from at least one referee prior to interview.