Supporting our people to achieve a healthy work/life balance is important both to our employees and to the success of the University and, depending on the role, we offer a variety of flexible working arrangements. We therefore welcome discussions on all forms of flexible working. In addition, you will receive a generous package of benefits including 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. We also have three high quality subsidised day nurseries.

The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston and there are excellent transport links to our beautiful campus, including main bus routes and a train station on site. On campus we have a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, our own art gallery, museum and botanical gardens.

Find out more about the benefits of working for the University of Birmingham [https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/jobs/staff-benefits]

Apprenticeship context

Campus Services plays a unique and significant role in the quality of the student, staff and visitor experience at the University of Birmingham. As one of the largest hospitality organisations in the West Midlands, Campus Services provides round the clock services across diverse areas such as the University’s sporting facilities, catering, cleaning, conferencing, hotel operations, day nurseries, portering, post, retail, student housing, transport, waste disposal and recycling.

Apprenticeship summary

You will learn to provide high quality care, learning and development for all children attending the Nursery. You will ensure that children are safe, happy and stimulated with their individual needs met, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum (EYFS). You will also carry out light domestic duties. In order to flexibly use resource you may be given the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider University.

During this apprenticeship you will learn the following duties:

1. You will provide high quality, positive care for children through social, emotional, educational and practical interaction, nurturing and guidance.
2. You will follow the policies and procedures and comply with the Children Act (2006), Health and Safety legislation and within the requirements of Ofsted and the Early Years Foundation Stage, including ensuring confidentiality is maintained.
3. You will ensure the children are kept safe, are well, and that Child Protection Procedures are followed.
4. You will implement the key worker system to address the individual needs of each child, their family and carers.
5. You will have an awareness of the Special Educational Needs and Disability Code of Practice. Undertake observation and assessment of children’s learning and development, helping ensure records are kept up-to-date, of a high standard and shared effectively.
6. Partner with parents/carers to keep them informed of their child’s day and progress.
7. Organise, maintain and ensure a clean, tidy, hygienic, safe, child-friendly environment.
8. Plan, prepare and supervise activities such as arts and craft, cooking, reading, music, outdoor and physical activities both indoors and out.
9. Clean and maintain toys and equipment in a safe manner.
10. Feed babies and young children ensuring their nutritional needs are met, complying with Food Safety Regulations.
11. Change nappies and support children with potty training and toileting.
12. Help children to learn social, emotional, numeracy, language and practical skills.
13. Work with staff within the nursery to provide a high quality nursery service.
14. Work with outside professional bodies and agencies as appropriate.
15. Implement the daily routine of the nursery.
16. Participate in meetings.
17. Follow the nursery’s practices, processes and procedures. E.g. positive behaviour management techniques.
18. Learn about developments in childcare and undertake training as required.
19. Ensure the health and safety of colleagues and children, complying with all Health and Safety requirements.
20. Treats everyone with dignity and respect in line with current equality legislation.
21. Undertake other duties as required.

You will be expected to engage fully with the University of Birmingham apprenticeship scheme, attending mandatory group days and contributing to the successful promotion of the scheme by representing your department in a positive manner.

This apprenticeship would suit:

This post would suit someone with a keen interest in childcare and is looking to develop a career in this area.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• GCSE English Language and Maths or equivalent Level 2 qualifications.
• Some experience of caring and being responsible for children.
• An enthusiastic, flexible and keen learner who is reliable and dedicated to an apprenticeship.
• Need strong attention to detail and can do attitude.
• Willingness to learn about legislation, regulations, Child Protection procedures, Ofsted requirements, inspection criteria and the Early Years Foundation Stage.
• Understanding the importance of health and safety and hygiene in a childcare setting.
• Physically and mentally suitable to care for children, including ability to deal with challenging behaviours.
• Ability to promote good practice in a professional manner.
• Ability to communicate well and work well with children and adults from diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to write legibly and present information well.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to learn and understand how diversity considerations affect early years’ childcare.
• Ability and willingness to take on duties as required.
• Ability to learn and understand how diversity considerations affect own area (e.g. Dietary requirements/dress code).

Career Pathway

On completion of this apprenticeship, you may be able to progress into a Nursery Practitioner role.

For enquiries please email: apprenticeships@contacts.bham.ac.uk

View our staff values and behaviours here [https://www.download.bham.ac.uk/vacancies/images/Values and Behaviours6-9NEW.png]

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