Childcare Apprenticeship - Barnsley

Forward Steps Nursery are looking for a new Nursery Assistant Apprentice. You will be studying toward your Early Years Practitioner Level 2.

Requirements

• Apprenticeships include time away from working for specialist training. You’ll study to gain professional knowledge and skills.
• The post holder will provide full and practical support in the day-to-day running of the nursery under the supervision of the Nursery Manager and the Deputy Manager.
• This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check which will disclose all cautions, reprimands and warnings as well as convictions.

Responsibilities

• To provide high quality care and activities for children which recognise both individual and group requirements in a safe, secure and stimulating environment and meet their physical, social, emotional, intellectual and developmental needs.
• To plan, organise and implement appropriate programmes and activities both inside and outside the nursery which consider each individual child’s development and encourage creativity, development, co-ordination, independence, self expression and learning through play. This includes free flow systems to aid the development of children’s self-assurance, independence, making choices and self-selecting.
• To assist in providing a safe, supportive and caring environment for young children in the care of Forward Steps Nursery.
• To assist in the provision of an attractive, stimulating and creative environment and range of equipment, resources, activities and displays, both indoors and outdoors, relevant to the ages and needs of the children which encourage independence, self motivation and eagerness to learn.
• To be fully up to date with the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage and ensure that the safety, care, welfare and well being of each child meets the statutory requirements.
• To monitor, assess, record and report on the development and progress of children in the care of Forward Steps Nursery.
• To keep children’s files up to date with planning for their individual needs, observations, development records and all other relevant documentation following company policies and procedures and as requested by the nursery manager and deputy manager.
• To prepare and serve food, milk, drinks and snacks to children as required encouraging good nutrition and sociable eating.
• To assist children with personal care, including changing nappies, assisting with potty training, toileting, changing clothes and other associated welfare duties
• To carry out housekeeping duties including cleaning of the nursery ensuring that clean and hygienic standards are maintained at all times and ensuring that cleaning materials are used safely.
• Support babies and young children through a range of transitions and significant events. e.g moving onto school, moving house or the birth of a sibling.
• Recognise when a child is in danger, at risk of serious harm or abuse and explain the procedures to be followed to protect them. Types of abuse including: domestic, neglect , physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.
• Identify risks and hazards in the provision and during off site visits relating to both children and staff and visitors and follow reporting procedures.
• Use prevention and control of infection techniques for hand washing and food preparation and hygiene, deal with spillages safely, safe disposal of waste, using correct personal protective equipment.
• Use equipment, furniture and materials safely and securely, following the manufacturers’ instructions and provision’s requirements.
• Encourage children to be aware of personal safety and the safety of others and develop personal hygiene practices (including oral hygiene).
• Promote health and wellbeing in the provision by encouraging babies and young children to consume healthy, balanced and nutritious meals, snacks and drinks appropriate for their age and be physically active through planned and spontaneous activity throughout the day, both indoors and outdoors.
• Carry out respectful care routines appropriate to the development, stage, dignity and needs of the child, including eating (feeding and weaning or complementary feeding), nappy changing procedures, potty or toilet training, care of skin, teeth and hair and rest and sleep provision.
• Communicate with all children, including those for whom English is an additional language and those with additional needs, in ways that will be understood. This includes verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Extend children’s development and learning through verbal and non-verbal communication.
• Encourage babies and young children to use a range of communication methods.
• Use a range of appropriate communication methods to share information with children, parents or carers and other professionals.
• Work with colleagues to identify and plan educational programmes to support children’s holistic development through a range of play, creativity, social development and learning.
• Implement and review activities to support children’s play, creativity, social development and learning and clear up after activities.
• Observe children, assess, plan and record the outcomes, share results accurately and confidentially in line with expected statutory and the provision’s requirements.
• Use learning activities to support early language development.
• Support children’s early interest and development in mark making, writing, reading and being read to.
• Support children’s interest and development in mathematical learning including numbers, number patterns, counting, sorting and matching.
• Support the graduated approach for the assessment, planning, implementation and reviewing of each baby’s and young child's individual plan for their care and participation.
• Work in ways that value and respect the developmental needs and stages of babies and children.
• Use feedback and mentoring or supervision to identify and support areas for development, goals and career opportunities.
• Work co-operatively with colleagues, other professionals and agencies to meet the needs of babies and young children and enable them to progress.
• Work alongside parents or carers and recognise their role in the baby or child’s health, well-being, learning and development.
• Encourage parents or carers to take an active role in the baby's or child’s care, play, learning and development.
• Demonstrate how to share information with parents or carers about the importance of healthy, balanced and nutritious diets for their child, looking after teeth and being physically active.