Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner Apprentice- The Secret Garden Day Nursery (Dawlish)

The Secret Garden based in Dawlish have a fantastic opportunity for a motivated, creative apprentice to join their experienced team to undertake their training.

The Apprentice’s Role

1. To work under the direction of the manager and deputise her as and when required.

2. To support the aims and objectives of the nursery and assist the manager in the organisation of a high-quality establishment for children from birth to eight years.

3. To provide the highest standards of childcare and early education working to ensure we provide a safe caring environment that enables the physical, emotional, social and intellectual development of our children through individual attention and group activities.

4. To direct and support staff as agreed by the settings manager.

5. To implement OFSTED Standards and nursery policies at all times.

6. To work as a team and give support to personnel in the setting.

7. To take responsibility to oversee key areas are implemented effectively.

Main Duties

1. To lead and support a team of professional staff and to ensure good practice at all times and to engage in a good staff team.

2. To take responsibility for designated aspects.

3. Take all responsible steps to provide a safe and secure environment at all times, ensuring high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained and the nursery team’s compliance and awareness to the nursery Health and Safety policies.

4. To assist in the review of policies and procedures.

5. Understand our requirements with regard to the EYFS suitable to the age and adhere to that at all times.

6. Acting as manager having responsibility when the manager is not on the premises.

7. Have a key holder responsibility

8. To be flexible with the working practices of the nursery setting

9. To actively promote and support the safeguarding of children and young people in the workplace, ensuring that all staff and volunteers observe setting policies and procedures to keep children safe from harm.

10. To be a positive/ effective role model for staff and children

11. To assist with the planning and organisation of staffing schedules and holiday rotas to ensure adequate staffing levels are maintained in accordance with OFSTED and local authority guidelines and nursery procedures.

12. To assist with the implementation of administrate procedures involved with: registration, place allocation and other related matters.

13. Liaise with local authorities and other professionals associated with the setting

14. Undertake certain domestic jobs within the setting, e.g. preparation of snacks, cleaning of equipment and other duties and responsibilities of an equivalent nature as may be determined by the manager

15. To be involved in staff training and mentoring of new staff members

16. To meet with staff termly to discuss their development and progress with the manager

17. Support the designated safeguarding officer with MASH enquires, policies and procedures and any other relevant paper-work- see separate job description for main duties.

18. File all relevant paperwork at the end of each week in the office.

Working Hours: 30-40 hours a week over Monday-Friday between the hours of 8am-6pm.

Contact Details: Please contact the setting directly for any questions

The Secret Garden Day Nursery and Pre-school is a private day nursery which is situated in a large friendly house with a dual entry security system.

It has been registered under its new ownership since September 2011. The owner of the nursery Tejaswini Earp has managed and owned nurseries in Early Years for over 20 years, with a specialisation in the Montessori Method of teaching.

Our staff team have years of experience between them and are highly qualified. They are always bettering themselves through various training courses and keep up to date with all current standards and legislation.

On completion of your qualification, you will have the opportunity to developing your skills, experience and knowledge further within the working environment.

The employer is very committed to staff development and training, and to assist the successful apprentice to progress through all their training, with a view to future employment.

Skills Required

The successful candidate needs to be outgoing and able to work using own initiative. As an apprentice you will have an interest in the needs of young children & have the ability to work as part of a team & understand the importance of confidentiality.

You will need to have good communication skills when dealing with children and adults, and will be reliable and hardworking. The successful candidate must have great leadership and organisational skills, and be confident in everything they do. You must have the ability to work under pressure, as well as possess good problem solving skills and flexibility in your approach to work.

Personal Qualities

The successful applicant will need to be highly reliable and extremely patient, with a kind, fair and supportive approach to be able to work effectively in this child care setting.

As an apprentice, you must be able to work with other adults and be able to demonstrate good teamwork skills, and where required, have the ability to work alone in an organised and focused manner.

An ability to communicate well with children, staff and parents is essential.

1. To meet the needs of each individual child in your care, responding sensitively to their feelings, ideas and behaviour, and making them feel cherished.

2. To help the children become familiar with the setting and feel confident and safe within it

3. T develop a genuine bond with your key child and form settled relationships

4. To build relationships and communication with parents and support their needs

5. To ensure the children feel happy and secure, making them more confident to explore and try new things

6. To have special responsibilities for working with a small number of children giving them the reassurance to feel safe and cared for

Prior Qualifications

Qualifications required for this role, include GCSE grades A-C in Maths and English or equivalent qualifications such as functional skills. Must have a Level 3 Early Years Educator qualification.

Additional Requirements

In order to be successful for this position, you will need to complete an enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. This will be arranged by the employer after successfully completing the initial interview.

The Apprenticeship in Child Care includes:

◾Level 5 Early Years Lead Practitioner
◾Functional Skills in Maths and English
◾Option to do a Level 3 SEND award alongside your apprenticeship

Most aspects of the qualification and training will be delivered at your workplace where you will be supported throughout your training by your employer. You will have regular visits every six to eight weeks from your designated assessor who will help you, and monitor your progression throughout your apprenticeship.