Foundation Stage Practitioner ( Pre-School Assistant)

FOUNDATION STAGE PRACTITIONER ( PRE-SCHOOL ASSISTANT)

Responsible to: firstly the Pre-School Manager, ultimately to the Pre-School Committee. Responsible for: None

Purpose of the job: To support the Manager and Supervisor in providing a stimulating and varied programme of play, ensuring the safety and well-being of children in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.

Main duties

1.  Help prepare and fully set out the playroom before the children arrive and tidy up after the children leave, allowing 30mins before and after the session times. This will involve the

lifting and carrying of chairs, tables and storage crates.

2.  Help with all aspects of curriculum planning, maintaining records, providing and taking part in all group activities. During sessions, your priority is to engage with the children, so some paperwork and preparation will need to be completed on an ad hoc basis at home.

3.  Listen to, encourage, enable, interest and observe the children, at the same time ensuring their safekeeping and comfort.

4.  Pay close attention to the children in his/her keyworker group,* conducting regular conversations with the parents of those children. Encourage parental involvement.

5.  Advise the Manager of any matters requiring attention, such as concerns about a child, or equipment needing replacement or repair.

6.  Maintain Accident and Incident book and inform parents as appropriate.

7.  Attend staff meetings and help to prepare a curriculum plan for the group.

8.  Read and implement the policies of the Pre-School.

9.  Attend relevant courses and meetings as directed by the Manager . (Approved course fees will be met by the Committee).

10.  Attend and support fundraising/social/sports and open days as requested.

11.  To undertake any reasonable duties as directed by the Manager, in accordance with the settings business plan/objectives.

Person Specification

Essential criteria:-

1.  Level 2 early years education and childcare qualification.

2.  Previous experience of working with young children, and sound knowledge of child development for children up to 5 yrs.

3.  Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)

4.  Friendly, reliable and flexible approach to work to facilitate effective relationships within the team.

5.  Ability to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English for record keeping and reporting.

6.  Knowledge of child protection procedures

Desirable criteria:-

1.  Level 3 early years education and childcare qualification, or a commitment to obtaining this.

NB This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and an enhanced criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service ( DBS) is required for the role. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have, and any orders which may have been made against them.

* JOB RESPONSIBILITIES as a KEY PERSON

For each of your key children, you should be :

·  A point of welcome and contact for the child and his/her carers at drop-off time.

·  Making observations during session time, and thinking of next steps for learning.

·  Completing the Learning Journey using our electronic system (training provided), and other records as required

·  Taking photos to show your key child’s learning steps.

·  Making sure that the planning takes account of his/her needs and interests.

·  Helping with his/her personal care and encouraging the development of independence.

To help you develop a strong bond with your key children, you should:

·  Be a welcoming face for that child each day.

·  Get down on to the child’s level when you talk together

·  Talk together a lot

·  Smile and use a friendly tone

·  Make frequent use of his/her name

·  Sit down and share an activity together

·  Where possible, stay and play for an extended period of time.

·  Show an interest in the child’s choice of toys/resources, or any interest that he/she expresses

Remember:

·  You do not have to follow your key children at all times.

·  You work with all the children, not just your key children

·  Confidentiality is vital – keep his/her personal issues or private information confidential.