FIRST STEP COMMUNITY PROJECT

PROJECT EARLY YEARS WORKER

(Job Share/Maternity Cover)

18 HOURS

SALARY SJC POINTS 15 – 22

£16,818 - £19,959

(£8,351-£9,910 pro rata)

“The aim of First Step is to provide opportunities for local families with young children to make positive choices in their lives by providing supportive centre-based and outreach services that encourage parents and children to develop their skills, confidence and self-esteem.”

TheProject Early Years Worker will work in line with these aims.

RESPONSIBLE TO:Early Years Manager

PURPOSE OF JOB:

To provide, in partnership with parents, high quality childcare for children aged 0- 4 years. Using a child-centred approach, ongoing observations and effective planning, provide a wide range of learning experiences and activities which will ensure each child’s involvement and progress in all the key aspects of their development.

To work in partnership with local parents, providing support and advice, empowering them both in their parenting role and in their wider role in the community.

Participate in the life of the project contributing to the sense of community between staff, parents and children.

MAJOR TASKS

The Project Early Years Worker will:-

  • work together with colleagues and in partnership with parents to ensure that a challenging child-centred learning environment is provided, appropriate to the ages and abilities of all children;
  • participate in planning activities and programmes which provide a full range of experiences, both inside and out, using good quality, safe and interesting equipment and materials;
  • ensure gender stereotyping is avoided in the provision of toys and play materials;
  • promote citizenship within the project.
  • provide learning opportunities which are creative, imaginative, very well matched to the needs of each childand take account of children’s interests;
  • observe, extend,monitor and recordthe learning and progress of each child for whom she/he is responsible, maintaining their ‘learning stories’ and participating in discussions with colleagues and parents to plan ‘next steps’;
  • ensure that the play material and equipment selected presentschildren with a positive view of all cultures e.g. multicultural dolls/games/jigsaws;
  • provide a learning environment which is complementary to the child’s home experience and that the views and needs of children and parents are listened to and respected;
  • ensure that there is breadth and balance in activities and programme’s, in line with local and national guidelines;
  • monitor and track observations for the more able child as well as children who require extra support;
  • promote each child’s learning in all areas of their development i.e. social and emotional, communication and language, knowledge and understanding of the world, expressive and aesthetic and physical development;
  • promote the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in all areas of the playroom;
  • promote imaginative play and use it as vehicle to aid each area of children’s learning;
  • support children in their mathematical learning by using appropriate questioning techniques and use of mathematical language;
  • encourage a stimulating and positive relationship with other children and adults;
  • make effective use of other facilities and services in the local community. Increase the child’s knowledge and experience of the local neighbourhood and beyond;
  • help children develop values and positive attitudes towards others and to allow them to learn how to express personal opinions and make choices;
  • be very sensitive and responsive to the support needs of individual families;
  • ensure that each child, for whom she/he is responsible, will be nurtured and receive proper physical care while in the project and out on trips and that the needs of all the children in terms of general well-being, health, nutrition and safety are met;
  • ensure that any concerns regarding child protection are reported immediately to her/his line manager;
  • when required, contribute to the reports for and attend Review meetings and discussions with other professional’s workers (e.g. Speech Therapist, Social Worker, Health Visitor etc);
  • provide a regular supportive and consultative service to parents of the children.She/he will establish a meaningful and purposeful relationship with parents, recognise the value of the parent’s role in the child’s life and work in partnership with parents to achieve the best for their children;
  • make home visits when appropriate;
  • participate, as appropriate, in the development of other groups and activities with parents and children in the centre;
  • support students on placement and, by agreement, undertake supervision;
  • as part of the Early Years team, be involved in the review and selection ofresources for the playrooms;

SUPERVISORY

As above,to include secondary school pupils and volunteers over the age of 16 years.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Programmes of work will be agreed with the staff team and regular supervision will be provided by the Early Years Manager.

TRAINING

Appropriate training courses will be identified and agreed with the Early Years Manager. Participation in staff in-service training is required.

COMPLEXITY

In the performance of the above tasks, the Project Early Years Worker will be required to demonstrate:-

  • a sound knowledge and understanding of early childhood development, childhood ailments, child protection and first aid procedures;
  • the ability to recognise the effects of deprivation, additional support needs and environmental factors on the child/family;
  • the ability to recognise and understand the dynamics of parent/child relationships and respond appropriately;
  • a sound knowledge of key documents, pre-birth to three and curriculum for excellence;
  • observation assessment, planning and recording skills;
  • excellent communication skills, initiative, creativity, self-direction and self awareness;
  • the ability to operate as a member of a team and contribute to the aims and objectives of First Step;
  • a knowledge and understanding of the Project’s Equal Opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

CONTACTS

All project staff, parents, Management Committee members, volunteers, Health Visitors, Social Workers, Inspection Officers, Early Years Advisors,Educational Psychologists, students, college tutors, workers from voluntary agencies and other community groups.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

At least two years experience of working in an under 5’s setting. Excellent communication skills and the experience/ability to work within a team and take on a lead role are all essential.

N.N.E.B/HNC / SVQ III in Childcare and Education or equivalent are essential.

This post requires a person with a wide knowledge of the need for creating opportunities and to have them met in a community orientated and family focused setting.

This post is subject to a PVG check and registration with the SSSC.