Nursery Practitioner

First Steps is open for 51 weeks of the year with a core opening time of 7.30am to 6.00pm. It is closed only for Bank Holidays and the week between Christmas and the New Year.

Job Purpose

• To promote a safe, caring and stimulating childcare environment.
• To assist with the organisation and implementation of a programme of activities in accordance with the Early Years Foundation Stage appropriate to each age group.

Key Responsibilities

• To ensure that the children are happy, settled and well cared for.
• To be a key worker for named children and to plan for individual needs and to keep accurate records.
• To work as part of a team to ensure that the children’s individual needs are met, and ensure that every child reaches their full potential.
• To work as part of a team to ensure effective and appropriate communication with parents, carers, members of staff and external agencies.
• To ensure health, hygiene and safety standards are maintained.
• To assist with all activities in the nursery as requested by senior staff.
• To respect and maintain the working environment and resources.
• To adhere to all First Steps operational policies and procedures. 

Requirements; 

• Level 3 in Childcare 
• Full time / Part time (Up to 37 hours per week) 
• 52 weeks of the year 
• Pro rata of £24,434.80 - £24,819.60 per annum
• Opening hours 7.30am - 18.00pm 

Salary progression: Salary progression is achieved through annual increments, in accordance with the Company’s Performance Management Scheme.

Holiday entitlement: The annual leave year runs from 1 January to 31 December. 22 days with 8 bank holidays per year. In addition, the days between Christmas and New Year are not deducted from your leave entitlement.

Holiday restrictions: Leave cannot be taken on certain days designated by the Company, e.g. development. Leave is to be agreed in advance with the line manager.

Pension scheme: Permanent and fixed term staff (regardless of how many hours they are contracted to) will automatically be entered into the National Employment Savings Trust (“NEST”), provided their appointment is for at least three months in duration. Participation is subject to its terms and conditions. The Company’s policy is to contribute as an employer to staff in membership of the NEST only. Should staff opt out of the NEST, the Company will comply with the employer duties under Part 1 of the Pensions Act 2008 in respect of staff and it will automatically enrol or re-enrol staff into a pension scheme as and when required by law.