Early Years Practitioner

Overview

Blue Penguin are currently looking for an early years practitioner to join our team. Your role will include the following:

• Planning and Delivering Educational
  
  Activities:
  
  Creating and implementing age-appropriate activities that promote learning through play, exploration, and discovery. Practitioners use the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework (in the UK) as a guide to ensure activities meet developmental milestones and objectives.
• Observing and Assessing Progress:
  Monitoring each child’s development, recording observations, and assessing their needs. Early Years Practitioners identify children’s strengths, interests, and areas requiring additional support, feeding this information into planning and reporting processes.
• Supporting Emotional and Social Development:
  Encouraging positive interactions, cooperation, and communication among children. Practitioners help children to share, take turns, express their feelings, and build friendships, fostering a secure and inclusive atmosphere.
• Ensuring a Safe and Healthy Environment:
  Maintaining a secure, clean, and welcoming space. This includes conducting regular risk assessments, following safeguarding procedures, and promoting good hygiene practices.
• Building Relationships with Families:
  Keeping parents and carers informed about their child’s progress, well-being, and achievements. Practitioners provide guidance and support, respond to queries, and involve families in their child’s learning journey.
• Supporting Children with Additional Needs:
  Identifying children who require extra help and liaising with special educational needs coordinators (SENCOs) and other professionals to develop and implement tailored support plans.
• Promoting Equality and Inclusion:
  Upholding an ethos of diversity, respecting all backgrounds, and creating an environment where every child feels valued and included.
• Administrative Duties:
  Keeping accurate records, completing reports, and ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, including those related to child protection, health and safety, and data protection.
• Continuous Professional Development:
  Attending training sessions, workshops, and meetings to stay updated on best practice, policies, and legislation in early years education.

• Relevant
  
  Qualifications:
  
  A recognised qualification in early childhood education or childcare, such as Level 2 or Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education, Early Years Educator qualifications, or equivalent.
• Work Experience:
  
  Practical experience gained through placements, volunteering, or employment in early years settings.
• Background Checks: A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or equivalent to ensure suitability to work with children.
• Ongoing Learning: A commitment to continuous professional development and ongoing training.