Care Practitioner

Job Description – Early Years Practitioner

The Organisation

Cramond Playgroup is a parent-led community playgroup established in 1967, dedicated to providing high quality, fun and accessible care for children aged between 2 and 5. We are a registered charity. We are open during school term time from 9am – 12 Noon, Monday – Friday. Sessions are run at Cramond Kirk Halls, EH4 6NS.

Job title

Early Years Practitioner

Hours

Permanent post. Term time part-time role. Up to 5 mornings per week; 4 hours per morning, 8.30am to 12.30.

School term time: ~38 weeks per year

5.6 weeks statutory annual leave each calendar year and inclusive of those public and bank holidays recognised by the Company. Leave to be taken in school holidays.

Salary

Role is paid at an hourly rate above NLW

Term time working weeks. You will be paid for 38 weeks per year plus annual leave, which is paid in 12 monthly payments.

Pension contributions

Purpose of job

Work as part of a team of early years staff, deliver a quality pre-school experience in line with National Care Standards: Early Education and Childcare.

We are looking for a brilliant new team member with up to five days availability who has a passion for childcare and a keen awareness of collaboration and team working.

Responsibilities/key elements of the job

Assess and develop children’s learning and development, acting as key worker to a group of children. Liaising closely with parents/carer and ensuring each child needs are recognised and met until the child is settled and integrated. This includes regular observations to assess progress, identify when and where support is required and show development through writing of individual learning records.

· Ensure children are treated individually, with sensitivity and respect

· To provide children choice in their daily activities whilst in playgroup

· To set up the playgroup at the beginning of the session and ensure that all activities are tidied away at the end

· To keep complete confidential any information regarding the children, their families or other staff which is learned as part of the job

· To work as a team member under the direction of the Playgroup Practice Manager to provide a safe, high-quality environment for the care and wellbeing of children (on average 20-25 children per session aged from 2 -5 years)

· To advise the Playgroup Practice Manager of any concerns e.g. over children, parents or the safety of equipment, preserving confidentiality as necessary

· Contribute to Risk Assessment of new programme activities

· Have an awareness of cultural, social and religious diversity

· Have positive and constructive interaction with parents, including assisting in meeting and greeting parents and provide feedback to them at the end of each session and at other times as appropriate

· To attend staff meetings and in service days as arranged

Essential requirements

Adhere to Cramond Playgroup policies and Procedures

Work to Health and Social Care Standards and use Scottish Government national guidelines to plan and provide for children’s care, learning and development.

Register with the Scottish Social Services Council and adhere to the Code of Practice for Social Services Workers and the Care Inspectorate

Abide by the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme

The successful applicant will demonstrate:

Sensitivity and respect for children

Enthusiasm and authenticity

An understanding of child development and early years learning

Positive and respectful communication with parents and carers

Good interpersonal and team skills

A willingness to undertake training and professional development as required

Please send a CV (with relevant qualifications noted) and a cover letter to The Volunteer Secretary. cramondsecretary@gmail.com

Interviews will be held in Cramond with a member of the Volunteer Mgmt Committee and the Playgroup Manager.