JOB DESCRIPTION POSITION: Early Years Practitioner JOB OVERVIEW Summary of role The role of an Early Years Practitioner is to inspire, excite and nurture children through a crucial stage of their development. The aim is to motivate children and use resources imaginatively to help them learn. You will provide a safe and secure environment for them to develop their social and communication skills, while recording observations and summarising their achievements. Reports to: Nursery Manager Reports in: None KEY TASKS Planning Learning Plan rich and stimulating learning activities that achieve good progression in pupils’ understanding by: Identifying clear learning objectives and learning content, appropriate to the subject matter and the pupils being taught Setting exciting and intriguing tasks for whole class learning, small group learning and self-initiated, exploratory learning. Setting clear targets for pupils’ learning that build on prior attainment. Identifying pupils who: - have special educational needs - are high attainers - are not yet fluent in English Ensure that learning is appropriately differentiated so that the learning is well pitched and all pupils are challenged at their current level of understanding. Create a high quality, rich, stimulating and enabling learning environment containing items that will capture pupils’ attention and lead to independent exploration. Make effective use of assessment information on pupils’ attainment and progress when teaching and in planning future learning. Plan opportunities to develop pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. Teaching and classroom management Ensure effective teaching of the whole class, and of groups and individuals within the whole class setting, so that learning objectives are met, and pupils’ learning time is used efficiently. Establish and maintain a purposeful learning atmosphere. Set high expectations for pupils’ behaviours, establishing, and maintaining a good standard of discipline through well focused, engaging teaching and through positive and productive relationships. Establish a safe, clean and secure learning environment which promotes pupils’ confidence. Use teaching methods which capture pupils’ interest and maintain their engagement through offering rich, captivating learning activities, setting the highest expectations for all pupils. Clearly establishing a purpose for learning, placing it within a context Effective questioning that includes open and closed questions, together with the use of probing, supplementary questions Providing frequent opportunities for pupils to learn through talk and interaction. Stimulating intellectual curiosity and communicating enthusiasm for learning Matching the teaching approaches used to the learning and development area of the curriculum and the age of the pupils being taught. Modelling good language use to children Modelling good social skills to children Clear instruction, effective modelling and accurate explanation listening carefully to pupils, analysing their responses and responding constructively in order to take their learning forward. Selecting and making good use of ICT and other learning resources which enable learning objectives to be met Providing opportunities to develop pupils’ wider understanding by relating their learning to ‘real life’. Be familiar with the Code of Practice on the identification and assessment of special educational needs and, as part of the responsibilities under the Code, create and review One Plans for pupils with identified special educational needs. Evaluate your own teaching critically and use this to improve your effectiveness. Management and administration Participate in administrative and organisational tasks related to the responsibilities described above. Foster close relationships with parents/carers and the wider community. Assist them to support their child’s learning at home. Present a positive image of the school to all other stakeholders. The Governing Body is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share in this commitment. Additional Responsibilities for Qualified Practitioners and Room Leaders: Be responsible for the line management of teaching assistants in the Nursery including their performance management as required. Support students on placement in Early Years Foundation Stage classes. Person Specification Essential Desirable Qualifications GCSE qualification in English and Maths Qualification in Health and Social Care NVQ Level 2 or 3 or equivalent in childcare Foundation Degree or BA in Early Years (B.Ed) Qualified teacher status (QTS) Early years teacher status (EYTS) Early years professional status (EYPS) Experience An understanding of the EYFS curriculum Experience of, and commitment to, outdoor learning. A knowledge and understanding of the use of a range of media to teach and assess children’s progress. A knowledge and understanding of room organization, learning strategies, and working with a free flow environment. EYFS welfare, learning and development requirements; Planning for learning in the EYFS. Knowledge and requirements Experience within the Early Years Foundation Stage The statutory requirements of legislation concerning Equal Opportunities, Health & Safety, SEN and Child Protection The use of ICT to effectively support the teaching and learning and to monitor children’s progress. Skills and Attributes Ability to: Develop good personal relationships within the team. Establish and develop effective relationships with parents and the community. Communicate effectively (both orally and in writing) to parents and children. Deal with conflict in an appropriate manner. Be reflective and learn from past experiences; Show resilience and an ability to work under pressure; Promote the school and nursery’s aims positively. Demonstrate excellent IT skills Personal Qualities Equal Opportunities and Commitment Be an effective team player that works collaboratively and effectively with others. Excellent interpersonal skills, communicating (verbally and in-writing) effectively to a wide-range of audiences. Support, motivate and inspire both colleagues and pupils by leading through example. Suitability to work with children. Confidence, warmth, sensitivity, reliability and enthusiasm Commitment to equality of opportunity for all regardless of gender, disability, religion, and ethnic origin Demonstrate a commitment to: safeguarding and child protection equalities promoting the school’s vision, values and ethos high quality, stimulating learning environment. relating positively to and showing respect for all members of the school and wider community ongoing relevant professional self-development I have read and understood the responsibilities for the position of Early Years Practitioner. I am aware that the Job Description is subject to change accordance with the needs of the business. Name: Signed: Date: Inspired Learning Group committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children & young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. Applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening, as all new staff will be subject to enhanced DBS clearance, identity checks, qualification checks and employment checks to include an exploration of any gaps within employment, two satisfactory references and registration with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).