Assistant Lead Practitioner

Job summary

Our single setting Family run nursery has been rated as one of the top 20 in Southeast England several times.

Almost every nursery has a vacancy at the moment, so why join us? 

As a small family run single setting , we see ourselves as an extended family. We are looking for a 'special someone' who is completely reliable, respectful, honest and kind with a positive attitude. Could you be a grown-up friend and role model to our toddlers, an advisor to our families and a trusted support to colleagues across the whole setting? We need a qualified practitioner who will be confident enough to support the room leader to run our toddler room team with clarity, kindness and complete professionalism. Our most recent OFSTED rating of 'Good' confirmed our self-assessment that we would like more challenge for our youngest children. Are you the person that has experience and personal desire to support the room leader in taking the Rainbow team to the next level of development? Why not get in touch and find out more? 

The post is for a fully qualified Early Years Practitioner as a n 'Assistant Room Leader' (working to support the Room Lead with the smooth running of the room). Ideally starting in October, you should have previous experience with this age group however we are happy to consider experience with other age groups alongside eagerness to hold a little more responsibility during any annual leave periods for the Lead.

*Full & Relevant Early Years Level 2, 3 or above qualification is a non- negotiable . Please do not apply if you do not hold a 'Full & Relevant' Early Years qualification.

We would like to recruit swiftly to have as little impact on our children and colleagues as possible. Our 'Rainbow' room (2-3 year age range) really is a delightful place to be. You would support our little ones as they learn to develop their social and emotional skills, become more independent and learn how to communicate their wants and needs. Rainbow team support a maximum of 16 toddlers, while Starlight (Pre-school) have a max of 26 and Sunbeam (0-2) have a max of 12. Although our setting is relatively small, it allows the team to know all of the children inside out while also allowing the ability to be extremely supportive, positive, creative and friendly without the pressure that comes with larger provisions.

As a family owned Nursery, we care about our team and make significant ongoing investment in Staff Training, Resources and the Nursery environment in order to continue the improvement of our setting. You can see it for yourself by taking a look at our website where you can find out about our team, our ethos and also view an online tour of the building and grounds. The outside area has an additional section of adjoining land which is now utilised as our Forest School which is lead by our Senior Lead Practitioner each week. As we are set on farmland, please consider the ability to travel to and from site each day as we are not on a public transport route - most suited to drivers although several staff ride their bike to work each day. We have a large car park, so no extra issues or cost are incurred for parking while at work.

We have four values at the heart of all that we do: 

‘Be Kind, Be Honest, Be Fair & Be Respectful’ 

Due to the slightly more senior nature of the role, this would be a full-time opportunity working on a staff rota of ‘four days on’ and ‘one day off’ each week (37hrs per week). We are open to families all year with the exception of a week of Christmas closure and Bank Holidays. *We do not offer term time only contracts. 15 minute paid break each day with a 45 minute unpaid lunchbreak = 10 hour day (Doors open to children at 8am and last child can be collected at 6pm). 

Pay range shown would be dependent on qualifications and appropriate experience alongside final contracted hours. *For the right candidates who may choose to travel from slightly further afield, we consider a monthly travel support payment (at our discretion) which would be discussed at the point of interview. We offer a free package of training to all our staff and provide several sets of uniform. 50% discounted childcare is available for staff children requiring a place in our setting (subject to availability of spaces). As part of our family business, we will know you as an individual and look after you as an employee to ensure you can look after our little ones! 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Preferred candidates will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and will be required to complete safeguarding training. We will also require at least two positive references before employment can begin. 

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent 

Benefits: 

·  Additional leave 

·  Childcare 

·  Company pension 

·  Employee discount 

·  Free parking 

·  On-site parking