Early Years Practitioner

First Class Childcare opened our nursery in Burntisland in 2006. Our nursery provides the highest quality of care for up to 47 children from 6 months to school-age, including our brand-new nearby Forest School satellite site at Kinghorn Loch.

We are looking for 2 fully qualified, enthusiastic, and dynamic Early Years Practitioners to join our fantastic long-serving team of staff.

The Role

The Early Years Practitioners will work as part of our team to provide the highest quality of care and learning experiences for our young children.

Responsible to the Nursery Manager and Deputy Nursery Manager, the successful applicants must be registered with or be eligible to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council. You must be a fully qualified Early Years Practitioner, holding a minimum level HNC, Level 3 Childcare and Early Education, SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF Level 7, or equivalent.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

• Plan, develop and inspire learning for all children
• Organise and lead small child-centred group and individual activities
• Be the key worker for a group of children
• Liaise with other nursery staff to share information about individual children
• Adhere to Health, Safety and Child Protection guidelines and procedures
• Assist in the organising, layout and cleaning of the indoor and outdoor play areas ensuring all equipment is hygienic and well maintained
• Attend to all aspects of children s care and wellbeing, including assisting with toileting and changing, administering first aid and medication
• Fostering and maintaining good relations with children, parents/guardians, and colleagues
• Participate in the reporting and progress monitoring for children including electronic Personal Learning Journals
• Engage in our Staff Review process
• Participate in staff meetings and ongoing training
• Contribute to the development and implementation of the nursery improvement plan
• Ensure the positive management of children s behaviour
• Undertaking such other duties as the nursery manager may from time to time determine.

Skills, Experience and Qualities

• Minimum HNC in Childcare and Early Education, SVQ Level 3, SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) SCQF Level 7, or equivalent.
• Experience of working in early years settings, including Forest School
• A dynamic, creative, and child-centred approach
• An open and approachable manner
• Treat all young children with dignity and respect
• Very good knowledge of current Early Years educational initiatives and best practice documents, including The Health and Social Care Standards, United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, Building the Ambition, Being Me, GIRFEC
• The ability to work within a team
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent observational and organisational skills
• High standard of IT skills
• Ability to communicate and liaise effectively and sensitively with parents
• A commitment to ongoing professional development
• Ability to work on own initiative
• Flexibility and a sense of humour.

Benefits of joining First Class

• Rate of pay is above National Living Wage
• Staff Wellbeing programme
• Opportunities for career progression, further training courses and professional development
• Flexible working hours, 30-40 hours per week
• A friendly, highly motivated, and supportive team of long-serving staff.

The successful candidate will be expected to make a significant contribution to the Nursery. You will be experienced and focused on delivering excellent standards of care with a natural ability to work as part of a team and individually.

It takes relentless determination, creativity, and compassion to provide a secure environment in which children can develop in their way with support and guidance.

In return, you will receive a competitive salary, ongoing support, and training.