Early Years Practitioner (22 hrs per week -Fixed term until 26th June 2025)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative Early Years Practitioner with a genuine passion for working with younger children using a fully play-based curriculum. The successful candidate will work alongside a caring and professional team to promote a stimulating environment, which balances education and care for children, meeting their individual needs and those of their families, enabling each child to achieve their potential.

The Early Years Practitioners support the delivery of the designated curriculum, and provide a service compatible with good practice in the education and care of children within the policies and systems laid down by the School. They also contribute hugely to the pastoral care of the Nursery children and in the monitoring and recording of their overall developmental progress.

This role is Monday to Thursday from 08:00 to 13:30 during term-time. You will be working with 2-year-old and 3-year-old children and so experience working with this age group is desirable. Additional hours may be available within our After School Club or Holiday Club.

Please note that we intend to interview for this role at our Junior School & Nursery on Friday 29th November 2024. The role is available from 6th January 2025.

Conditions of Employment

The appointment will be subject to satisfactory references, verification of identity, proof of qualifications and proof of your right to work in the UK.

Child Protection

The Edinburgh Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and applicants must be willing to undergo child protection screening appropriate to the post, including checks with past employers and at the enhanced PVG level.

Package Description

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members.

Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.

Our reward package includes:

• Enrolment in generous DC pension scheme (11% employer contribution)
• Access to onsite gym
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Fee discount
• A three course lunch is provided during term time

Main Responsibilities

• To create a supportive and caring ethos in all aspects of the Nursery environment in which individual children are encouraged and supported to develop self-esteem, self-confidence and a respect for others
• To provide an appropriate challenging and stimulating play-based educational environment where all children are encouraged to reach their full potential
• To be actively involved in a programme of development with individuals in relation to the self-help skills, toilet training, toileting, dressing skills, personal care and eating skills. Where children have not yet developed these skills, to provide care and support to them
• To encourage children’s language and communication development and be aware of ways to stimulate language and communication through play, books, stories, alternative communication systems and by personal interaction.
• To ensure, with colleagues, that high level learning opportunities are available in the outdoors as well as within the Nursery building
• To continuously improve individual skills, utilising interest and expertise in music, drama, movement, arts and crafts, literature and environmental studies, or other skills and interest, as appropriate and to use these to assist in the delivery of the curriculum
• To encourage children to participate in the preparation of snacks and when involved in supervising mealtimes, to be aware of the emotional, personal and social development opportunities this presents
• To support children in using ICT as part of their learning, and to use ICT where relevant, preparing resources and other work-related activity
• To take part in Nursery meetings as required
• On an individual or team basis, to be aware of and act on any additional support needs, for example learning, dietary, medical, emotional and/or behavioural and provide appropriate care and support through the implementation of individual care and learning plans, with the guidance of the Headteacher or the Head of Nursery and within the policy guidelines of the School e.g. Behaviour management
• To be committed to working in an environment which promotes social inclusion and be aware of diversity issues, ensuring that every child experiences a supporting and caring ethos
• To have knowledge of GIRFEC and best practice in child protection
• Support with the setting up and putting away of equipment and resources both indoors and outdoors, including helping with cleaning and maintenance of equipment where appropriate. Assist with the securing of a safe, secure and hygienic environment for children
• Support with and be responsible for small groups of children on class trips, outings and bus runs, in line with School Health and Safety Guidance
• To share learning experiences for key children and the wider class using our online platform
• To be aware of the prevalent theories underpinning the Nursery curriculum and current best practice as set out in Realising the Ambition

Other elements of the role:

• Act as key worker for a group of children by assuming responsibility for them, ensuring they are comfortable and secure in their surroundings; give them the opportunity to acquire and develop skills appropriate to their age and ability. This will involve working sensitively, taking into consideration circumstances at home and working in partnership with parents and carers in the care and education of their child.
• To build positive relationships with parents and guardians to promote partnership
• Liaising and working with parents / guardians, teachers, other members of the school team, other establishments or agencies in relation to the delivery of the curriculum and the welfare and development of the children
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of a curricular programme which meets the needs of the individual and in line with guidelines and standards, through attendance at planning meetings, the delivery of agreed programmes of activity and the production of appropriate records, reports and evaluations
• Contribute to the building of developmental profiles of children in an educational setting through the us e of observations and other appropriate methods of assessment, recording results, being jointly responsible for maintaining records pertaining to each individual’s care and development, recognising that such profiles are available to parents / guardians, appropriate colleagues and other professionals with parental / guardian approval
• Maintain high personal standards of attendance, punctuality and appearance
• Contribute to the completion of transition records
• Anything else deemed required and reasonable by the Head Teacher

The school is committed to the continuous professional development of all colleagues, and therefore all team members will be expected to participate fully in training and review sessions. It is also expected that individuals will keep professional knowledge fully up to date, including current initiatives and developments and have personal targets as part of the PRD process.

The Ideal Candidate

The successful post holder will be:

• Someone who gets joy from working with young children
• Be well organised and adaptable
• Able to build a rapport with young children, team members and parents
• Enjoy working as part of a team but also able to work under own initiative
• Patient and sensitive
• Able to stay calm in challenging situations
• Diplomatic. Use good judgement to make positive, quick decisions when necessary
• Discreet and ensure confidentiality is protected

Qualifications and Experience (E = Essential, D= Desirable)

• SVQ (L3) Early Years Practitioner qualification or equivalent (E)
• Registered or eligible for registration with the SSSC (E)
• Experience working with young children (E)
• Experience working with children below the age of 3 (D)
• Sound understanding of the curriculum (E)
• IT literate – able to use technology in all aspects of role where appropriate (E)
• Previous experience in a similar role, including working in partnership with parents (E)
• Knowledge / experience of the independent school sector (D)

About the school/organisation

The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.