Early Years Practioners will work as a key person and as part of the preschool team under the direction of the Nursery Manager.

The ideal candidate will be able to provide safe, high-quality education and care for young children which meets the individual needs of children attending the setting.

We are looking for reliable individuals who have a calm and caring nature, with the ability to empathise with children under the age of 5. They will need to be able to work well as part of a team and under pressure, using their own initiative where necessary.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills will be required to interact with staff, children and parents, as well as write reports and keep clear and accurate records.

Duties:

- To assist with the planning of the curriculum using the Montessori & Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum for guidance.

- To help to set up the playroom(s) for the daily programme and to help tidy away at the end of the session.

- To act as a key person to a small group of children, liaising closely and building an effective relationship with parents/carers and ensuring each child's needs are recognised and met.

- To advise the Pre-school Manager of any concerns e.g. over children, parents or the safety of equipment, preserving confidentiality as necessary.

- To teach children, offering an appropriate level of support and stimulating play experiences.

- To ensure that children are kept safe, adequate records are updated regularly and that you understand when to follow child protection procedures.

- To support meal times within the setting.

- To actively participate in team meetings, supervisor meetings, appraisal meetings and training courses.

- To be aware of and adhere to all the setting’s operational policies and procedures, e.g. health and safety, fire precautions, dropping off and collection of children, food safety, cleanliness of the setting etc.

Required skills and experience:

✅Montessori Diploma or other Montessori Qualification

✅Level 3 Early Years Education and Childcare qualification or equivalent, and a commitment to obtaining a level 4 qualification is desirable.

✅Previous experience of working with young children.

✅Sound knowledge of child development for children from birth to five years.

✅Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Montessori philosophy and practice.

✅Knowledge of child protection procedures.

✅Good communication and IT skills.

✅Ability to work in a team and value and respect the ethos of the nursery and Montessori philosophy of child-centred education.

✅An understanding of play-based approaches to children’s learning and development.

✅Commitment to equal opportunities.

✅Commitment to working effectively with young children and families and providing equal opportunities.

(This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties/required skills and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the line manager).

The Nursery Practitioner will work as a key person and as part of the preschool team under the direction of the Room Leader and Nursery Manager. It is their duty to provide safe, high-quality education and care for young children, which meets the individual needs of children attending the setting.

The ideal candidate would have a calm and caring nature, with the ability to empathise with children under the age of 5. They will need to be able to work well as part of a team, as well as work well under pressure.

Duties:

- To assist with the planning of the curriculum using the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Montessori curriculum for guidance.

- To help to set up the playroom(s) for the daily programme and to help tidy away at the end of the session.

- To act as a key person to a small group of children, liaising closely and building an effective relationship with parents/carers and ensuring each child's needs are recognised and met.

- To advise the Room Leader/Nursery Manager of any concerns e.g. over children, parents or the safety of equipment, preserving confidentiality as necessary.

- To teach children, offering an appropriate level of support and stimulating play experiences.

- To ensure that children are kept safe, adequate records are updated regularly and that you understand when to follow child protection procedures.

- To actively participate in team meetings, supervisor meetings, appraisal meetings and training courses.

- To be aware of and adhere to all the setting’s operational policies and procedures, e.g. health and safety, fire precautions, dropping off and collection of children, food safety, cleanliness of the setting etc.

Required skills and experience:

✅ Level 2/3 Early Years Education and Childcare qualification or equivalent, and a commitment to obtaining a level 3/4/5 qualification.

✅ Montessori qualification or Diploma is desirable.

✅ Previous experience of working with young children.

✅ Sound knowledge of child development for children from birth to five years.

✅ Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

✅ Knowledge of child protection procedures.

✅ Good communication and IT skills.

✅ Ability to work in a team and value and respect the ethos of the nursery and Montessori philosophy of a child-centred education.

✅ An understanding of play-based approaches to children’s learning and development.

✅ Commitment to equal opportunities.

(This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties/required skills and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the line manager).

If you are looking to start a career in childcare, then look no further than Fountain Montessori. We are looking for enthusiastic and hard working individuals to complete their Apprenticeship at our fantastic setting.

The successful candidate will work alongside our dedicated team to provide the best childcare and education for children, whilst learning from qualified and experienced childcare professionals.

Duties:

- Assisting our team to meet the personal, social & emotional needs of our children.

- Attend all required out-of-working hours activities, for example, training sessions, team meetings, parent’s evenings & open days.

- Assisting in arranging activities and encouraging children to participate.

- Providing assistance to the children at mealtimes.

- Supporting staff with various duties throughout the day.

- Participate in the required training and courses as part of the apprenticeship programme.

- Assist in relaying information to parents about a child's day, development, and any concerns.

- To ensure that children are kept safe and that you understand when to follow child protection procedures in line with Fountain Montessori’s policies and procedures.

- To be aware of and adhere to all the setting’s operational policies and procedures, e.g. health and safety, fire precautions, dropping off and collection of children, food safety, cleanliness of the setting etc.

Required skills and experience:

✅ You must be able to gain a clear DBS.

✅ GCSE Grades A*-C or (or equivalent) are preferred (you may also be required to undertake English and Maths qualifications to further your childcare career). 

✅ Must be willing to learn and grow, completing your apprenticeship programme to the best of your ability.

✅ The ideal candidate will be a cheerful, motivated individual with a real passion for working with children. You must also be reliable, punctual, and a good team player.

(This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties/required skills and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the line manager).