An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time Early Years Officer to join the team at our nursery school.

We are a maintained nursery school and form part of a federation of four local authority maintained nursery schools across Northamptonshire, with a supportive and proactive governing body. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of Early Education and care for all our children, in whom we foster a love of learning to help each child become the best they can be.

Main duties

• To contribute towards the school's inclusion policy in a positive way by promoting anti-discriminatory practice, and valuing individual identity, culture, heritage, and beliefs
• Taking the lead in promoting best early years practice within the nursery, by acting as a role model in high quality teaching, and in interactions with children and adults
• To provide leadership and mentoring for other staff members in planning and evaluating the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum
  
• To plan, assess, and evaluate the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum in the nursery, aiming to provide safe, stimulating, and appropriate play activities which promote children's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual development
• To be responsible for making assessments, maintaining records, and tracking progress for a group of children, as well as providing information and support to their parents/carers. The postholder will be closely supported by another team member in this
• To be involved in discussions with other professionals, and with the compilation of appropriate reports and assessments for reviews/case conferences relating to children who have been referred or have additional needs
• To work flexibly across the nursery, covering duties for colleagues unavailable due to illness or training, in order to maintain the nursery provision for children and families
• To undertake lunchtime duties as and when required
• Encouraging parental involvement in children's learning and other school activities, including coffee sessions and parent event days
• Working, where necessary, with individual parents/carers and children, understanding and respecting their individual needs, and maintaining courtesy and confidentiality at all times
• To report any cause for concern regarding a child's health or welfare to the designated senior member of staff and, where necessary, discussing welfare concerns with parents/carers
• As a team member, taking responsibility for maintaining high standards within the organisation, and for the care of resources and equipment
• If a child has an accident, to record this in the accident book and report to the child's keyworker and, where appropriate, to a senior member of staff
• Taking responsibility for your own professional development and duties in relation to school policies and practices
• Safeguarding all children and yourself by following school policies and procedures, reporting any cause for concern for a child's health and/or welfare to a designed safeguarding lead (DSL)
• To undertake any other duties and tasks which may be reasonably required by the Headteacher

Benefits

• A friendly, collaborative community of children and their families, staff, and governors
• A caring and supportive working environment that prioritises wellbeing
• Opportunity for progression and CPD within the Federation and the wider maintained nursery school network
  
• Competitive salary and generous annual leave entitlement
• A generous Local Government pension scheme
• Discounted nursery sessions for your children
• Free onsite parking

"Leaders have cultivated an effective staff team. Leaders and staff meet regularly to discuss development needs and to ensure that staff receive sufficient support to fulfil their roles. Staff say they feel well supported by leaders and that morale is high." - Ofsted (2019)

To apply for this vacancy, please complete the application form, including a personal statement describing how your experience, skills, and knowledge meet the criteria for this post as laid out in the job description/person specification. You will also be required to complete and return a self-disclosure declaration with your application. Submit both through MyNewTerm.

To arrange a visit and/or learn more about working at Highfield Nursery School, please email Lindsey Gwynne at LGwynne@ffcnschools.com or phone 01933 225039 between 08:00-16:00 on weekdays.

Foundations for Children Nursery Schools Federation is strongly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. References will be sought for all short-listed candidates and a successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.