Nursery Assistant/Helping Hand

Job Description

Overview
The Helping Hand Nursery Assistant position is a vital role within our organisation, dedicated to providing support and care for children in a nurturing environment. This role is ideal for individuals who have a passion for early childhood education and possess the ability to manage and lead activities that promote learning and development. As a Helping Hand, you will be responsible for creating a safe, engaging atmosphere where children can thrive. **The hours for this role are 2.30pm – 5.30pm for up to 5 days a week** we can be flexible to suit the candidate.

Safeguarding Requirement

Dottie Tots Nursery School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. It is a requirement of all staff that they share this commitment and follow the prescribed policy and procedures to continuously promote a culture of safeguarding across the whole organisation.

Main Purpose of the Position

To work alongside our nursery team under the direction of the manager and the deputy manager. To provide safe play and learning opportunities and activities for children attending. To supervise teatime. To assist with the routines of the latter part of the day between 3 pm and 6 pm, Monday to Thursday.

Main Responsibilities

1. Tidy away activities and resources at the end of each session.

2. Immediately inform the Manager of any concerns, including safeguarding issues, children’s behaviour, the health and well-being of both children and parents, the safety of equipment, and maintaining confidentiality where necessary.

3. Provide support to children by offering an appropriate level of assistance and engaging play experiences.

4. Collaborate with parents and carers to ensure effective communication.

5. Guarantee that children’s safety is upheld at all times.

6. Assist during mealtime.

7. Support children with personal hygiene and changing as required.

8. Actively contribute to team meetings.

9. Engage in supervision and appraisal meetings.

10. Attend necessary training courses and take responsibility for your own personal development.

11. Maintain complete confidentiality regarding any information about children, their families, or other staff members that you acquire in the course of your work.

12. Familiarise yourself with and adhere to all operational policies and procedures of the setting, including health and safety, fire precautions, drop-off and collection protocols, food safety, and cleanliness standards in the setting.

Essential Criteria

Willingness to learn and undertake further training where necessary.

Previous experience of working with children.

Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.

Good communication skills.

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

A commitment to continuously promote a culture of safeguarding.

A commitment to equal opportunities.

A commitment to working effectively with children and families.

A friendly and flexible approach at work which facilitates the development of effective relationships.

Desirable Criteria

A childcare qualification.

Level 2 Food Hygiene.

Current Paediatric First Aid qualification or willingness to undertake.

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: £11.44 per hour

Expected hours: 12 – 16 per week

Benefits:

• Childcare
• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• On-site parking

Education:

• GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Experience:

• Nursery: 1 year (preferred)
• Nursery experience: 1 year (preferred)
• Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
• Management: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: NAHBEN