Early Years Educator Apprenticeship

Safeguarding children is at the heart of everything we do. A full DBS check will need to be completed and all required references will be taken up. Safeguarding training will be part of the role. Your main duty at all times is to ensure the safety and well-being of all children by ensuring that you are aware of, and follow, Acorns safeguarding policy.

The ethos of Acorns is one of intentional pedagogy in that we follow the children’s interest, allowing them to choose their play independently within the rules and boundaries which support their safety and well-being General duties include supporting children in their play and learning by following the ethos of the setting, ensuring that children are kept safe at all times Welcoming children individually and settling in children who are upset on arrival.  Spending time with your key children whilst supporting the needs of other children. Encourage children in their learning supporting their play appropriately, following their interests. Listen to all children effectively and take a genuine interest in them Reading to children, encourage conversations and language development. To be able to support maths development Putting away coats and bags, helping children changing into their indoor shoes and settling them by finding an activity to do. Certain areas are managed on a rota basis which you will be a part of. 

Included are:

Once through a period of supervision, carrying out nappy changing and keeping the toilet area clean and tidy, supporting children with their personal hygiene, changing children who need clean clothing, helping with handwashing, completing toileting records Preparing snack, supervising the children and cleaning up afterwards.  Setting up packed lunches, wiping down the tables and cleaning the floor afterwards. Carry out some food preparation activities. Being aware of allergies and also potential choking hazards.  Ensuring that the kitchen area is clean at all times and equipment is safely stored away.  Supervising toothbrushing Setting up the outside area and ensuring it is secure and safe, making sure it is clear of leaves and general debris first, organising activities if required. Making sure all children are suitably dressed.  Joining in outdoor play activities. Setting out and putting away any equipment needed.  Ensuring the sandpit is clean, opening it up and tidying it away at the end of the session.  Checking children are safely inside before closing up All staff have a selected number of key children and work closely with families ensuring the best outcome for the child. You will be expected to go on home visits, update families on positive achievements and how their child is doing, and also be able to communicate effectively and empathetically with regards to any issues that may have developed. Having a strong and positive relationship with the family is vital in order to do this effectively.  You must be polite and courteous to parents and children at all times.  All children and parents must be treated with the same unconditional, positive regard, no matter what their needs, background or abilities are Be able to contribute to weekly planning meetings and also be able to discuss the development of each of your key children on a regular basis as well as being able to liaise with colleagues with regards to how you have supported their key children and complete records. Be involved in writing learning stories and contribute towards the daily Tapestry update

Training:
This apprenticeship is fully work based, the assessor will visit the apprentice in the workplace, set tasks, observe practice, provide feedback and complete reviews

Training Outcome:
The possibility of permanent employment if the candidate fits in with the rest of the team and has gained enough skill and knowledge

Employer Description:

We are an independent outstanding preschool open school hours and term time only based in Bilton Grange School, Harrogate. We care for children from the age of 2 to 4 years and can have up to 24 children in any one session.  We have been rated outstanding by Ofsted 4 times. We have 35 children on our roll. There are two joint managers and 2 employees.

We currently have around 60% of children where English is an additional language and also we support several children with special educational needs.
Acorns has been established for over 20 years.  We are a small friendly team, current staff have worked together for 8 years.

Working Hours :
Monday to Friday, term time only, 8.30am until 3.30pm

Skills:
Communication skills,IT skills,Number skills,Team working,Initiative,Patience,Reliable,Enthusiastic,self motivated,Trustworthy,Flexible,Cheerful personality,Friendly,Confident,Reflective