Nursery Support Operative

The University of Birmingham operates 3 successful day nurseries – The Elms and The Maples (both in Edgbaston), and The Oaks (in Selly Oak) – providing high quality childcare for over 330 children belonging to University staff, students and local families. You will be joining a dedicated and supportive team of over 120 nursery professionals with many years of experience, in a warm and welcoming environment where you will be encouraged to develop and thrive.

This role will primarily be based at The Elms with flexibility expected to support our other nurseries when required. The Elms supports children from babies to pre-school ages 3-5, with impressive outside space and a sensory room.

Role Summary
In this role, you will provide high quality care, learning and development for all children of various age groups attending the Nursery. You will ensure that children are safe, happy and receive stimulating play experiences with their individual needs met, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). You will also carry out light domestic duties as and when required in the playrooms.

Main Duties
- Provide high quality, positive care for babies and children from 6 weeks old to 5 years through social, emotional, educational and practical interaction, nurturing and guidance.
- Promote all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage Statutory Framework.
- Make sure children are kept safe, are well, and that Child Protection and Safeguarding Procedures are followed.
- Contribute towards observations and keep recordings of the activities and progress of children.
- Partner with parents/carers to keep them informed of their child's day and progress.
- Support the wider team in creating a safe, secure and welcoming environment that enables children to participate in a range of adult and child-led learning and development experiences, whilst building confidence and independence.
- Ensure the nutritional needs of babies and children are met throughout every stage of their development, adhering to Food Safety Regulations, NHS Guidance and Department For Education Nutritional Standards.
- Attend to children's basic care needs, including changing nappies and helping children with potty/toilet training.
- Work as part of a team to provide a high-quality nursery service in line with the setting ethos, implementing the setting's policies, procedures, routines and contributing ideas and strategies for ongoing development.
- Work with outside professional bodies or agencies as appropriate.
- Ensure the health and safety of Nursery users through implementation of the settings health and safety procedures and ensuring the completion of ongoing risk assessments.
- Undertake other duties as required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience – Essential
- Hold a minimum qualification of NVQ Level 2 Childcare and Education or equivalent.
- GCSE English Language and Maths or equivalent Level 1 qualifications.
- Basic Literacy in English.
- Knowledge of developments in early years education and willingness to undertake training.
- Sound knowledge of legislation, regulations, Ofsted requirements, inspection criteria and the Early Years Foundation Stage.
- Understanding of how to ensure health and safety and hygiene in a childcare setting.
- Approachable with good interpersonal skills, and able to communicate with a range of people including parents, children, staff, visitors and other professionals.
- Demonstrate a commitment to all aspects of Inclusion.
- The ability to retain and interpret information provided such as policies and procedures which regulate work practices.

Desirable
- Current and relevant experience in an early years setting.
- Paediatric First Aid training.
- Basic Food Safety training.

Benefits
The University offers 40 days paid holiday a year, one paid day a year for volunteering, occupational sick pay, and a pension scheme. Three high quality subsidised day nurseries are available on campus. The University is situated in leafy Edgbaston with excellent transport links, a state-of-the-art sports centre with pool, shops, places to eat and drink, an art gallery, museum and botanical gardens.

All successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Candidates must provide at least one referee who can be contacted prior to interview. Candidates will be asked to account for any gaps in employment/education and to disclose any previous names for identity and safeguarding verification.