Early Years Educator Apprentice (Level 5) at Little Jungle - School of Early Childhood

A fantastic opportunity to join an Outstanding-rated nursery with a unique approach to education. Little Jungle are looking for new apprentices to join them towards becoming their next Educators and Teachers. You will be fully supported throughout your journey and have full exposure to how Little Jungle work.

We are recruiting for a truly unique Early Years organisation located in South East London, who are looking for curious and passionate individuals to take up an apprenticeship at Little Jungle – School of Early childhood, and to hopefully later join as Early Years Educators at their long-standing Outstanding-rated setting.

Their pedagogy is inspired by the Reggio Emilia philosophy and utilises an enquiry-based learning approach. This approach involves research alongside the children, helping them to construct their own learning, offering them resources and experiences that enhance their explorations, as well as building their knowledge and skills. Little Jungle believe that the early years form the most important time in which to establish the core values of humanity in a child’s mind. Values of respect, empathy, freedom and democracy. And to develop children’s mental, moral and social capabilities – i.e. to educate them - is therefore an adult’s primary role. This is why all adults working directly with children at Little Jungle are referred to as Early Years Educators.

You will receive a full induction upon joining, as well as ongoing training and professional development opportunities, support throughout your apprenticeship, and you will also be supported by a strong leadership team that doesn't follow a traditional Nursery hierarchal system.

Purpose of job:

Working closely with the class Team Manager and Atelierista (artist in residence) and in line with Little Jungle’s philosophy and vision, the Early Years Educator is responsible for providing the best possible standards of education and care, where the children are valued as individuals through a loving and child-centred approach.

Members of their team benefit from:

• 32 days annual leave AND your birthday day off
• Extensive training and development opportunities
• Private personal mental health support
• Social and team building events
• Free breakfast, lunch and tea
• Annual clothing allowance
• Bonus for long-term service
• Employee bike scheme

To be successful, you will need:

• A passion for childcare and long-term child development
• A passion for your own development and a desire to enhance your knowledge and practical experiences
• Minimum NVQ Level 3 in Early Years Education or equivalent
• Minimum 1 year experience of working with 10 months to 5 year old children
• Natural passion for working with children and developing them
• Open to new ways of thinking and adaptable to change
• Good knowledge of EYFS
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Neat and professional appearance
• Good literacy and computer literacy skills
• Self-motivated and able to use initiative
• Willingness to undertake training as necessary
• Professional disposition
• Open, with strong listening skills
• Clear Enhanced DBS and positive employer references

Responsibilities:

• Ensuring children’s physical, emotional and intellectual needs are met
• Contributing to the planning and preparation of enquiry-based learning experiences
• Preparation, care, cleanliness and maintenance of the playrooms and equipment
• Promoting Little Jungle values through all aspects of your practice and behaviour
• Contributing to the building of positive and collaborative relationships with colleagues, children and parents
• Adhering to the Policies and Procedures of the school
• Maintaining confidentiality at all times
• Regular record-keeping of development and snapshot observations
• Completion of children’s sporadic development reports
• Termly assessment of children’s individual development
• Developing strong working relationships with parents through regular communication
• Ensuring effective and positive communication within the setting
• Offering all children equal opportunities with regards to their religion, race, gender, disabilities, cultural or linguistic background; in particular, challenge situations where racism or discrimination is displayed.
• Positive management of children's behaviour
• Being a good role model to new and junior staff and students
• Keeping accident, incident and health and safety records accurate and up to date
• Supervision of meals and mealtimes and where appropriate preparation of milk bottles.
• Pro-active participation in professional development
• Attendance of staff meetings/team meetings as arranged by the Management Team
• Participating in termly parents' evenings, publicity, open days and children's outings
• Any other duties appropriate to the post as directed by the Team Manager and Director.

Working week:

• Monday to Friday
• 40 hours per week

Daily hours:

• 07:30-18:30
• Shift pattern to be discussed at interview

Qualification gained:

• Early Years Practitioner Lead Level 5

Duration

• 26 months