November 8, 2024

Dorset Councils

Blandford Forum

OTHER

Senior Childcare Worker

We’re looking for enthusiastic, friendly colleagues for our nursery setting in Blandford. You’ll find a warm welcome from our dedicated colleagues and wonderful children where you’ll play a crucial role to support children's play and learning through engaging activities, fostering positive relationships, and ensuring their well-being.

We are an Ofsted rated 'good' vibrant and nurturing childcare provision committed to providing high-quality care and education for children aged 3 months to 5 years. Our team is passionate about creating a stimulating and safe environment where children can learn, play and grow.

Working as a Senior Childcare Worker leading on the provision of a safe and stimulating environment focused on learning through play, providing activities and quality childcare for children aged 3 months to 5 years. You will support others to help our children socialise and foster their dreams for the future, realising their potential, working closely with Archbishop Wake C of E Primary School which is situated next door.

We are looking for someone with a Level 3 relevant childcare qualification. If you have Safeguarding, Paediatric First Aid, Childcare or Food Hygiene qualifications that would also be an advantage.

This role will provide you with many opportunities to learn new skills, solve problems and adapt to different situations. You will be required to deputise for the Manager on occasions. Every day is different and exciting with the added benefit of supporting others to be creative, messy and encourage children to explore the world through play.

Primarily you will be working in the preschool age provision seeing children grow, develop and learn and working alongside another Senior Childcare Worker to plan around children's unique needs. You can make a real difference in their lives by providing them with a safe, supportive, and fun learning environment where they are eager to 'have a go' and try new things. Occasionally, you may be asked to support the Oscars After School Club, the after school and holiday provision.

You will also be working with a team of other professionals who share your passion and vision for childcare and will lead the other practitioners in providing children with the best start in life. As an employee of Dorset Council you will have access to a range of employee benefits including a generous annual leave entitlement and a pension scheme.

you will be leading on the delivery of engaging activities, supporting children and their families to learn through play
you will be involved in preparing the environment, assessing risk, and making changes to meet the needs of the children present
you will greet parents, carers and their children when they arrive and leave sharing exciting news about their child's day
you'll be involved in designing the content of menus for healthy snacks and refreshments as well as taking part in adult led activities (e.g. sport, arts and crafts and cookery) setting up and supporting the children to develop their own ideas

Applicants should be competent at providing support and challenge to others, be patient, love working with children, enthusiastic, self-motivated, and able to use their initiative.

We use technology to communicate with each other and our families and you will be confident in using a computer. Support will be available on specific programmes we use.

You will be well organised needing to record observations, sharing information with parents and carers to support learning at home.

You will require a driving license and have access to a vehicle.

We are a large team of 12 practitioners working across 2 rooms. Although staff are in their own set rooms, we are a friendly group of people and everyone is happy to help out where possible. We have a setting SENCO who you would work closely with to support any children with additional needs.

We pride ourselves on our behaviours and values of respect, responsibility, recognition, and we are One Team and love to work together.

If you would like an informal conversation, please contact Lauren Root, Childcare Manager on 01258 457856, lauren.root@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk and for further information about our settings: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/children-families/childcare/dorset-council-owned-childcare

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children, and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please be aware this post is subject to a satisfactory DBS disclosure application and other safer recruitment checks including 2 references. See our policy on the employment of ex-offender