Nursery Practitioner

The University 
 
At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.  Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  Whether you are at the very start, middle or end of your career, there is a role for you. We believe everyone has their own unique skills to offer.  

We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University.  Further information about the University can be found here
 
The Role and the Department 
 

The nursery practitioner position is to work in an “outstanding” nursery with children aged 0-5years. we are a large setting split into four rooms, we have an excellent partnership with our families and are seeking someone with experience and enthusiasm to join our nursery team. This is a full time position as a Nursery practitioner role and we are looking for candidates with  experience of working with children aged 0-5 years 

At Durham University Day Nursery we aim to provide high quality childcare in a safe secure and stimulating environment for children from 0 to 5. We aim to operate in partnership with parents, helping children to be happy, independent and well-adjusted emotionally and socially. Our Nursery aims to promote self-confidence and a positive attitude to learning in all children whatever their gender, ethnicity, home language, special educational needs, disability or ability. We aim to offer a broad, balanced and diverse curriculum where learning will be fun and will provide basic skills for the future. We recognise that every child is unique and aim to assist all children to attain their maximum development potential by paying attention to their individual needs. We aim to support students and staff of Durham University with parental responsibilities, in order that they can achieve their goals at study or at work. Please note that we also welcome non-Durham University staff/students.

The Nursery Practitioner has key responsibilities for ensuring the quality of early years provision is embedded under the EYFS and ensuring safeguarding is paramount.

 • This post requires shift work: Monday to Friday, between 7:45am and 6:15pm.

• This post requires an Enhanced DBS Check.

• There will be a requirement to attend monthly meetings and training sessions on evenings and occasional weekends.

• We also hold two professional developments day for staff training

*Please note that there are two roles available, x1 permanent, x1 fixed term 12 months maternity cover. Your application will be considered for both.

Working at Durham   
 
A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:  
 
•    27 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 39 days per year.  The University closes between Christmas and New Year 
•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies. 
•    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme. 
•    On site nursery is available and access to holiday camps for children aged 5-16 throughout the year. 
•    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers). 
•    There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities.  
•    The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community 
•    Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions.  
•    We offer generous pension schemes.  
 
Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion 

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.   

As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. 
 
We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

What you need to demonstrate when you apply/Person Specification When you apply it is important that you let us know what skills/experience you have from a similar role and/or what skills/experience you have which would make you right for this role. Further information about the role and responsibilities is at the end of this job description. Where a criteria has an asterisk* next to it, it may be given additional weighting when your application is considered. Your application should cover the following criteria:
   

Essential 
   

Desirable 

1.  GCSE’s at least Grade C or level four (or equivalent)  English Language and Mathematics 

2. Paediatric First Aid trained and certificate.

3. Knowledge of the SEN Code of Practice.

4. Safeguarding training

How to apply 
 
To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification above.  Where there are desirable criteria we would also urge you to provide any relevant evidence.  Please don’t forget to check if there is any weighted criteria (see above). 
 
While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.   
 
Submitting your application  
 
We prefer to receive applications online.  We will update you about your application at various points during the process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails  
  
What you are required to submit: 
•    A CV  
•  Separate Word document which outlines how you meet the criteria - this can be done in a table format

Contact details  
Contact details If you would like to have a chat or ask any questions about the role, Kim Roberts would be happy to speak to you. [email protected] 0191 3348153
 

Typical Role Requirements

 • Focus on checking parents’ requirements to ensure the delivery of excellence with the frontline stakeholder experience.

• Respond to service users answering and recording standard queries and bookings for activities and/or events.

• Solve day-to-day routine problems and source background information within the role.

• Operate an enquiry service and process requests finding solutions or escalating queries where necessary.

• Apply professional and regulatory procedures and processes and use of systems.

 • A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and the University’s values.

• Apply recognised professional, commercial and/or organisational service level standards to enhance the stakeholder experience.

 • As required, record, collate, store and report data and information related to children’s development, level and uptake of services, and quality of experience.

• Follow EYFS Statutory Framework at all times ensuring a high quality curriculum is delivered with a balance of both child initiated and adult led activities.

• Contribute to OFSTED inspections and have an understanding of the OFSTED requirements.

• Safeguard children ensuring policies and procedures are followed and adhered to at all times.

 • Be aware of the University's Equal Opportunities Policy and committed to implementing this across the childcare service and respect confidentiality at all times following the nursery policy and procedure.

 Follow Health and Safety Policy and Procedures:

 • Maintain a safe and secure working environment in line with University Health and Safety procedures.

 • Report any maintenance defects, accidents and near misses to the Line Manager.

 • Maintain personal hygiene and appearance to an exceptional standard and in line with standard operating procedures.

 • Ensure all relevant paperwork required is completed and daily risk assessments are completed.

Teamwork

• Contribute to the planning of team activities, work and deadlines to ensure the smooth running and timeliness of service.

 • As required, record data and information on children’s development accurately and provide reports as required to team members and more experienced staff.

 • Work with team members and others across the organisation to prepare for the delivery of exhibitions, activities and events.

 • Assist team members to organise, plan and prepare for events, meetings and activities.

 • Work with team members to ensure the timeliness and relevance of the service we deliver in partnership with parents, colleagues and outside agencies. Communication/Networking

 • Provide a responsive and proactive support service for stakeholders.

 • Flexible in approach to accommodate the needs of team members and/or service users.

 • Liaise with internal and external suppliers, contractors and professional specialists to pass on information.

• Liaise and collaborate with staff in other areas of the organisation to ensure a seamless, smooth and efficient service.

 • Resolve queries and requests for information and advice and escalate more specialist and complex queries or issues to more experienced team members.

• Liaise with representatives from other service areas, professional organisations and agencies where necessary.

• Provide guidance to parents around the EYFS with the use of and access to resources and equipment.

 • Provide service and support for parents and meetings, to draft and distribute documents and communications in standard professional formats.

 • Any other reasonable duties.

Useful links
If you would like further information you may find the following will help:

Durham University Day Nursery - Durham University
 
Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Privacy Notices - Durham University  w hich provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. 

SECONDMENT
The post is full time, fixed term for a 12 year period and may be offered on an internal secondment basis subject to the agreement of the current line manager.

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.