The posting
Extended Provision Assistant - Mini-Kids
Location: Millbrook Primary School Working hours: Monday to Friday, 2:30pm-6:00pm Total Hours: 17 hours 30 minutes per week
About the role
We are looking for a warm, caring and enthusiastic Extended Provision Assistant to join our Mini-Kids provision at Millbrook Primary School.
Mini-Kids provides wraparound care for children attending our Nursery and Reception, offering a safe, nurturing and enjoyable environment before and after the school day. We are looking for someone who particularly enjoys working with younger children and understands the importance of providing care that is responsive to their individual needs, interests and stages of development.
Based in our Nursery and working alongside the 'Mini-Kids' team, you will help create a welcoming environment where our youngest children can feel secure, have fun, develop their independence and enjoy a range of age-appropriate play and learning experiences.
What you will do
You will:
- Provide a safe, nurturing and welcoming environment for our Nursery and Reception children.
- Build warm, positive and appropriate relationships with young children, helping them to feel secure and valued.
- Safeguard children at all times and follow the school's safeguarding procedures.
- Support with the effective day-to-day running of Mini-Kids.
- Plan, prepare and deliver a range of fun, engaging and age-appropriate activities.
- Provide opportunities for children to play, explore, be creative and develop their independence.
- Support children's social, emotional, physical and communication development through play and positive interaction.
- Respond sensitively to individual children's needs, routines and interests.
- Supervise children effectively and maintain high standards of safety and care.
- Promote positive behaviour and help children develop confidence, independence and positive relationships.
- Maintain accurate registers and ensure children are safely handed over to authorised adults.
- Support the serving of appropriate snacks and meals, following food hygiene, allergy and dietary procedures.
- Set up, tidy and safely store equipment, activities and resources.
- Communicate positively and professionally with children, parents, carers and colleagues.
- Share relevant information with the Extended Provision Supervisor and wider team to support children's wellbeing and continuity of care.
- Report accidents, incidents, safeguarding concerns or changes in a child's wellbeing appropriately.
- Follow all school policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality and the welfare of children.
About you
We are looking for someone who:
- Desirable but not essential - Hold a relevant Level 3 qualification in childcare, playwork or early years.
- Has experience of working with or caring for young children.
- Has a genuine interest in Early Years and understands the importance of play, relationships and positive interactions.
- Is warm, patient, nurturing and able to build strong relationships with young children.
- Understands that younger children may need additional reassurance, support and encouragement when transitioning between school, home and wraparound care.
- Is enthusiastic, creative and able to engage children in a range of activities.
- Is calm and responsive and able to manage unexpected situations appropriately.
- Works well as part of a team but is also confident using their own initiative.
- Is reliable, organised and takes pride in providing a high standard of care.
- Has effective communication skills and is able to communicate appropriately with young children and adults.
- Understands their responsibility for safeguarding children.
- Can promote positive behaviour in an age-appropriate and nurturing way.
- Understands the importance of food hygiene, allergies and safe working practices.
A paediatric first-aid certificate and food hygiene training would be desirable, although appropriate training may be provided for the successful candidate.
Why join us?
This is an exciting opportunity to become part of the Millbrook Primary School community and play an important role in the experience of our youngest children beyond the classroom.
Working in Mini-Kids, you will have the opportunity to get to know our Nursery and Reception children well and help provide a consistent, caring environment that supports their wellbeing, development and growing independence.
The role could also provide an excellent career opportunity for someone looking to develop a career in education. Working as part of a school team will give you valuable experience of supporting children, working alongside teachers and other education professionals, and developing your understanding of children's learning, development and wellbeing. It could be an ideal opportunity for someone considering a future career in teaching, early years, teaching assistance or wider education support.
We are looking for someone who will bring warmth, energy, patience and enthusiasm to the role and who genuinely enjoys spending time with young children.
Applicants who have children attending Millbrook Primary School may be eligible for a discounted place in our After School Club. Further information, including the applicable discount and rate, can be discussed at interview.
If you are enthusiastic about working with young children and would like to be part of our Mini-Kids team, we would be very pleased to hear from you.
