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Childcare Assistant

Durham County Council

Job Description

Do you have a passion for Early Years and shaping the future? Join us as a Childcare Assistant, where every day is a new opportunity to inspire, educate and create unforgettable moments with our amazing children, in a role that is rewarding and fulfilling! WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking for a dedicated and hardworking individual who is passionate about fostering a nurturing environment for children aged 0-5 years. The ideal candidate will have experience of working within the Early Years Foundation Stage framework, have sound safeguarding knowledge and some experience in working with children with SEND. If you are motivated to make a positive impact and bring joy to young children's lives every day, we want you on our team. You will be part of a longstanding and committed team full of creative individuals, dedicated to providing high quality care and education. Your role will include engaging children in exciting, enriching learning experiences, observing and recording their learning in line with the EYFS. You will promote their safety and wellbeing and work in partnership with parents and colleagues to create a positive and inclusive environment. Embracing the opportunity to work outdoors in all weathers, you will help children explore and learn through nature. You will assist with the safety of children on visits and collaborate effectively with colleagues and other agencies to support the needs and development of children. You will also benefit from a supportive leadership team that values your dedication and expertise. Join us and contribute to a team that truly values and supports you! We encourage you to contact Lisa Fenwick via email at [email protected] to arrange an informal discussion about this exciting role. WHAT WILL I NEED? You will have previous experience of working within Early Years Foundation Stage as well as sound knowledge of Safeguarding procedures. Required qualifications: Level 3 in a relevant Early Years Childcare and Education Qualification. Experience of working with children with SEND. Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. If successful, you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced Disclosure. REWARDS AND BENEFITS We offer generous rewards and benefits that are designed to help you perform at your best:
  • Competitive salaries and 27 days holiday per year rising to 32 days after five years continuous local government service.
  • Option to purchase up to 10 additional days annual leave per year.
  • Excellent work/life balance through schemes including job sharing, compressed hours and flexi-time (allowing up to 13 flexi days per year).
  • Hybrid working (home and office working).
  • Excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). Plus, top up options - Salary Sacrifice Shared Cost AVC scheme and standard AVC scheme for members of the LGPS.
  • Wellbeing Portal and access to an Employee Assist Scheme.
  • Wide range of learning and development opportunities including professional qualifications, coaching and mentoring.
  • Employee Benefits Portal and Lifestyle Savings Scheme (discounts across a host of major retailers).
  • Discounted DCC gym membership.
  • Staff networks run by staff for our staff, including Race Equality and Diversity, Disability, LGBT+, Armed Forces, Carers, Menopause.
  • Trade Union membership.
  • A range of other salary sacrifice schemes such as car leasing.
Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26895/Rewards-and-benefits EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION We are a proud equal opportunities employer and recognise that a diverse, talented workforce brings new ideas and new perspectives, which will facilitate growth and improvements to services. We are committed to ensuring that our employment policies and processes are fair and equitable to all. We welcome job applications from everyone, and successful candidates are considered only on their skills and ability to do the job. As a Disability Confident Leader, we encourage applications from disabled people and provide support throughout the recruitment process. Take a closer look: https://www.durham.gov.uk/article/26899/Equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-our-workforce INTERVIEWS Interviews will be held on 15th October 2024. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran. HOW TO APPLY In line with the County Council's Recruitment and Selection Policy, please note that we are unable to accept CVs. Applications must be submitted on-line via the Northeast Jobs portal. Please use the 'Person Specification' section of your application form to demonstrate that you have the essential and where possible, desirable experience, skills, and knowledge. Candidates who do not evidence that they meet the essential qualifications and experience listed on the person specification will not be short-listed. If you have any support needs or require assistance when applying for this role, please contact the Recruitment Team via email [email protected] We collect personal information from you when you register with North East Jobs and make an application. Details on how we process your personal data is available in our Privacy Notice. https://www.durham.gov.uk/media/24645/Privacy-notice-human-resources/pdf/PrivacyNotice-HR.pdf

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