Early Years Practitioner

Early Years Practitioner
Salary: £15.66 per hour (Umbrella)
Location: Barnsley
Client: Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
Contract Type: Temporary (6 months)
Hours: Full time (37 hours per week)
About the Role
The Early Years Practitioner will contribute to the planning, organisation, and delivery of play and educational activities for children aged 0–5. The role focuses on promoting individualised learning, supporting child development, and maintaining a safe, inclusive, and stimulating environment. Practitioners will work closely with families and partner agencies to ensure high-quality early years provision.

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise children during play (indoor and outdoor) and mealtimes, providing personal care and promoting independence.
• Plan and deliver activities aligned with current curriculum frameworks.
• Track and evaluate the learning and development of key children, setting individual targets.
• Create a nurturing environment that respects cultural and individual needs.
• Set up and tidy the provision before and after sessions.
• Operate an effective key person system and build partnerships with parents/carers and agencies.
• Provide information to parents and report safeguarding concerns in line with policy.
• Maintain accurate records of children’s progress and centre activities.
• Develop positive relationships with children, families, colleagues, and external partners.
• Uphold health, safety, hygiene, safeguarding, and data protection standards.
• Undertake other duties as required by management.

Experience & Knowledge
Essential:

• Experience working in childcare settings, particularly with children aged 0–5.
• Experience implementing current early years curriculum.
• Knowledge of child development and best practices in early years education.
• Understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and relevant legislation.
• Familiarity with family centre services and multi-agency working.

Desirable:

• Experience of multi-agency collaboration.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Excellent oral and written communication.
• Ability to engage effectively with children and families.
• Fluent spoken English (in line with public sector requirements).
• Teamwork and collaboration with professionals and agencies.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

Qualifications
Essential:

• NVQ Level 3 in Childcare or equivalent qualification.

Other Requirements

• Commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.
• Willingness to work flexibly to meet service needs.
• Commitment to ongoing training and professional development.
• Ability to travel as required for the role.
• Alignment with the council’s values and behaviours.

If you are interested in the role and would like to contact me for further information on the role you can contact myself on the details below.

At Service Care Solutions we also offer a £250 bonus for referrals! If you think you know someone who would be ideal for this role and they are placed in the job you will then receive £250 at the end of their probationary period.

To apply for this role, or to refer someone else, then please do not hesitate to contact Jack at Service Care Solutions on 01772208964 or email on Jack.Lonsdale@Servicecare.org.uk