Deputy Practitioner - Flying Start

1. Flying Start is an initiative from the Welsh Assembly Government, aimed at making a positive difference for the better to the life chances of children 0-10 years old, to ensure they have a flying start in life.
2. We are seeking an individual to join our team as Deputy practitioner.
3. The candidates will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as genuine commitment to the care and development of very young children.

Job Reference: NCC009622

The posts involve a proportion of time employed as a practitioner with an allocation of hours as specified below for Deputy Practitioner duties during times when the Senior Practitioner is involved in meetings or off site.

Deputy Flying Start 17.5 hours grade 3 / 4 (6 hours grade 3, 11.5 hours grade 4)

Flying Start is an initiative from the Welsh Assembly Government, aimed at making a positive difference for the better to the life chances of children 0-10 years old, to ensure they have a flying start in life. This initiative is now expanding across areas of Newport, and we require additional Early Years Childcare Deputy Practitioners for our settings this will include running After School Club.

The Early Years Team leaders are seeking to appoint enthusiastic and reliable Deputy Practitioners to work in partnership with Senior Practitioners, key staff, parents and carers to promote the vision and values of the Flying Start programme.

The candidates will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, as well as genuine commitment to the care and development of very young children. The candidates will possess level 2 standard literacy as a minimum (tested at interview process via short assessment, if required)

A relevant Childcare qualification such as NVQ Level 3 or working towards level 5, considerable experience with under 2’s / playgroup / nursery children and a thorough knowledge of child development & CIW Childcare Policies and Practice is essential.

Experience of currently working within Flying Start Childcare and relevant qualifications / experience in IT such as Microsoft Word & Excel and are required in order to develop learning journals for each child and to maintain observations / recording of each child’s development and for budget management. Experience of managing a small team is desirable.

There is an expectation for all Flying Start staff to be flexible to the needs of the service, supporting settings on a citywide basis, this will include After School Club (ASC) providing play opportunities for children aged 3 – 10 years, Monday to Friday between 15:00 and 18:00.

Due to the nature of the role, the post-holder will be required to take annual leave at times which coincide with Flying Start closures.

The appointment process will involve and an interview with senior members of the Flying Start Team and a scenario-based task.

Contract Hours: 17.5 hours, Fixed Term until March 2025 (extension of contract subject to further funding from the Welsh Government)

Salary: Grade 4 SCP 7 - 11 £24,294 - £25,979 (Pro Rata)