Hutchesons' Junior School - After School Care Practitioner

Situated within the heart of the Primary School at Kingarth Street is Hutchesons’ After School Club. Established mid-nineties but registered and regulated 2018., it has a modern, airy feel and the spaces, both indoors and outdoors, offer the best play-based learning opportunities for children ranging in ages from 4 (attending school) to 16 years. It provides a safe, secure and nurturing environment in which children flourish.

We have a part-time opportunity for a dedicated, enthusiastic, and motivated After School Care Practitioner who would enjoy working as part of our experienced team in a welcoming and stimulating environment, will provide quality care and deliver positive experiences within the framework of the After School Care policies and procedures, and the Health and Social Care Standards.

Interested candidates must hold current SSSC registration, and a childcare qualification at SCQF Level 7 or above, however we will also consider applications from individuals who are able to demonstrate a desire and passion for working with children and young people in a play setting, and who would be willing to undertake the relevant qualification.

Day to day tasks would include working as part of a team with shared responsibilities for:

Planning and Quality Assurance

· Liaise with the Lead Practitioner to plan, development, organise and evaluate the daily/weekly/monthly play schedule, while following ASC procedures and risk assessments in conjunction with other staff and children.

· Provide the scaffolding for children to learn through play separate from the formal learning environment of school, allowing them to experience positive outcomes.

· Consult with children and involve them in decision making and the planning of activities.

· To be involved in end of term outings following risk assessments and procedures as required.

· Maintain Code of Conduct with the children, following ASC procedures, and in line with SSSC, including interaction with the children, as and when required within their play environment.

· Be an active team member within the childcare setting, supporting colleagues where appropriate.

· Maintain children’s personal development files and profiles, risk assessments and planning paperwork up to date.

· To undertake distributed leadership roles in partnership with colleagues.

· To work within the framework of ASC Policies and Procedures, Health and Social Care Standards and SSSC Codes of Practice.

Communication

· To promote positive relationships with parents, children, and colleagues

· Communicate fairly and equally with parents/carers regarding all aspects of the service.

· Liaise with After School Manager regarding rota, holiday/sickness cover, staff meetings, etc.

· Well established communication with the wider school community.

Pastoral Care

· To safeguard and promote the health, safety, and welfare of the children

· Together with key staff respond to the needs, interests, and developmental stage of the individual child

· To provide an inclusive, nurturing, safe and welcoming environment that incorporates the children’s ages, interests, and abilities, with a child-centred approach.

· To provide comprehensive care for the children including collecting them from classrooms within the school and handover to parents at collection.

Development

· To use self-evaluation to identify areas for improvement.

· Demonstrate a commitment to on-going CPD e.g., training, weekly planning, and staff meetings.

· To keep up to date with key policies and national guidance.

· Commit to undertake relevant qualification(s) and training sessions that will support the quality of the childcare setting. Ensure that continuous professional development is actioned throughout the year fulfilling the number of hours required by SSSC for continued registration.

· Be responsible for updating your knowledge and understanding on current legislative documents, frameworks and national guidance including: Playwork Principles, UNCRC, The Child at the Centre, Regulation of Care (Scotland) Act, SHANARRI and GIRFEC.

Day to Day

· Setting up the play space and play equipment.

· Provide nutritious and healthy refreshments, ensuring hygiene standards are met at all times.

Other

· To be involved in the annual housekeeping days (deep clean and maintenance)

· Undertake other tasks relevant to the job, as requested by the Manager

· To attend and contribute to monthly staff meetings.

· Administering first aid when necessary.

Professional Recognition

· Registration with the SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council).

Hours

Monday to Friday, After School Care, 18 hours per week term-time

Monday to Friday, Holiday Club, 18 hours per week (with the possibility of extra hours)

Holiday Club operates as follows:

1 week in February

2 weeks in April

6 weeks in July/Aug

2 weeks in October

Uniform

Black trousers

Trainers/soft comfortable shoes

Two polos (provided)

Fleece (provided)

Rain proof jacket (provided)

Benefits

Staff Wellness Programme

Staff Benefits Scheme

Competitive rate of pay

Company Pension

Due to the nature of the job and the hours involved, we may offer places during the Holiday Club period for staff children

To apply, please submit a completed Application Form, CV and covering letter to:

recruitment@hutchesons.org

Closing date for applications is Friday, 15 October 2021.