ZAC’S CLUB BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL & HOLIDAY CLUB
We are seeking a qualified Level 3 Childcare Practitioner/Early Years Educator to work with us as a Playworker across both Zac’s Club Escrick and Zac’s Club Riccall. Working with children aged between 3 and 11 years you will be part of our core Zac’s Club team working together to provide care and education to children. You will provide ideas for play and learning, support with homework where required, be a key communication link between school and home, and ensure the safety of all children in your care. You must be able to demonstrate how you will link the views of parents, children and school to your practice at the Club, and ensure that the children are well occupied, are suitably supervised and supported and have choice in their play. The service compliments what happens during the school day, but offers a different atmosphere, and allows children to relax and enjoy their time after a busy day at school. You must have a keen interest in understanding child development, learning and education, have a sense of humour, energy and fun. The contracted hours of work each week are 22.5 on a year round basis. Additional hours are available during the school holidays to assist at the Holiday Clubs held at either Zac’s Club Riccall or Zac’s Club Escrick. Breakfast Club operates from 7.30-9.00am and After School Club from 3-6pm each weekday on a term time only basis at both Riccall and Escrick school, and you will be expected to work all of the weekly shifts at either site as the business requires. Holiday Club operates from either site, and runs from 8.00am until 6.00pm each weekday during the school holidays. We are looking for a self starting individual able to work on initiative, and be able to work in a friendly, small school environment. The Breakfast & After School Clubs are open 38 weeks a year, and we are seeking a candidate that can work alongside our Managers and Playworkers in delivering a service that provides continuity of care. We are seeking candidates with a genuine desire and passion to influence children’s learning, and can use their initiative to provide children with fun in their learning. Whilst undertaking the role, you will be working with a team of colleagues providing care and learning to our children in an enabling and stimulating environment. You will be expected to have a ‘can do’ attitude, and be prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure the smooth running of the setting. You will be able to put your level 3 qualification into practice as we work with children from age 3, and are Ofsted registered. Applications are welcome from any individual with the genuine passion for a career in childcare, and working with children in a school environment. You must also be able to demonstrate an ability to relate to children and their needs, and understand the supportive nature of the role. You must be able to work as part of a team, and be flexible in your approach. Communicating effectively with parents is also a key part of the role. Zac’s Club also offers childcare places at a discounted rate, mentor and training support for those undertaking further childcare qualifications, a company pension scheme, and 5.6 weeks (pro rata) paid holiday leave each year. The role is available from January 2024.
Job Description
At Zac’s Club we aim to provide the highest quality of care and learning for all the children in our setting. Our families use the service extensively and expect a high level of quality care. We received our first inspection by Ofsted at Zac’s Club, Riccall, in June 2019 where we obtained a ‘Good’ grading, and at Escrick in September 2019 when the highest grade available of ‘Met’ was awarded. (We rebranded to Zac’s Club at Escrick in September 2017 previously graded Good by Ofsted). We engender an atmosphere where children and their families are respected and valued and all children are encouraged to investigate, explore, have fun and flourish. We expect our Level 3 qualified Playworkers to have a clear understanding of Ofsted regulations, be competent in recording, assessing and planning for the development of the children, and be confident in working in close partnership with parents and other professionals. A sound knowledge of safeguarding is essential to the role. Our Playworkers are enthusiastic, caring, respectful, professional and supportive and undertake additional and continual learning in order to extend their skills base, and keep up to date with modern practice. Your role would be to work alongside the Breakfast and After School Club and Holiday Club Teams, providing the highest quality of care for the children, and ensure that you are a key member of the team in delivering the very best for children’s learning and development, in particular in relation to our very youngest children in the group under the EYFS framework. You will also provide critical support to the team, using your initiative and experience to add value to each child’s day. You will be required to prepare food for breakfast and snack, support children in selecting their choices, understand different dietary requirements, and have a working knowledge of any care plans in place for medical requirements.
Key Responsibilities
To work with our existing team members with children aged between 3 and 11 years, using the indoor and outdoor areas and other areas as appropriate. To take guidance and instruction from The Manager and work with colleagues to provide the very best level of care for our children. Contribute ideas for learning and planning, taking key person responsibilities where appropriate, and use initiative, including making entries in the scrap book, and on the planning sheets and diary as necessary. The group of children you will be responsible for covers a wide age range, and you will need to ensure the different groups can gel and play happily together, as well as supporting inclusive practice for children with additional needs. You will be expected to undertake additional duties or whatever it takes to ensure the smooth running of the Club and the continuity of care for all children. You will ensure the safety and well being of all children in your care, and report concerns to your line manager. Communicating with colleagues and parents to ensure the best possible outcomes for children in our care is also key. You will also plan next steps for learning, work well with management and other colleagues in engendering a positive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone in the Club, and promote our ethos.
Key Requirements
Level 3 Qualification in Childcare that allows you to be classed in our qualified ratios with pre school aged children.
Experience in an Ofsted registered environment.
Ability to work 7.30-9am and 3.00-6.00pm each weekday during term time on a split shift basis at Riccall and/or Escrick Schools
In view of working with children, an enhanced DBS check is required, you must not therefore have any convictions or cautions previous or current, that are relevant when working with children. The new DBS check also requires the candidate to register for the live updates on the system. Pride in your work, and the ability to work as part of a dedicated team are also key. You must be committed to undertake any other necessary training with our approved training providers. A commitment to study in your own time, and keep up to date with modern practice, and the changes to the Ofsted regulations is essential.
Desirable
‘Live’ DBS certificate. (We can assist you in obtaining this if you don’t yet have one)
Paediatric First Aid Qualification (Training can be provided)
If you are interested in applying for this post, please download this * application pack * and complete and return to:
Ruth Newton, Director
Zac’s Club Limited
22 Mount Park
Riccall
York
YO19 6QU
Alternatively you may return your completed forms via email to ruth@zacsclub.co.uk
Closing date for applications is 31/1/24 or when we find our superstar Playworker.
Equal ops form
Zac’s Club Limited offers childcare at a discounted rate, full uniform, company pension contributions of 2% and paid training including for the essential Paediatric First aid qualification.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the role, or have any questions prior to submitting your application, please do not hesitate to contact Ruth on 07796 265978.
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