Job Vacancy
Montessori Assistant - Maternity Cover
We are looking for a passionate, thoughtful, and enthusiastic person to join our Outstanding team at Frinton Montessori.
The post will be a fixed-term contract for maternity cover between January 2023 and December 2023. There may be the opportunity for a permanent role for an excellent practitioner, at the end of the year. We can offer a longer fixed term contract for an apprentice looking to undertake their apprenticeship training with us.
We are looking for the right person above all else! The successful candidate will be excellent at working in a team, understand the importance of early years as a foundation for a child’s future and have confident communication skills including literacy skills.
The role will be between 18 and 26 hours a week, pay dependent on experience.
We can offer a funded apprenticeship for level 2 or 3 early years qualifications including Montessori training. We can also offer exciting opportunities for candidates with more experience looking to develop their skills or learn more about Montessori.
About Us
Frinton Montessori is a small pre-school setting following the Montessori principles. We take children from 2.5 until they go to primary school. We opened in 2018 and were awarded an Outstanding in July 2021. In July 2022 we were shortlisted for the Tendring Blue Ribbon team of the year. We are open Monday to Friday 8.30-4.00pm.
Our team of six qualified teachers and qualified level 3 practitioners have experience ranging across early years settings, primary schools and even teaching dance.
Job Description
Job Title: Montessori Assistant - Maternity Cover
Responsible to: Manager
Hours: Part time, term time only
18-26 hours a week to be agreed with manager at the start of each term. The post-holder will need to available to work at least two full days a week 8.00am-4.00pm
Purpose of Job: To work as a key person and as part of the pre-school team under the direction of the manager. To provide safe, high quality education and care for young children which meets the individual needs of children attending the setting.
Contract Type: Temporary. Maternity cover starting January 2023 and finishing Christmas 2023 with an opportunity for a permanent contract after.
Main Duties
1. To assist with the planning of the curriculum using the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) alongside the Montessori curriculum. (Staff will be offered Montessori training to support their working knowledge of the Montessori curriculum.)
2. To take responsibility for the prepared environment which facilitates learning, promotes independence and supports the Montessori ethos.
3. To act as a key person to a small group of children, liaising closely and building an effective relationship with parents/carers and ensuring each child’s needs are recognised and met.
4. Adopt a creative and innovative approach towards practice, by being open to opportunities for improvements, and embracing any suggestions for improvement or change.
5. To work in partnership with parents/carers and other family members.
6. To advise the Manager of any concerns, e.g. health and well-being of children, parents or the safety of equipment, preserving confidentiality as necessary.
7. To teach children, offering an appropriate level of support and stimulating play experiences.
8. To ensure that children are kept safe and that you understand when to follow child protection procedures.
9. To support meal times within the setting.
10. To actively participate at team meetings, supervision meetings and appraisal meetings.
11. To attend training courses as required and to take responsibility for personal development – especially though engaging with Montessori training and the Montessori ethos.
12. To keep completely confidential any information regarding the children, their families or other staff, which is acquired as part of the job.
13. To be aware of and adhere to all the setting’s policies and procedures.
14. To ensure that adequate records are kept and updated regularly.
15. To promote the setting to current parents and potential customers.
16. To comply with the requirements of the General Data Protection Regulation.
This job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and the post holder will be required to undertake any other reasonable duties discussed and directed by the line manager. The post holder is also expected to be flexible and adaptable in their approach to fulfilling their duties.
Essential Criteria:
- Willingness to learn – especially about the Montessori approach and ethos - and undertake further training
- Level 2 or 3 early years education and childcare qualification or equivalent (including QTS) or undertaking relevant qualifications upon starting (Please contact Lucie to talk about apprenticeships with us if this is relevant to you)
- GCSE Maths and English at C grade or above or equivalent
- Previous experience of working with young children
- Sound knowledge of child development from birth to five years
- Knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS)
- Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures
- Good communication skills including a strong standard of written English
- An understanding of play-based approaches to children’s learning and development
- A commitment to continuously promote a culture of safeguarding
- A commitment to equal opportunities
- A commitment to working effectively with young children and families
- A friendly and flexible approach at work which facilitates the development of effective relationships
Montessori experience is warmly welcomed and preferable but not essential.
Safeguarding requirement:
Frinton Montessori is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. It is a requirement of all staff that they share this commitment and follow the prescribed policy and procedures to continuously promote a culture of safeguarding across the whole organisation.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and does require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. Applicants must be prepared to disclose any convictions they may have and any orders which have been made against them.
