Job Description

Job purpose

The overall purpose of the job is to manage the day-to-day running of the nursery school, oversee the school staff and provide support and direction to the school's pupils in accordance with the principles of Montessori teaching.
Overview of school

Rainbow Little Waltham is a Montessori Nursery School based in Little Waltham, near Chelmsford. It is our intention that we will provide the best possible standard of pre-school education, care and attention to our pupils and that their time with us should be happy, fun and rewarding.

Our aims are:

· We guarantee a happy and secure place for the children to learn and develop.

· To be in regular communication with all parents/guardians.

· To be a listening school, where parents and staff's views and opinions matter.

· To be an interesting and exciting nursery school with new ideas for pupils and their families.

We are passionate about making Rainbow Little Waltham a fun, safe and stimulating place for our pupils. We know that parents want a nursery school that really cares for their child - in the way that they do.
Key responsibilities

Nursery School Management

· Organise and co-ordinate the teaching staff in the day to day duties of the school, including setting up and clearing away the classroom, arranging break times and the organisation of Montessori teaching and other activities.

· Conduct a review of all school documentation, and then ensuring that all school paperwork is brought and kept up to date, including but not limited to:

Children's records:
o Teaching plans

o Achievement of Early Years' goals

o Teacher observations of children

o Register of all children including dates of birth

o Children's parent and emergency contact details

o Records relating to medical conditions and allergies

o Records of accidents, incidents, exclusions

o Induction form

Staff records:
o Staff records on site including copies of qualifications, training certificates and emergency contact details

o Staff supervision records as carried out by the Directors or Manager

School management records:
o Risk and security assessments including fire and health and safety

o OFSTED self evaluation form completion and submission

o Complaint log

o Policies and procedures

· Ensure that all school policies are fully complied with.

· Discuss any proposed changes to policies or procedures with the Directors, where they will enhance the running of the school or more fully comply with legislative and OFSTED requirements.

· Liaise with parents over matters relating to their children.

· Meet with prospective parents on "show-rounds" to explain how Montessori teaching works and to promote a positive and welcoming impression of the school.

· Dear with staff matters as they arise and refer to the Directors where appropriate.

· Bring issues, risks and opportunities to the attention of the Directors.

· Ensure that all legislative requirements are complied with, including Health and Safety matters.

· Maintain accurate timesheets and obtaining staff signatures for hours worked prior to submitting to a Director for payment.

· Ensure that staff conduct themselves in a manner that enhances the school's reputation, by encouraging a positive, relaxed and friendly working and teaching atmosphere.

Montessori Teaching

Assist the children's progress of learning through the Montessori teaching activities and principles, by guidance and support rather than direct instruction.

Maintain the learning environment and observe the children's work and development, allowing the children to explore and discover on their own with appropriate support and encouragement.

Maintain appropriate behaviour towards the children at all times, displaying a positive and supportive manner.

Liaise with parents and acting as a "key contact" for designated children, being the first point of contact for parents for any issues relating to the child.

Assist with preparation of the classroom for the school activities.

Clear away equipment and materials at the end of each session.

Participating in school outings.
· Act in accordance with Rainbow Little Waltham's policies and procedures at all times.

CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION



Essential
Desirable

Qualifications
· Qualified to level 3 in childcare

· OFSTED approved and recipient of the necessary police checks and approvals.

·
· Holder of a Montessori diploma

Specialist experience
· At least 3 years overall teaching experience

· At least 1 years experience of staff management, either as a manager or supervisor.

·
· At least 1 year Montessori teaching experience

Knowledge, skills and attitudes
· A positive attitude to the development and welfare of children

· Willingness and ability to act as part of a small team, carrying out whatever reasonable duties are required.

· A positive, enthusiastic and cheerful disposition, with a high level of tolerance and patience and a good sense of humour.

· Relationship management - establishing and sustaining strong on-going professional relationships with parents, displaying a positive and helpful approach at all times.

· Good practical knowledge of appropriate teaching methods and standards, with the ability to support, guide and direct children in an appropriate manner.

· Ability to correct children's behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· Communication - effective facilitation and conflict resolution skills, credible with parents and staff

· Ability to plan and organise teaching activities.
· Appreciation of the commercial environment in which the school operates