Job title: Level 3 Early Years Practitioner
Reports to: Play Leader
Location: Kites Corner, Gloucester

Position Summary

You will work as part of the nursing team supporting life-limited and life-threatened children and their families within Kites Corner. Working under the direction of the Play Leader, you will deputise in their absence and support the respite nurses/senior respite nurses to provide care in partnership with the child and family. You will work in a sensitive and professional manner, ensuring that the child’s emotional, social, and physical care needs are met in a way that promotes James Hopkins Trust’s vision, mission, and values. As part of the care team, you will be required to work on a shift system basis to provide care for overnight and weekend respite sessions.

You will be supported with training to ensure that you are competent and confident in supporting the play and personal care needs of the children who visit JHT. Working closely with the Play Leader, you will plan activities, keep early years documentation updated, and deputise for the Play Leader in their absence to ensure we are always providing structured and planned activities at our Little Kites respite and stay-and-play sessions (which are regulated by Ofsted early years). We also offer overnight and weekend respite at Kites Corner, which you may be asked to support on occasion.

Dealing with a variety of people, you will contribute to the overall performance of the team by being a proactive and enthusiastic team member. Participating in the provision of family-centred care, you will ensure the needs of the children are met and continuity of care is always promoted.

You will have empathy and understanding of the issues facing families where there is a baby or young child with a life-threatening or life-limiting condition. While interacting with the child and their family, you will show them kindness and compassion. You are committed to always delivering exceptional family-centred care at Kites Corner.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Play

Actively encourage a family atmosphere within Kites Corner.
Contribute positively to the maintenance and upkeep of a child and family-focused environment within Kites Corner, preparing activities and maintaining up-to-date displays.
Recognise the skills and experience of the family in meeting the individual care needs of their child and work in partnership with them to provide holistic care.
Assist nursing staff in delivering safe quality care to the children staying at Kites Corner.
Maintain agreed standards of care.
Contribute to the monitoring and review of care plans by communicating any changes to the child’s care needs.
Work with and deputise for the Play Leader to ensure the care and education we provide promotes health, growth, and development.
Plan for age-appropriate accessible/individualised activities.
Create a safe, secure, and stimulating learning environment where children can explore their potential.
Consider their physical, emotional, intellectual, social, and psychological development through play and education, keeping up with the latest changes in childcare legislation.
Recognise play as an important activity for all children and provide a stimulating and enjoyable environment for the children, appropriate to their developmental stage.
Speak to the Nursing Management Team at any time there is a concern regarding the child’s condition or any aspects of the child’s care.
Work flexibly under the guidance of the nursing team to support the children’s needs.
Identify and follow the child’s care routine and established pattern of care, negotiating any changes with the child and family.
The safeguarding of children and young people is everyone’s responsibility, and you are expected to pass on any child safeguarding concerns to the appropriate manager that may arise in the course of your work.
Every staff member has a responsibility to maintain confidential, accurate, and timely records.
Complete all documented housekeeping tasks as required to ensure Kites Corner remains clean and safe.
Maintain an awareness of the diversity of families supported by James Hopkins Trust and ensure that the cultural needs of the children and families are met appropriately.
Ensure professional boundaries are maintained and that due attention is paid to confidentiality, privacy, and dignity at all times.

Personal Development

Recognise your level of competence and ability and work within them.
Ask for assistance if you feel unsure.
Take advantage of training opportunities to further develop your skills and expertise to enhance your role within the James Hopkins Trust Nursing Team, including mandatory training sessions.
Ensure that all mandatory training is updated as requested.
Attend your individual performance reviews, clinical supervisions, mandatory training sessions, and staff meetings.

Responsibility for Clinical Governance and Quality

Participate in quality control monitoring and auditing processes to ensure the safe delivery of care and maintain high standards through best practice.
Be proactive in identifying ways of improving practice.
Identify ways of continued quality improvement, using reflective practice through supervision & appraisals.
Complete incident documentation in line with a “no blame” approach and James Hopkins Trust’s whistle-blowing policy.
Adhere to and comply with all James Hopkins Trust’s policies and procedures.

Teamwork

Ensure good teamwork and a flexible approach are maintained within the nursing team and the wider Organisation.
Participate in ‘on-the-job’ training programmes and teaching sessions.
Participate in the orientation of new staff, students, and volunteers.
Help with the organisation of James Hopkins Trust events for the families.
Guide and supervise volunteers working with the children.
Liaise with the Administration team regarding ordering and purchasing requirements as necessary for the day-to-day running of James Hopkins Trust’s services.
Inform the relevant line manager of incidents and concerns using agreed processes.
Carry out any reasonable additional duty as agreed by the Nursing Manager or Deputy Nursing Manager to meet the changing requirements of the service.

Communication

Encourage the philosophy of James Hopkins Trust with acts of kindness and helping to make magic memories.
Present a good public image.
Use the appropriate channels to ensure good communication is always maintained within the Organisation.
Attend team briefings and participate in other meetings as appropriate (may include external meetings).

Health and Safety

Ensure that infection control guidelines and policies are strictly adhered to.
Follow risk assessments to ensure that children, families, visitors, and colleagues are safe.
Be aware of and work within James Hopkins Trust’s lone working policies.
Adhere to all Health and Safety issues and James Hopkins Trust policies.
Be aware of all Fire and Health and Safety regulations at Kites Corner and always maintain a safe working environment.

Ways of working and collaborating

Make a positive contribution to the team and the wider Organisation by playing an active role in growing excellent working relationships within all areas of James Hopkins Trust, including families, volunteers, and staff members.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to creating an inclusive, equal, and diverse workplace.
Work within all of James Hopkins Trust’s policies, processes, and procedures at all times.
Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of current and planned activities.
Carry out any additional tasks and projects as reasonably requested in line with the general responsibility of the role.

Lead by example and be an inspiring role model for others, building trust and living by our Vision, Mission & Values; always keeping children at the heart of what we do.

James Hopkins Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

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Level 3 Early Years Practitioner