Montessori Directress (Guide) 3 - 6 Salary: Negotiable, 40 hours p/w, Full time Contract: Permanent Location: Cambridge Montessori Nursery School 73a Tenison Road, Cambridge, CB1 2DG Responsible to: Nursery Manager, Directors

General Information The nursery was founded on the principles of Dr Maria Montessori and her approaches to learning and development, supported by the Early Years Foundation Stage. The nursery can take up to a maximum of 86 children. Our ethos is one of ‘Nurturing Wonderful Minds’, supporting children aged 6 months to 5 years through their early years of development. At the heart of our belief's we recognise the importance that Learning, Environment & Nutrition have upon the overall wellbeing and development of the children in these important early years. The children may attend up to 5 day sessions per week, with a minimum commitment of 3 per week. Our aim is to provide opportunities for the individual child to develop independently and foster a joy for learning that prepares them for the challenges ahead. Our aim is to help children develop into kind, confident and independent individuals, who respect themselves, those around them and the environment in which they live. Further details about our school can be found at www.montessoricambridge.co.uk

Job Description Reporting to All staff are directly responsible to the management of whom are responsible for all matters concerning employment.

Main Purpose of the Post This position requires love, patience and a natural respect for children, a warm friendly personality with the ability to be sensitive to the feelings and needs of others. Encourage children to be independent and model for them appropriate manners and behaviours. Present children with opportunities designed to promote social, physical, and intellectual growth following the philosophies of Maria Montessori by performing the duties describes under ‘Essential Duties’. To have an understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and the Statutory Welfare Requirements and the ability to meet them. To contribute to the smooth operation of the Nursery School and act as ambassador for the Nursery School to the wider community. Essential Duties  The teacher will be responsible for preparing an environment in which the furnishings and materials are complete and correspond to the needs of the group; for maintaining clear, orderly, and an attractive Montessori environment, including the care and maintenance of classroom materials and equipment, and maintaining inventory of classroom materials

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The teacher will be responsible for preparing an environment that meets the sensitive periods / planes of development of the children in the environment To work in partnership with setting management/ fellow staff and trainees as part of a highly motivated and professional team To be part of a team of early years practitioners providing safe and stimulating childcare, under the direction of the Setting Manager To attend regular staff meetings and keep up to date with current childcare issues To promote good practice in a professional and inclusive manner To be fully involved in all activities associated with the childcare provision To understand, work within and promote the settings policies and procedures To share any child protection concerns immediately with the Designated Person To adhere to the confidentiality policy of the setting To assist with preparing and providing appropriate play and learning opportunities for the children at the setting To act as a Key Person to a small group of children as directed by the Nursery Management, maintaining all relevant paperwork To liaise with parents to support the development and care of their children To promote inclusive attitudes and practices Assist and undertake observation/assessment and record keeping as directed by the Management Interact frequently, affectionately, and respectfully with children Participate with outings to local museums, woodland and events for children Help organise and actively participate in nursery events such as open days, parent and child workshops, family BBQ, family Christmas party and parent meetings Be fully committed to the continuous success of the nursery school

Implement the Montessori methods which reflect’s observations and goals of individual children.  Facilitate regular parent communication and conferences to discuss orientation, transitions, and developmental goals.  Follow all safety and health rules while supervising all children at all times.  Demonstrate awareness of the entire group whether working with a small group or individuals.  Keep the environment and equipment safe, clean and attractive.  Support organisational mission, philosophies, values, goals, and policies to parent/guardians and coworkers.  Offer and share ideas and materials with colleagues.  Support other Montessori colleagues with training by complying with the documentation required by the Montessori Institutions. Participate actively in the teaching team through communication, collaboration, and curriculum planning Specific Responsibility  Promote the organisation’s Equal Opportunities policies  To have due regard to the provisions of Health & Safety at Work legislation, as detailed in the Health and Safety policy  Undertake such additional responsibilities as required by the Management, which are commensurate with the responsibilities of the post This job description describes responsibilities, as they are currently required. It is anticipated duties may change over time and the job description may need to be reviewed in the future. Person Specification Essential requirements for the successful applicant:  Must have current Montessori Certificate in the age group for that classroom, 3 - 6.

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Must be motivated and able to work independently as well as part of a team. Must demonstrate a positive attitude with a commitment to customer service. Must have oral and written proficiency in the English language. Must be able to work the hours of the position based on the organisation’s needs. Must be committed to continuing professional development. Must complete clearance of an enhanced DBS Disclosure

Desirable requirements for successful applicant:  Experience working with children aged 3-6 in a Montessori setting  Experience supervising staff and leading a team.  Advanced qualifications in Early Childhood Education.  Basic food hygiene certificate  Must have current Infant/Child CPR, First Aid, or gain this when starting.  Basic child protection/safeguarding training  DBS Criminal Records and Barring Service Working Hours This post is for 51 weeks of the year and requires a commitment of 40 hours per week, divided of 5 days, Monday to Friday. Hours of work may be changeable between the hours of 8am and close of the nursery. You will be requested from time to time to attend meeting out of hours. 30 minutes lunch break. Holidays Paid holiday entitlement must be arranged in advance with the management. During your employment you will receive a paid holiday entitlement of 5.6 weeks inclusive of public/bank holidays subject to a maximum of 28 days. Additional Holiday Pay We pay an additional day’s holiday for each year worked up to a maximum of 4 days (32 days paid holiday per year). Starting Salary The starting salary will be: Negotiable. The starting salary will be from £17,500 - £21,000 (PAYE, hourly rate, pro rata). Precise hourly rate to be discussed at interview and will be dependent on relative past experiences. We are committed to the continued development of skills amongst our staff and appropriate training will be provided as necessary. Occupational Pension Scheme We provide the pension scheme to all eligible staff that wish to contribute each month. We also contribute a percentage towards your pension, which will increase over time.

Application Process Safer Recruitment Cambridge Montessori is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children in our care. All applicants therefore must be willing to undergo effective child protection screening, this will include references from previous employers and an enhanced criminal records check (DBS check). We shall also seek compliance with sections 15-25 of the immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006 (eligibility to work in the United Kingdom of Great Britain). Interviews will be conducted in person to test your suitability to work with children.

Applications for employment A completed application form for employment should be sent by post or by email. An application form can be downloaded from our website, in pdf and word formats. here Cambridge Montessori Nursery School 73a Tenison Road Cambridge CB1 2DG Email: [email protected] Interviews times will be arranged and confirmed with the candidate. Visits to the nursery school are welcomed prior to the submission of a completed application form. Please contact the nursery office on 01223 352472 to book an appointment. We look forward to meeting you!