Address
Form of work
SalaryAbout the job
Fixed term: 20 months
Interview date: Thursday 22 February 2024
You will be leading and implementing a funded project to explore the relationship between young children’s Speech and Language Development and the environment in which they play and learn, to develop an audit tool, and then strategically roll out that product to the Early Years sector.
You will be working with and be supervised by Childbase Partnership, a chain of nurseries situated in England. You will be required to visit Childbase’s 45 settings across England to engage with children, parents and nursery teams, and to assess young children’s Speech and Language skills. You will also need to audit the nursery environments, provide feedback and recommendations for improvement to the nursery management teams, and support the writing of action plans. You will need to train others on the processes required.
This complex project requires you to establish and maintain effective communication with internal and external stakeholders to transfer critical knowledge and expertise.
This exciting opportunity is funded through a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP). KTP is a UK Government scheme promoting sustained and mutually beneficial relationships between universities and industry. Through the KTP, you will be fully supported by the university and mentored to nurture your talent. You will have your own budget (£2,000pa) for training and CPD, helping you develop your skillset and reach your personal/professional career goals.
We want you to be able to carry out your work in a way that best supports Childbase and UON, but also you as an individual. We understand this may vary between different areas of the university as well as from one person to another. With Smarter Working you can work with increased flexibility, if you would like to, which can facilitate greater freedom and autonomy.
This post is subject to a background disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service before any appointment can be confirmed.
About you
You will be a focussed individual, able to undertake a project with attention to detail, and have a passion for making a difference in the lives of children and their families. The requirements are:
Essentials
Ability to:
- mentor/role model
- develop excellent working relationships with others
- demonstrate excellent leadership/motivation skills
- show sound knowledge of safeguarding procedures
- demonstrate experience of working with 0 - 5 year olds
- promote inclusive practice
- identify and implement change within environments
- operate IT effectively
- show commitment to ongoing CPD
Desirable
Excellent knowledge of EYFS/Ofsted processes
Attributes:
Associate will demonstrate:
- organisation/time management skills
- confidence and clarity in presenting
- excellent alliances, credibility, and ability to work cooperatively.
- awareness/understanding of commercial drivers.
- pro-activity, with effective leadership skills.
Qualifications
Essential;
- 2:1 or above in BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies or equivalent
- Maths and English GCSE grade C/4 above
- Ability to move between locations preferably a full UK Driving Licence
- For International applicants only – IELTS grade 7.5 or above
Desirable;
- Paediatric First Aid
Faculty and Partnership
Childbase Partnership is an Employee owned company that provides childcare and education for children from 6 weeks to 5 years. They have 45 nurseries. Childbase Partnership's ethos is to be the best EY provider, providing outstanding outcomes for children.
You will be working with Childbase but will also be supervised by an academic researcher from the Early Years team at the University of Northampton. The Early Years team are situated in the Childhood, Youth and Families Subject area within the Faculty of Health, Education and Society. The researcher has in-depth knowledge and experience of Early Years Language Development.
About Us
Come to the University of Northampton and you will see that we do things a bit differently.
We are one of the youngest universities in the UK but we are already leading the way in adding value to society, which we call social impact. We have won multiple awards for our work in this area, among others, but what matters the most to us is ensuring that our students and graduates have the opportunity to make their mark on the world too. That’s why we were the first university in the UK to be named as a Changemaker Campus in 2012.
We want to break the mould of what Higher Education can be. This has led us to build a whole new University from the ground up that is designed to reflect the way that students actually learn rather than the way they are expected to learn. Waterside Campus opened in September 2018.
Our commitment to transforming lives and inspiring change is at the heart of all that we do.
Right To Work
All candidates will be asked to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK at interview.
Equality
We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
The University of Northampton is committed to providing a vibrant, ethical and sustainable work, study and living environment that values equality, diversity and inclusion.
This commitment, along with our legal and moral obligations, provides an inclusive environment for staff, students and the public who may be affected by our activities.
Together @ UON confirms our commitment to equality and inclusion, underpinned by our belief in taking action. We are dedicated to creating an environment that celebrates equality and harnesses the power of diversity.
Together @ UON demonstrates our pledge to our staff, students and partners to nurture and develop an environment where equality and inclusion can thrive whilst we Transform Lives and Inspire Change.
To find out more, please visit: https://www.northampton.ac.uk/about-us/governance-and-management/management/equality-and-diversity/
