Maraia Matanisiga
Andover,Wiltshire
Summary
Early years practitioner with 15+ years supporting toddlers and young children through play-based learning, structured storytelling, and inclusive daily routines. Applies EYFS-aligned risk assessment, safeguarding standards, and hygiene practices to maintain a safe, nurturing environment. Uses observation, record keeping, and behaviour management to support development, confidence, and engagement. Communicates progress clearly with parents and colleagues to strengthen outcomes.
Overview
4
4
years of professional experience
Work History
Early Years Practitioner
Happy Days Nursery
Salisbury, Wiltshire
03.2023 - Current
- Encouraged learning and development through play, activities and teaching.
- Collaborated with parents and guardians, providing regular updates on child development and well-being.
- Conducted risk assessments to plan safe and fun activities.
- Developed child language skills through storytelling, role play and songs.
- Prepared school meals, snacks and drinks for children during lunchtime periods, following individual dietary requirements.
- Forged positive, trusting relationships with children, parents and coworkers.
- Participated in staff meetings and professional development courses to improve practice.
- Set targets for key children to build skills and confidence.
- Helped children become more independent when performing daily tasks, assisting with dressing and toileting.
- Promoted child learning development through interactive play.
- Facilitated a safe and nurturing environment, adhering to health and safety guidelines.
- Monitored children's progress, identifying areas for additional support and tailoring activities to individual needs.
- Applied Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) knowledge to track and boost attainment.
- Led group sessions and individual activities to support social skills development.
- Supported children's personal care needs, respecting their dignity and fostering independence.
- Encouraged children's language development through storytelling and interactive discussions.
- Adapted to young children's capabilities to maintain inclusive atmosphere.
- Coordinated and planned activities which kept children engaged and entertained throughout the day.
Education
Diploma of Higher Education - Early Years Educator
NCFE CACHE
01-2024
Diploma of Higher Education - Early Years Educator
Llywodraeth Cymru
01-2013
Skills
- EYFS assessment and child development tracking
- Activity planning and lesson design
- Risk assessment and health safety procedures
- Behavior observation and management
- Early years safeguarding knowledge
- Record keeping and data recording
- Collaborative teamwork and communication
- Child engagement and participation encouragement
- Inclusive support and learning techniques
- Dignity care and empathy towards children
- Paediatric first aid and safety regulations
- Creative lesson planning and resourcefulness
- Outdoor play supervision and environmental hygiene standards
- Child-centered approach and play-based learning
- Positive reinforcement strategies and sensory play design
- Health and safety procedures
- Organised
- Paediatric First Aid
- Patient and caring
- Child-focused
- Patience with learners
- Active listening
- Empathy understanding
- Energetic
- Communication
- Gross and fine motor skills
- Play-based learning
- Environmental hygiene standards
- Outdoor play supervision
- Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) knowledge
- Child safety regulations
- Childcare regulations knowledge
- Meal preparation
- Creative lesson planning
- Child behaviour management
- Child-centred play
- Lesson and activity planning
- Positive reinforcement strategies
- Resourceful
- Empathy towards children
- Inclusive learning techniques
- Data recording
- Food and drink preparation
- Encouraging participation
- EYFS framework application
- Classroom management
- Child-Centred approach
- Sensory play design
- Special needs assistance
- Nutrition for young children
- Early years curriculum knowledge
- Child development theories
- Assessment for learning
- Creativity stimulation
- Physical development exercises
- Individual and group instruction
Timeline
Early Years Practitioner
Happy Days Nursery
03.2023 - Current
Diploma of Higher Education - Early Years Educator
NCFE CACHE
Diploma of Higher Education - Early Years Educator
Llywodraeth Cymru