Sharon Kerr

Assessment & Quality Assurance Student Support & Guidance Professional Development & Industry Engagement Administrative & Team Responsibilities

• Plan, prepare, and deliver engaging lessons across Nat 4, Nat 5, Higher, NC, and HNC Early Education and Childcare courses.
• Use a range of teaching methods, including practical activities, lectures, discussions, and digital learning.
• Assess student progress through coursework, portfolios, and practical observations.
• Provide constructive feedback and support students in meeting learning outcomes.
• Embed current best practices in early years education and Scottish childcare legislation into teaching.
• Promote inclusive learning to support students with diverse needs.
• Assess student work in line with SQA standards and college policies.
• Participate in internal verification and contribute to quality assurance processes.
• Maintain accurate student records, including attendance, assessments, and progress tracking.
• Act as a tutor, offering pastoral care and academic guidance.
• Support students with additional learning needs and refer them to appropriate services where necessary.
• Encourage work placement opportunities and liaise with childcare providers.
• Keep up to date with changes in Scottish early years education policies, curriculum updates, and best practices.
• Engage in CPD activities, including training, conferences, and qualifications.
• Maintain strong links with industry professionals, employers, and placement providers.
• Participate in team meetings, curriculum planning, and college-wide initiatives.
• Contribute to the development of course materials and resources.
• Ensure compliance with college policies, health & safety, safeguarding, and GDPR.

Leadership & Management Curriculum & Child Development Health, Safety & Wellbeing Engagement & Partnership Working Operational & Financial Management

• Provide leadership to the nursery team, ensuring high standards of early years education and care.
• Manage and develop nursery staff, including recruitment, induction, performance management, and continuous professional development (CPD).
• Ensure compliance with Scottish Government policies, local authority regulations, and Care Inspectorate standards.
• Develop and implement nursery policies and procedures in line with national guidance (e.g., Realising the Ambition, GIRFEC, Building the Ambition).
• Monitor and evaluate nursery performance to maintain and improve quality standards.
• Oversee the planning and delivery of a play-based curriculum following Curriculum for Excellence (Early Level).
• Ensure individual learning needs of children are met through observations, assessments, and responsive planning.
• Promote inclusive practice and support children with additional support needs (ASN), working with external agencies as required.
• Encourage staff to use Realising the Ambition principles to create an engaging, child-centred learning environment.
• Ensure a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for all children, meeting Health and Social Care Standards.
• Lead on safeguarding and child protection, acting as the designated Child Protection Officer.
• Ensure compliance with Care Inspectorate requirements, including ratios, policies, and procedures.
• Promote positive relationships with children, fostering emotional wellbeing and resilience.
• Build strong relationships with parents and carers, ensuring effective communication and parental engagement in their child’s learning.
• Work collaboratively with the wider school team, including headteachers, teachers, and support staff, to ensure smooth transitions.
• Liaise with external agencies (e.g., Health Visitors, Educational Psychologists, Social Workers) to provide targeted support.
• Represent the nursery at local authority meetings and contribute to strategic early years planning.
• Manage nursery budgets and resources efficiently in line with local authority guidelines.
• Oversee enrolment processes and maintain accurate records of children’s progress and attendance.
• Ensure compliance with all relevant policies, including GDPR and data protection requirements.