Victoria Houfe

Senior Nursery Practitioner

• Completed Elklan Speech and Communication Training over a 3-month period and subsequently delivered the training to the team during staff meetings. Implemented these communication strategies across the nursery, providing ongoing support to staff to ensure effective integration of the techniques into daily practice.
• Held responsibility for opening and closing the nursery, ensuring smooth operation and security at the start and end of each day.
• Took full responsibility for the setting in the absence of the manager, whether due to holiday or sickness, overseeing all day-to-day operations and ensuring continuity of care and service.
• Managed staffing schedules, ensuring adequate coverage and efficient deployment of staff according to the needs of the nursery.
• Undertook safeguarding responsibilities, including liaising with external agencies, ensuring compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures to protect the welfare of children.
• Completed accident and safeguarding forms, ensuring accurate documentation, and ensured staff compliance with procedures by reading and signing relevant documents.
• Held responsibility for key aspects of health and safety, ensuring adherence to cleaning schedules, completing regular risk assessments, and securely storing necessary documentation.
• Conducted supervisions for staff members, providing feedback, guidance, and support in handling conflicts and promoting professional development.
• Led and participated in parent meetings, fostering open communication and addressing any concerns regarding children's progress and wellbeing.
• Managed SEN paperwork, including assessments, reports, and communication with external professionals, ensuring timely and accurate documentation for children with additional needs.

Nursery Practitioner

• Completed all required training, ensuring up-to-date knowledge of best practices in early years education and childcare.
• Provided high-quality care for children aged 12 weeks to 2 years, focusing on their individual needs, development, and well-being.
• Maintained and updated daily diaries and online portals, accurately recording children’s activities, progress, and milestones.
• Completed assessments and relevant paperwork, ensuring thorough documentation of children’s development in line with regulatory requirements.
• Led progress meetings with parents to discuss children’s learning, development, and overall progress, fostering strong communication and collaboration with families.
• Supported the holistic development of children through play, facilitating age-appropriate and enriching activities that promote cognitive, emotional, physical, and social growth.
• Maintained First Aid certification, ensuring immediate and effective response to any medical emergencies or incidents.
• Delivered a diverse range of age-appropriate activities tailored to the developmental needs of each child, encouraging exploration, creativity, and learning.
• Collaborated with colleagues to support children in other rooms, adapting care routines and activities for children aged 2-4 years based on their individual needs.
• Assisted in supporting children with Special Educational Needs (SEN), following individual learning targets and strategies to ensure inclusive and tailored support for each child’s development.
• Documented and reported safeguarding concerns promptly and accurately, following established procedures and liaising with relevant agencies to ensure child protection and welfare.
• Completed accident and incident forms, ensuring detailed and accurate documentation of any occurrences, and followed up with appropriate actions to support the well-being of children.

Customer Service and Retail Experience

• Addressed and resolved customer complaints professionally and efficiently, ensuring customer satisfaction while maintaining company policies and standards.
• Demonstrated money handling skills, including accurate cash transactions, processing payments, and balancing cash registers.
• Assisted customers with their shopping needs, providing product recommendations and ensuring a positive and personalized shopping experience.
• Completed till training, acquiring proficiency in operating point-of-sale systems, processing transactions, and maintaining accurate transaction records.