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Early Years Assessor Job Description: Key Responsibilities and Qualifications

June 18, 2024

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Crafting a precise and comprehensive job description is crucial for attracting the right candidates to your organisation, especially for pivotal roles like Early Years Assessor.

To streamline this process for employers, we've prepared a generic job description template encompassing all facets of the Early Years Assessor position. This template is a foundational tool to highlight the key responsibilities, desired skills, and personal qualities you seek in an ideal candidate.

We encourage employers to copy, paste, and fill in the blanks of this template to tailor it to their organisation's specific needs and nuances. This customisable approach ensures that the job description aligns with your unique operational requirements and resonates with the kind of professional you aim to attract.

Furthermore, if you're looking for talented individuals to join your team, we invite you to explore our Post a Job page. Here, you can reach a wider audience of potential candidates and amplify your recruitment efforts.

Related Reading: How to Become an Early Years Assessor.

Early Years Assessor Job Description

Job Title

Early Years Assessor

Job Purpose

To assess and support early years practitioners in delivering high-quality early education and childcare, ensuring that settings meet the statutory requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and other relevant legislation. The role involves working collaboratively with early years settings to enhance the quality of care and education for children from birth to five years old, supporting continuous improvement and adherence to national standards.

Key Responsibilities

  • Conduct detailed assessments of early years settings to ensure compliance with the EYFS framework and other relevant regulations.
  • Provide constructive and actionable feedback to early years practitioners, identifying strengths and areas for improvement.
  • Assist in developing and implementing action plans to enhance the quality of education and care in settings requiring improvement.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of sector trends, research, and best practices to support professional development within early years settings.
  • Prepare comprehensive reports and documentation on assessment findings, recommendations, and follow-up actions.
  • Foster a collaborative relationship with early years settings, offering guidance and resources to support ongoing improvement.
  • Participate in training and professional development opportunities to enhance assessment skills and early years knowledge.
  • Work closely with local authorities and other regulatory bodies to ensure that all early years provisions meet the required standards.

Skills and Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Studies, Education, or a related field, with a strong preference for candidates with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).
  • A minimum of 2 years experience in an early years setting, demonstrating a deep understanding of the EYFS framework and child development.
  • Exceptional observational and analytical skills, with a keen eye for detail and the ability to provide clear, constructive feedback.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, capable of building positive relationships with various practitioners and professionals.
  • Excellent organisational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple assessments efficiently and effectively.
  • A commitment to continuous professional development and a willingness to stay abreast of changes and advancements in early years education.

Personal Qualities

  • A passionate advocate for high-quality early years education and care, with a genuine desire to improve children's outcomes.
  • Empathetic and supportive, with the ability to motivate and encourage practitioners in their professional development.
  • High level of integrity and professionalism, maintaining confidentiality and impartiality in all assessments.
  • Proactive and solution-focused, with the ability to identify issues and collaborate on practical solutions.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

Work Environment and Conditions

  • This position is primarily field-based, with visits to various early years settings across a designated region. Travel is a significant component of the job, and access to reliable transportation is required.
  • Standard working hours are 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, though some flexibility may be needed to accommodate the schedules of different settings and occasional evening or weekend work.
  • The role involves both independent work and collaboration with a team of assessors and early years professionals. Regular meetings and professional development sessions are held to ensure assessors are up to date with best practices and regulatory changes.

Recommended: Check out our latest early years assessor jobs.

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit the following documents via email to the specified address or through our online application system (if applicable):

  • A detailed CV highlighting relevant education, qualifications, and experience.
  • A cover letter expressing your interest in the role, your understanding of the key responsibilities, and how your skills and experience make you a suitable candidate.
  • Contact details for at least two professional references.

The selection process will involve:

  1. Review of applications to shortlist candidates based on qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role.
  2. Initial interviews will be conducted remotely via videoconferencing to discuss your experience, approach to assessment and support, and understanding of the EYFS framework.
  3. Final interviews, which may include a practical assessment or presentation, are conducted in person or remotely, depending on circumstances.

Additional Information

  • Due to the nature of this role, which involves working closely with early years settings, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or equivalent background check may be required.
  • Opportunities for professional development and further training will be provided to ensure assessors remain knowledgeable about current early years education practices and regulatory requirements.
  • The organisation is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Salary and Benefits

  • Salary Range: Provide a competitive salary range that reflects the qualifications and experience required for the role and the cost of living in the area where the position is based.
  • Benefits: Detail any additional benefits offered by your organisation, such as pension contributions, healthcare plans, professional development allowances, or work-life balance initiatives.

Reporting Structure

  • Direct Supervisor: Specify the role to whom the Early Years Assessor will report, such as the Early Years Coordinator or Education Manager.
  • Team Structure: If applicable, describe the team that the Early Years Assessor will be a part of, including any direct reports or key collaborators within the organisation.

Evaluation Criteria

  • Outline the criteria and metrics that will be used to evaluate the performance of the Early Years Assessor. This might include the quality and timeliness of assessment reports, feedback from early years settings, and contributions to team objectives.

Equal Opportunities Statement

  • Reiterate your organisation's commitment to equal opportunities and describe any policies you have in place to prevent discrimination and promote diversity and inclusion within your workforce.

How to Apply

  • Offer clear instructions on the application process, including any specific formats or information required. Provide a closing date for applications to ensure candidates are aware of the timeframe.

Contact Information

  • Include contact details for candidates who may have questions about the job description or the application process. This could be an HR representative or the hiring manager.

FAQs Section

  • Consider adding a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section to address common inquiries candidates might have about the role, the organisation, the application process, or other relevant topics. This can help reduce the number of individual queries you receive and provide candidates with valuable insights.
Alex Lockey
Director | Bolt Jobs
Founder Alex Lockey is an expert in further education, learning, and skills sector. He leads cost-effective hiring solutions and is known for successful talent placements. Dynamic and driven, Alex seeks innovative solutions to solve sector hiring challenges.