Creche and Minder

Job Summary

The Creche Minder is responsible for providing safe, nurturing, attentive and developmentally appropriate care for babies and young children in the school’s creche. The role involves ensuring the children’s physical, emotional and social wellbeing while supporting their early development through age-appropriate play, interaction and stimulation.

The Creche Minder is expected to maintain a clean, safe and welcoming environment, respond promptly to children’s needs, observe their behaviour and development, and work closely with the Creche Coordinator, teachers, nurses and parents to ensure each child receives high-quality care.

Key Responsibilities

Childcare and Supervision

• Provide attentive and compassionate care to babies and young children throughout the day.
• Maintain constant supervision of children and ensure their safety at all times.
• Attend promptly to children’s feeding, sleeping, toileting, changing and comfort needs.
• Handle children gently and appropriately, particularly during feeding, bathing, changing and movement.
• Comfort children who are distressed, anxious or unsettled.
• Establish and maintain appropriate routines for feeding, sleeping, play and personal care.

Health, Hygiene and Safety

• Maintain high standards of personal hygiene and cleanliness within the creche.
• Change nappies promptly and maintain proper hygiene and sanitation procedures.
• Ensure toys, equipment, sleeping areas and other facilities are clean and safe.
• Follow the school\\\'s health, safety, safeguarding and child-protection procedures.
• Immediately report accidents, injuries, illnesses or unusual behaviour to the appropriate supervisor.
• Ensure children are released only to authorised persons in accordance with school procedures.
• Observe children for signs of illness, discomfort, injury or developmental concerns and report appropriately.

Early Learning and Development

• Engage children in age-appropriate play, songs, stories, music and sensory activities.
• Support children\\\'s language, communication, motor, social and emotional development.
• Encourage positive interaction, sharing and age-appropriate independence.
• Use play and everyday routines as opportunities for learning and stimulation.
• Follow the activities and routines provided by the Creche Coordinator.

Feeding and Nutrition

• Assist with feeding children according to approved parental and school instructions.
• Follow specific dietary requirements and allergy information provided by parents.
• Ensure bottles, feeding utensils and food containers are properly cleaned and handled.
• Never introduce food or medication without appropriate authorisation.

Communication and Records

• Maintain accurate daily records of feeding, sleeping, nappy changes, activities and other relevant observations where required.
• Communicate appropriately with parents regarding their child\\\'s day, wellbeing and significant observations.
• Maintain confidentiality regarding children and their families.
• Report concerns or incidents promptly to the Creche Coordinator or designated supervisor.

Teamwork and Professional Conduct

• Work collaboratively with other Creche Minders, teachers, nurses and school staff.
• Follow instructions and established creche routines and procedures.
• Participate in staff meetings, training and professional development activities.
• Maintain a calm, patient, respectful and professional attitude at all times.
• Promote the school\\\'s values and contribute to a positive environment for children, parents and colleagues.

Required Skills and Competencies

• Genuine love and patience for babies and young children.
• Strong child supervision and observation skills.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to remain calm and composed under pressure.
• Good hygiene and cleanliness practices.
• Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to children\\\'s needs.
• Basic understanding of child development and early childhood care.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Good organisation and time-management skills.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Basic first-aid knowledge is an advantage.
• Ability to identify and report safeguarding, health or safety concerns.
• Physical ability to carry out routine childcare duties, including lifting and carrying young children when necessary.

Education and Qualifications

• Minimum of SSCE/WAEC/NECO or equivalent.
• Certificate or training in Early Childhood Care, Childcare, Montessori, Nursery Education, Nursing Assistance or a related field is an advantage.
• Training in First Aid/CPR, Child Safeguarding or Child Protection is an added advantage.

Experience

• Minimum of 1–2 years' experience caring for babies or young children, preferably in a school, creche, nursery, daycare, hospital or similar childcare environment.
• Experience working with infants and toddlers will be an advantage.
• Previous experience in a structured school or professional childcare setting is desirable.

Personal Attributes

The successful candidate should be:

• Caring and nurturing
• Patient and emotionally mature
• Trustworthy and responsible
• Observant and attentive to detail
• Gentle and respectful towards children
• Clean, neat and well-presented
• Reliable and punctual
• Energetic and physically fit
• Teachable and willing to learn
• Professional and discreet