4. Writing a Job Advertisement

Your setting will want to recruit the best possible candidate for each job you advertise and your job advertisement is the first introduction of your setting to a potential employee. Your advertisement needs to be clear and professional and needs to encourage the right people to apply.

Recruitment advertising can be very expensive, so it is advisable that you use the free options offered by the Early Years Learning and Childcare team.

Include the following in your advert:

• Job title
• The main duties and responsibilities for the role as included in the job description
• Working hours - specify the exact hours of work, for example '9am-12.30pm, Monday to Friday, term time only'. If the hours are flexible or you would consider job-share, then say so. Advertising a post as '20 hours per week', with no further information, is not enough detail for a potential employee to be able to make a decision to apply, especially if they need to consider their working hours around family arrangements, another job etc.,
• Salary - Avoid 'negotiable' or 'dependent on qualifications'. If there is a salary range, then be specific about what that range is. Potential employees may be put off from applying if they do not know what they can expect to earn.
• Minimum level of qualification required
• How to apply
• Closing date
• Be clear about what you expect from applicants with regard to their skills and qualities as included in the job description
• Promote your setting as a great place to work - make applicants keen to come and join your team. You may have a very nice outdoor area; make frequent visits to local parks or woodland for example. Also include things you are proud to have achieved, such as an Outstanding Ofsted inspection.
• Use phrases which are familiar to the early years and childcare workforce but try to avoid jargon or abbreviations. Be especially mindful if you are advertising for a trainee or apprentice role.

Important safeguarding content

Include a sentence explaining that all applicants are subject to pre-employment checks and successful candidates will need to undertake an enhanced DBS check, and any other associated checks relating to identity, qualification verification, etc.

Include whether the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974. The MOJ's guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975, provides information about which convictions must be declared during job applications.

More guidance can be sought here: Guidance on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the Exceptions Order 1975- GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

A clear statement of the setting's commitment to safeguarding must be included to deter potentially unsuitable candidates from applying, for example:

'This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment'

Please see the following example:

Sample Job Advertisement - Pre-school Supervisor (Word doc, 25 KB)

Please note: This guidance has been developed to highlight the importance of safeguarding issues; there may be other areas relating to your setting that would need to be included.

The sample job advertisement is an EXAMPLE and has not been developed to reflect your setting - PLEASE DO NOT COPY THE EXAMPLE.