Job Description

Overview

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Leader to oversee and guide a team in providing exceptional care and education to children. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with young learners, fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes their development. This role requires strong leadership skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage a diverse group of children in various activities.

Essential Criteria

Level 5 Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development or BA in Early Childhood Studies or equivalent qualification. 2 years previous paid experience working in a play, education, youth or day care setting.

Desirable Criteria

Have, or are working towards, Level 5 Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development / BA in Early Childhood Studies

Job Purpose:

The Leader will work closely with the Playgroup staff in the day-to-day running of the Playgroup to ensure safe, stimulating play in a safe, caring and welcoming environment for children and their families in line with DHSSPS Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care for Children Under Age 12, the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This will involve planning, preparing and delivering play-based activities appropriate for children aged 3-4 years.

To plan short and medium-term planning for the Playgroup. The assessment, monitoring and recording of individual children's development. To develop the Playgroup in terms of reputation and growth.

Responsibilities:

To be responsible for the overall safety and well-being of the children. To oversee the completion of risk assessments throughout the setting both indoors and outdoors. To provide safe, stimulating group play to meet the social, linguistic, creative, physical, imaginative and emotional needs of each child. To establish productive working relationships with children, acting as a role model and setting high expectations. To promote the inclusion and acceptance of all children within the Playgroup; provide and maintain equality of opportunity for all children and their families. To organise and manage an appropriate learning environment and resources. To select and prepare resources and plan to take account of the children's interests, language and cultural background. To manage liaison with all relevant bodies to gather the necessary information for Health Visitors, the Health and Social Care Trust and auditors to ensure that the Playgroup is satisfying all the necessary legal and statutory requirements. To monitor, evaluate and adjust individual plans as appropriate as the children reach the next stage in their development. To manage record keeping systems and processes, and record progress and achievements in activities systematically providing evidence of the range and level of progress and attainment. To establish constructive relationships with parents/carers, exchanging information, facilitating their support for their child's attendance. To comply with with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection, health and safety, security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting concerns to an appropriate person. To manage staff and students/volunteers within the Playgroup including ensuring the supervision and appraisal process is implemented. Recruitment and induction of new staff in conjunction with the Management Committee. To participate in training and other learning activities as appropriate. To ensure wider communication of the Playgroup activities by producing monthly newsletters and updating social media to engage with parents/carers. To take part in and assist with the organisation of fundraising activities and special events. To adhere to all Playgroup policies and procedures.
This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive, and the Playgroup Leader will be expected to undertake any other reasonable duties as assigned by the Owner and the Playgroup Management Committee.

For further information on this vacancy and to request an application pack please email edenplaygroup@gmail.com or call 07544008870. Printed application forms available upon request.

The closing date for completed applications is Friday 3rd October 2025. Immediate interviews.

Eden playgroup is an equal opportunities employer.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 14.50 per hour

Expected hours: 22.5 per week

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Employee discount Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking
Work Location: In person