Job Description

Job Summary

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.

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 make relevant funding and grant applications. To establish constructive relationships with parents/carers, exchanging information, facilitating their support for their child's attendance. To comply 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 communicate well with the Preschool Management Committee. To attend and participate actively in monthly meetings with the playgroup committee. To undertake any other duties relevant to the post
Essential Criteria:

QCF Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Children's Care, Learning and Development, or equivalent qualifications. Possession of a valid certificate in Child Protection training. A minimum of 3 years (in the last 5 years) paid experience working in a pre-school setting. Experience of leading and supervising staff including appraisals. Experience of working with children with SEN. Experience of overseeing curriculum planning for all six areas of pre-school development. Excellent knowledge and understanding of NI pre-school curriculum guidelines. Knowledge and practical experience of Early Years' Legislation relevant to the provision of sessional care for preschool age children. Strong knowledge of child development, behaviour management strategies and inclusive practices. Confident IT Skills with the ability to use Microsoft office packages and appropriate apps, ie. Parent Pay Exceptional communication skills both verbal and written to interact with children, staff and parents. Ability to collaborate effectively with committee members.
Further Information

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. You will be required to apply for an Access NI and completed a Health declaration before you can be formally offered a role within the playgroup.

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: 14.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 per week

Benefits:

Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 31/10/2025