Job Description

- Playschool Assistant

Based in the Village Hall Greyabbey about 10 minutes from Newtownards, the post holder will be responsible for preparing and supporting the children during play sessions, ensuring safe, stimulating play that will provide for the needs of the whole child. This will involve being a part of planning, preparing and delivering play based activities appropriate for children aged 2 years 10 months-4 years, and making observations of play to ensure progressive learning for the children. This work will be carried out with curricular guidance from the Director and Playschool Leader in line with the mission, vision and aims of the Playschool, and based on the Curricular Guidance for Pre-Schools (2018) from the Education Authority.

Essential Criteria

Experience of working with children.

Knowledge of planning and taking observations.

Level 2 CCLD or above.

Responsibilities

Provide safe, stimulating group play to meet the social, linguistic, creative, physical, imaginative, emotional needs of each child. Establish productive working relationships with children, acting as a role model and setting high expectations. Promote the inclusion and acceptance of all children within the pre-school. Organise appropriate learning environment and resources for play sessions in line with directions from the Leader, in their absence the Deputy Leader, and the Director. Select and prepare resources to take account of children's interests, language, and cultural background. Establish constructive relationships with parents/carers, exchanging information, facilitating their support for their child's attendance. Encourage all children to interact and work cooperatively with others and engage all children in activities. Ensure there is a good, happy atmosphere at each session. Manage resources effectively and ensure play areas are left tidy and ready for the next session. Take time to listen and respond to children and encourage them to develop. Provide information and advice to enable the children to make choices about their own behaviour. Promote independence and employ strategies to recognise and reward achievement of self-reliance. Ensure the children are supervised at all times. Ensure Accident and Incident records are filed for each situation should one occur. Participate in training and other learning activities as appropriate. Take part in special events, outings and visits as well as staff meetings. Advise the Playschool Leader of any matter requiring attention such as concerns about a child or equipment needing repaired and replaced. Provide support to the Playschool Leader to ensure the highest standards are maintained. Work in conjunction with the Playschool Leader and Director to resolve any difficulties that might arise during the day to day running of the playschool. Seek advice regarding any difficult situations so as to maintain the necessary levels of integrity and confidentiality. Other relevant duties as may be assigned by the Leader or Director.

Further Post details

10.5hrs per week minimum, 12.21 per hour

Funded by the Education Authority to June 30th 2026.

Playschool holidays, Halloween, Christmas, Half-Term (Feb), Easter and Bank Holidays, St Patrick's Day, May Days are paid.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 12.21 per hour

Expected hours: No less than 10.5 per week

Benefits:

Free parking On-site parking
Education:

Certificate of Higher Education (preferred)
Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 21/07/2025
Reference ID: Playschool Assistant
Expected start date: 28/08/2025