Job Description

Based in the Village Hall Greyabbey about 10 minutes from Newtownards the Playschool Leader will be responsible for the day to day running of the playschool sessions to ensure safe, stimulating play and learning, and to 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 in-line with the mission, vision and aims of the playschool, based on the Curricular Guidance for Pre-schools (2018) from the Education Authority. A new improved curriculum is currently being worked on by the Department of Education. Leading the staff team to form short, medium and long term planning for the pre-school. Leading the staff team in the assessment, monitoring and recording of individual children's development through a system of observations. The Leader will work with the Director to monitor the effectiveness of this system and assist in its evolution. Responsible for the day to day management and development of the staff team including the allocation and monitoring of work, appraisal and training. To build and maintain a high standard amongst the staff team, and work towards fulfilling the setting's mission statement.

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 playschool. Organise and manage an appropriate learning environment with appropriate resources. Select and prepare resources to take account of the children's interests, language and cultural background. Help manage liaisons with parents and other relevant bodies to gather the necessary information, for Health Visitors, Social Services and other auditors to ensure that the playschool is satisfying all the necessary legal and statutory requirements. Plan appropriate play-based activities for individual children, taking account of guidance from independent early years support, the Education Authority and Social Services. Lead the staff team in monitoring, evaluating and adjusting individual plans as appropriate as the children progress through different stages in their development. Lead the staff team in managing record keeping systems and processes and record progress and achievements in children's activities systematically, providing evidence of range and level of progress attained. Work with the Director and the staff team towards the development and implementation of behaviour management strategies appropriate for the age and ability of the children in the pre-school. Establish constructive relationships with parents/carers, exchanging information, facilitating their support for their child's attendance. Work with the Director and staff team to encourage and enable parental involvement in the pre-school. Maintain equality of opportunity for all children and their families. Ensure there is a good, happy atmosphere conducive to learning at each playschool session. To 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. Comply with and assist with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection, health and safety, security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting concerns to Director. Ensure the children are supervised at all times. Ensure Accident and Incident records are filed for each situation should one occur. Recognise their own strengths and areas of expertise and use these to lead, advise and support others. Hold regular meetings with the staff team and ensure they feel valued and their views and ideas sought and utilised. Undertake induction/appraisal/training/mentoring for Playschool Assistants and Deputies as required. Represent the staff team/playschool at management/other meetings when required. Participate in training and other learning activities as appropriate. Ensure that there are good standards of hygiene and that equipment is safe and regularly checked for repair. Inform the Director should items require maintenance/replacement. Responsible for keeping up-to-date records as stipulated by Social Services and adhere to the regulations laid out in the Minimum Standards guidance. Take part in and help with the organisation of special events, outings and visits as required. Attend meetings with management as requested.
This is a 4 morning per week post (18hrs)

*Essential Criteria - A recent CCLD Level 5 Qualification or currently engaged in a CCLD Level 5 course as required by Social Services regulations for the post.

*Desirable - 1 year's experience in a Leader, Deputy or equivalent role.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: 13.60 per hour

Expected hours: 18 per week

Benefits:

Free parking On-site parking
Education:

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

Application deadline: 21/07/2025
Expected start date: 28/08/2025