DEPUTY PLAYGROUP LEADER

Cardiff Directory; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

LGPS Pension

Training & Development

Equality networks

Wellbeing support

My Advantages

Job summary

Cardiff Council in Cardiff is seeking a Deputy Playgroup Leader for the Creche Team at Shirenewton Gypsy and Traveller site. You will support the Playgroup Leader and act up when needed, helping deliver engaging activities for 2–3 year olds funded by the Welsh Government childcare offer.

The role requires passion for working with young children, sensitivity to family needs, and the ability to speak Welsh or other community languages; salary reflects term-time hours and is based on 21 hours per

Qualifications

• Qualification in Children’s Care, Play, Learning & Development (CCPLD minimum Level 3).
• Understand developmental needs of children under 4 and communicate with parents.

Responsibilities

• Support the Playgroup Leader and act up in their absence.
• Help develop engaging, child-led play experiences for 2–3 year olds.
• Contribute to welcoming, inclusive environments for families.

Skills

Non-judgemental approach

Empathy

Welsh language

Child development knowledge

Education

CCPLD Level 3

Job description

Cardiff Parenting and Play Services (which includes the creche and childcare team) are part of Cardiff Early Help. Cardiff Parenting Services are strategically led by a Principal Educational Psychologist and include teams that deliver group and individual parenting programmes and interventions, across the whole of Cardiff. We work in community settings, sometimes with families in the home and in accommodation such as hostels.

We have office bases across Cardiff and also have equipment for mobile working, although this role is based at Shirenewton Gypsy and Traveller site.

Information about our Parenting and Play Services can be found via our Padlet:

We also share information about what we do on our Instagram and Facebook pages – search for search for Cardiff Parenting – Rhianta Caerdydd to find out more.

Parents whose children have used the playgroup have said.

My boy loves coming to playgroup and runs in there

My girl loves playgroup, she asks to go on a weekend day

Cardiff Council take the welfare of all of our staff seriously and we strive to deliver positive working arrangements that support our amazing workforce to feel respected and valued. Here’s some examples of how we try to achieve this, with opportunities for you as an employee:

• Access to the Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan Pension Fund which is part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), offering a reputable, secure and flexible pension plan.
• Guaranteed access to further excellent Training & Development, to give you the opportunity to advance your career with us.
• Access to employee equality networks for support, guidance and socialising (these networks include the Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic Network, Carers Network, Disability Network, LGBT Network & the Women’s Network).
• Access to comprehensive employee wellbeing support.
• Access to the My Advantages Employee Benefits Platform (which includes access to the Council’s Cycle to Work Scheme and exclusive discounts at retailers such as Asda, Tesco & Ikea).

About the job

As part of a wider expansion of the team an exciting new role has become available within our Cardiff Parenting and Play Creche Team.We are looking for a Deputy Playgroup Leader to join our setting at Shirenewton Gypsy and Traveller site, the role is varied and the successful candidate will support the Playgroup Leader and act up in their absence.

The Deputy Playgroup Leader will play a key part in the development of an experienced team of staff who provide engaging, child led and fun play experiences for children aged 2-3 years for the Welsh Government funded childcare offer. Candidates will pro-actively contribute to the creation of welcoming and inclusive environments that are sensitive to the needs of adults and children using our service.

See the CIW report for the most recent inspection:

The paid hours are 21 hours a week term time only.

What We Are Looking For From You

Essential: a qualification in Children’s Care, Play, Learning & Development (CCPLD minimum Level 3) please see the job description and personal specification for further information

The post holder should have a genuine interest and love of working with children aged under 4 and their families. We often work with service users who are experiencing challenge and trauma, so candidates will need to have a non-judgemental approach, demonstrating kindness, empathy and understanding.

Candidates must have a comprehensive knowledge of the developmental needs of children and be able to deliver information to parents about their child’s development in a sensitive manner.

The post holder will receive, and need to problem solve and respond appropriately to, disclosures from service users concerning vulnerable children and/or adults, child protection and/or domestic abuse.

The ability to speak other languages, in particular Welsh alongside other community languages would be an advantage.

Additional information

If you would like more information, please contact Sarah Mackay the Childcare and Creche Co-ordinator on 07817 955443.

Actual Salary: £13,205.83 per annum. This salary is based on working 21 hours per week, 39 weeks per year, rather than a full-time role of 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year.

Please note: The salary shown assumes a start date of 1 st September. If you start after 1 st September, your salary for your first school year will be lower than the amount shown above because you will work fewer weeks.

This post is temporary until 31st March 2028.

Internal candidates who wish to apply for this position on a secondment basis must obtain approval prior to application using Form SEC1 (4.C.081). Requests may only be approved by the relevant Director/ Assistant Director/ Chief Officer or senior nominated officer graded no lower than OM2 or in the case of schools based staff the Headteacher / Governing Body.

Appointment to this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a Child and Adult Workforce Barring List check.

Safeguarding and Child Protection are key priorities for the Council. We aim to support children and vulnerable adults to ensure they are as safe as they can possibly be. Our services and schools are committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and vulnerable adults, and will take action to safeguard their well-being, and acknowledge that children and vulnerable adults have a right to protection. This is supported in the general ethos of the Council and all schools.

We understand you might use AI and other resources for your application; however, please ensure all information you provide is factually accurate, truthful, original and does not include ideas or work that is not your own.

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.

Job Category Social Services - Childrens

Working Pattern/Contract Type Part Time Permanent (Term Time)