Deputy Playgroup Leader

Limavady Comm Development Initiative; Limavady; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

A community development organization is seeking a Deputy Playgroup Leader to support the management of a playgroup at the Limavady Family Centre. Responsibilities include planning age-appropriate activities, encouraging parental involvement, and ensuring compliance with standards for child care. An ideal candidate will have supervisory experience in a pre-school setting, good interpersonal skills, and relevant certifications. Flexibility for cover is essential and the role may extend to full-time hours by 2026.

Qualifications

• 6 months paid experience in a supervisory or management role within a pre-school setting.
• Good interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Ability to work core hours of the organisation with flexibility.

Responsibilities

• Encourage parental involvement through communication.
• Maintain records/observations on children in care.
• Administer First Aid and record details.
• Plan and prepare activities for preschool children.

Skills

Supervisory or management experience in pre-school setting

Understanding of Minimum Standards for Childminding

Experience implementing Northern Ireland Pre-School Curriculum

IT literacy

Interpersonal skills

Problem-solving skills

Flexibility for cover

Education

Basic Food Hygiene Certificate

Paediatric First Aid

Child Protection/Safeguarding Training

Designated Officer Child Protection Training

Job description

LCDI operate Roe Valley Community Playgroup at our purpose-built facility, Limavady Family Centre, at Rathbeg Drive. We are registered with the Western Health and Social Care Trust and are inspected annually. We are also inspected by ETI. The Deputy Playgroup Leader will support the effective management of an established service operating Monday to Friday. The Job Role is to Provide safe, creative, and age-appropriate play activities for children in their playgroup year, both indoors and outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Encourage parental involvement and support by regular communication (verbal/written) with parents.
• Maintain all records/observations on the children in our care in accordance with the Minimum Standards.
• In liaison with the Children and Family Services Manager, be responsible for ongoing PR for the project including the use of social media.
• Have a commitment to continuous training as directed by management/ statutory agency.
• Attend meetings as appropriate.
• Administer First Aid as appropriate and record all details.
• To familiarise oneself with all company policies and work within their guidelines.
• To liaise and communicate with agents and external authorities as appropriate.
• To deputise in the absence of the Playgroup Leader completing all roles and responsibilities undertaken by the Playgroup Leader.
• To take part in a daily cleaning rota to ensure the highest standard of cleanliness within the setting.
• To ensure the implementation of the Northern Ireland Pre-school Curriculum.
• Support staff to always ensure the provision of high quality care indoors, outdoors and during trips/outings.
• Support the Leader plan and prepare a wide range of risk assessed activities for children in their pre-school year.
• Ensure and help with the preparation of a nutritious snack and refreshments for the children adhering to our healthy eating policy, all food.
• preparation requirements, and the dietary and cultural requirements of the children in our care.
• To plan and complete all display boards to a high standard.
• Monitor compliance with the Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day-care for children under age 12 and report any identified concerns to the Leader.

Skills and Qualifications

• 6 months paid experience in a supervisory or management role within a pre-school setting.
• In depth understanding of the Minimum Standards for Childminding and day-care for children under age 12.
• Experience implementing the Northern Ireland Pres-School Curriculum.
• IT literate.
• Ability to be pro-active and display initiative.
• Willingness to learn and acquire new skills.
• Good interpersonal skills, both verbal and written.
• Evidence of problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• A professional and supportive team player who enjoys effective collaboration with colleagues.
• Ability to work core hours of the organisation. Flexibility for cover.
• Basic Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Paediatric First Aid.
• Child Protection/Safeguarding Training.
• Designated Officer Child Protection Training.
• 6 months experience working with children with additional needs.
• 6 months experience fulfilling the function of Designated Child Protection Officer

Further Information

Limavady Family Centre will be transitioning to 31 hours / week as of September 2026 and it will be a requirement that the applicant will be able to work those hours at that stage

Area: Republic of Ireland
Closing date: 20 Dec 2025