Early Years Deputy Leader

Early Years - the organisation for young children; Belfast; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading child care organization is seeking an Early Years Deputy Leader in Clogher Valley SureStart, Northern Ireland. The role involves creating a high-quality educational environment for children and working closely with families. Applicants should hold an NVQ Level III in Child Care Learning and Development and have two years of group-based experience. The position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package, making a significant impact in early childhood education.

Benefits

36 days of annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Healthcare schemes

Qualifications

• 2 years of experience working with young children in a group-based setting.
• Currently undertaking or completed a level 5 qualification.
• Ability to work in partnership with families.

Responsibilities

• Provide a safe and welcoming early education environment.
• Support and lead service delivery within the SureStart project.
• Innovatively extend play experiences for children's development.

Skills

Child Care Learning and Development

Teamwork

Communication

Education

NVQ Level III in Child Care Learning and Development

QCF Level 5 Diploma in Childcare Learning and Development (Management)

BA (Hons) in Early Years or equivalent

Job description

6c Wildflower Way, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT12 6TA United Kingdom

Overview

Early Years Deputy Leader - creche, Clogher Valley SureStart, Augher. Term Time - 45 weeks. NJC Scale 4, Point 7-11 (£25,584-£27,269) per annum pro rata. Location: Clogher Valley SureStart. Hours: 20 hours per week, term time 45 weeks, Monday to Friday 9:00am to 1:00pm.

Join Early Years – the organisation for young children

Location: Clogher Valley SureStart

Hours: 20 hours per week, term time 45 weeks, Monday to Friday 9:00am to 1:00pm

Do you have a passion for making a meaningful impact in early childhood education? Do you believe in the power of play to unlock potential? Be part of our team and help shape the futures of children by fostering growth and learning through purposeful opportunities.

At Early Years, we are committed to fostering growth for both the children and our staff. Joining means an opportunity to enhance your skills, make a meaningful difference, and collaborate with a team that upholds dedication, compassion, and excellence in early years care and education.

In return, Early Years provides a comprehensive rewards package, including a competitive salary, 36 days of annual leave (pro-rata), inclusive of statutory/public holidays, a contributory pension scheme, options to purchase additional leave, and access to healthcare schemes.

The role

As Early Years Deputy Leader - creche you will ensure children attending the SureStart programmes have the best start in life by providing a safe, welcoming, high quality, inclusive early education environment, working to improve the ability to learn, improve health and social development of children, antenatal to four years of age.

The post holder will support and when required lead in a variety of service delivery within the SureStart project.

You will work in partnership with families to promote and facilitate positive parenting and the enhancement of the role of parents as ‘first educators'.

The post holder will innovatively support and extend play experiences to ensure early outcomes are achieved.

Qualifications and experience

We are looking for people who:

• 1. NVQ Level III in Child Care Learning and Development and QCF Level 5 Diploma in Childcare Learning and Development (Management) OR currently undertaking a course of study that will lead to a level 5 qualification within two years from the date of appointment. OR BA (Hons) degree in Early Years or equivalent.
• 2. Two years’ experience working with young children in a group-based setting (paid/voluntary experience is acceptable – student placements cannot be considered as part of the 2-year experience criteria).

An information pack containing the job description and personnel specification is available by clicking here. Please note, the information pack will not be available after the job posting closes therefore you may want to download it.

As part of the application process, you will need to demonstrate how you meet the criteria as outlined above and on the personnel specification, and provide a copy of your CV.

Shortlisting will be completed based on the information contained with the application form, therefore it is important to clearly outline how you meet the criteria. Please note that your CV will only be used to support your application in assessing employment history.

Once you begin the application, it must be completed in one session, as there is no option to save and return to it later.

Application details

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Tuesday 21 October 2025.

For shortlisted applicants it is anticipated that interviews will take place on Thursday 30 October 2025.

A reserve list may be held for a period of up to six months for the same or similar roles – if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via email.

How to apply and contact

Should you need to contact us, please use the following methods:

Email: [e-mail]

Phone: [phone]

Early Years is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing flexible friendly working conditions. As Protestants and males are currently known to be under-represented in the Organisation, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups.

Location: Clogher Valley SureStart - Augher

Salary: NJC Scale 4, Point 7-11 (£25,584-£27,269) per annum pro rata

Contact email: [e-mail]

Contact phone: [phone]