Play Development Worker

Early Years - the organisation for young children; Coalisland, Dungannon; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization for early childhood development in Northern Ireland is looking for a Play Development Worker. The role includes providing quality play opportunities to pre-school children and supporting early years providers and parents. Ideal candidates should have NVQ Level III in Health and Social Care or equivalent, with experience in early year's settings. This position offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive rewards package including generous annual leave.

Benefits

36 days of annual leave (pro-rata)

Contributory pension scheme

Access to healthcare schemes

Qualifications

• NVQ Level III in Health and Social Care or equivalent required.
• Two years’ experience in an early years group-based setting is necessary.
• One year’s experience planning activities for children and families.

Responsibilities

• Provide quality play opportunities to pre-school children.
• Offer advice and support to early years providers and parents.
• Support various programmes across the SureStart area.

Skills

Understanding of safeguarding/child protection issues

Planning and facilitating group activities

Experience working with young children

Knowledge of age-appropriate quality play

Education

NVQ Level III in Health and Social Care or equivalent

Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education or equivalent

Job description

Overview

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

Play Development Worker Dungannon and Coalisland SureStart - Dungannon • Full Time NJC Scale 5, Point 12-17, (£27,711-£30,060) per annum pro rata

Location: Dungannon and Coalisland SureStart

Hours: 30 hours per week

Join Early Years – the organisation for young children as Play Development Worker

Location: Dungannon and Coalisland SureStart

Hours: 30 hours per week

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 Play Development Worker you will be required to offer quality play opportunities to pre-school children. The postholder will provide advice, information and support to early years providers, parents and carers on play development with young children. They will also support a range of programmes across the SureStart area.

We\'re looking for people who

1. An NVQ Level III in Health and Social Care or NVQ Level III in Early Years Care and Education or Level III Award in Community Development or equivalent.
2. Two years’ experience working with young children in an early year\'s group-based setting.
3. One year’s experience of planning and facilitating group activities to support children, parents and families.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of age-appropriate quality play for a child’s development.
5. An understanding of safeguarding/child protection issues and procedures.
6. A full current driving license enabling the holder to drive in NI and have the use of a vehicle for official purposes or have access to a form of transport that will enable the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full.

Preferred/Additional qualifications

1. A degree in Early Childhood Care and Education, Health and Social Care, Community Development or equivalent.

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, you must complete it in one session, as there is no option to save and return to it later.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Thursday 9 October 2025.

For shortlisted applicants it is anticipated that interviews will take place on Friday 24 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.

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: Dungannon and Coalisland SureStart – Dungannon

Salary: NJC Scale 5, Point 12-17, (£27,711-£30,060) per annum pro rata

Contact email [e-mail] • Contact phone [phone]