Play Development Worker

Early Years Organisation; Dungannon; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A community-focused organization in Dungannon is seeking a Play Development Worker to enhance early childhood experiences. This role involves providing play opportunities, supporting parents, and facilitating early years programmes. The ideal candidate will have relevant NVQ qualifications and experience working with young children. A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are offered.

Benefits

36 days of annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Healthcare schemes

Qualifications

• Two years of experience working with young children in an early years group-based setting.
• One year’s experience of planning and facilitating group activities to support children, parents, and families.
• Understanding of safeguarding/child protection issues and procedures.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Early years

Play development

Childcare

SureStart

Education

NVQ Level III in Health and Social Care

NVQ Level III in Early Years Care and Education

Degree in Early Childhood Care and Education

Job description

Overview

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

Location: Dungannon and Coalisland SureStart

Hours: 30 hours per week

Tenure: Permanent

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

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

At the closing date have:

Essential criteria

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.

Desirable criteria

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

To find out more about the role and to apply, visit our website by clicking the Apply button below.

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.

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.

Skills: early years, play development, childcare, surestart, part-time, charity