Playcare Assistant

JobStart Scheme; Strabane; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local childcare provider in Strabane is seeking a Playcare Assistant to plan and supervise play opportunities for children. The ideal candidate must have an OFC Diploma in Playwork or equivalent, along with experience in a similar setting. Responsibilities include ensuring a safe play environment, preparing activities, and maintaining hygiene standards. This temporary role offers flexible working hours, with pay rates ranging from £7.55 to £12.21 per hour depending on age and experience.

Qualifications

• OFC Diploma in Playwork / CCLD - Level 3 required.
• At least one year of experience in a related childcare setting.
• Paediatric first aid certification required.

Responsibilities

• Plan and prepare play opportunities for children.
• Supervise children during play activities and tend to their needs.
• Ensure good hygiene and cleanliness standards are maintained.

Skills

OFC Diploma in Playwork / CCLD - Level 3

Paediatric first aid - full course

Food safety L2 - full qualification

Minimum of 1 year's experience in a similar childcare setting

Knowledge of Minimum Standards for early years settings

Teamwork

Willingness to undertake necessary training

Knowledge & understanding of stages of child development

Time management

Hands-on experience in setting up activities

Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: STRABANE & DISTRICT PLAYCLUBAs a Playcare Assistant, you will plan and prepare play opportunities for the children, supervise them during their play and tend to the children's needs. Before job offer, you must complete Access NI & Fully enhanced Check by the Western Care Trust - Early Years and clearance letter issued.

Responsibilities

• To provide a safe creative and appropriate opportunities including planning activities, organisation programmes and arranging equipment. Assistant the manager in the efficient running of the setting on a daily basis.
• Assistant in preparation of play materials and resources.
• Provide safe play opportunities, preparing, planning and setting up activities.
• Assisting to organise a programme of activities for the children in a safe, caring and nurturing environment.
• Work in a team and support each other, share ideas, and develop new skills.
• Provide support/supervision to the children during activities.
• To ensure good standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained at all times.
• Ensure punctuality and good timekeeping.
• Ensure confidentiality.
• To be aware of the high profile of our organisation and to uphold its standards at all times.
• To report any accidents/incidents to the appropriate person in charge.
• To assist with the collection of children from schools.
• To ensure the provision of a enriched environment to meet the needs of individual children from differing cultures, religious backgrounds, stages of development and needs of the child.
• To maintain Health & Safety standards within our setting, check equipment and report any breakages/damages to equipment before use for the children.

Skills and Qualifications

• OFC Diploma in Playwork /Ccld - Level 3.
• Paediatric first aid - full course.
• Food safety L2 - full qualification.
• Minimum of 1 year's experience working in playcare setting or similar childcare setting.
• Knowledge of Minimum Standards for early years settings.
• Teamwork.
• If Training needs are identified willingness to undertake necessary training to assist in the development of relevant skills and knowledge needed.
• Upskill and achieve new qualifications.
• Knowledge & understanding of stages of child development & value of play.
• Time management - punctuality and managing hours in a new environment.
• Hands on experience - setting up, planning and preparing activities.

Further Information

The Employer is: STRABANE & DISTRICT PLAYCLUBJobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information- Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week.- Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach.- Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment.The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

Application Information

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.

Vacancy ID 1749104 Job Sector Childcare and Social Work Area Co Tyrone Location Strabane Salary 16-17 £7.55, 18-20 £10.00, 21 plus £12.21 per hour No. vacancies 2 Contract Type Temporary Weekly hours 25 Published date 04/12/2025 Closing date 14/01/2026 Worktime To be confirmed with employer.