Playgroup Assistant

JobStart Scheme; Carryduff; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A local childcare provider in Carryduff is looking for a playgroup assistant to support children's development in a safe and inclusive environment. The role involves planning activities and ensuring hygiene standards. Candidates should hold at least NVQ Level 3 in childcare and have experience with pre-school children. The position offers flexible hours of up to 25 hours per week, with pay ranging from £7.55 to £12.21 per hour based on age. This is a temporary contract with room for additional hours based on need.

Qualifications

• Good understanding of hygiene routines required.
• Ability to work as part of a team necessary.
• Experience working with pre-school age children preferred.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to observations and documentation for the children.
• Assist in preparing play activities and routine.
• Maintain cleanliness of play areas and adhere to Health & Safety regulations.

Skills

Understanding of hygiene routines

Teamwork

Practical knowledge of Childcare Practices

Understanding of Child Protection and Safeguarding

Knowledge of Equality of Opportunity and Inclusion

Reliability

Initiative

Ability to follow instruction

Education

Minimum NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in childcare

Job description

THE EMPLOYER IS: CARRYDUFF PLAY CARE CENTREThe overall policy of the playgroup is agreed by the committee to whom the playgroup leader is responsible. The playgroup assistant is responsible to the playgroup leader, the manager and ultimately to the management committee.The assistant should ensure children attending the playgroup have the best start in life by providing a safe, welcoming, high quality, inclusive early education environment. He/she will support the playgroup leader in the day to day overseeing of the playgroup, providing a stimulating and varied programme of play and ensuring the social development of the children.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to and complete the agreed system of observations and documentation. Assist in the preparation of a forward plan of play activities and routine, and assist with the preparatory work required.
• Work with the team to ensure that the playroom is fully set up before each session commences and good standards of hygiene are maintained.
• Ensure all equipment, play areas and toilets are cleaned and Health & Safety regulations adhered to, and equipment and the environment is risk assessed and checked regularly.
• Work with the team to creatively plan the use of play spaces, including both indoor and outdoor environments, to ensure the children's developmental needs are being met.
• Follow procedures and systems to promote a smooth transition for children and families from home to pre-school.
• Maintain high standards of personal accountability to ensure the ongoing confidence of parents in the staff of the Pre-school Playgroup.
• The assistant must keep confidential any information regarding the children or their families that she/he learns as part of her/his job. Such information must not be passed on except to the playgroup leader.
• To carry out any other duties falling reasonably within the competence and capability of the post holder.

Skills and Qualifications

• Have a good understanding of hygiene routines.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Minimum NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in childcare.
• Practical knowledge of Childcare Practices and experience of working with pre-school age children.
• A good level of understanding of the importance of Child Protection and Safeguarding.
• A sound practical knowledge of Equality of Opportunity and Inclusion.
• Must be a punctual and reliable team member.
• Ability to use initiative.
• Ability to follow instruction.

Further Information

The Employer is: CARRYDUFF PLAY CARE CENTERJobStart Opportunity - Working Hours InformationStandard 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 1750518 Job Sector Childcare and Social Work Area Co Down Location Carryduff 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 16/12/2025 Closing date 23/01/2026 Worktime To be confirmed

Area: Republic of Ireland
Closing date: 20 Dec 2025