Playgroup Leader

Eden playgroup; Ballymena; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local childcare provider in Ballymena is seeking an experienced Leader to oversee a playgroup, ensuring exceptional care and education for children aged 3-4 years. The ideal candidate will foster a nurturing and stimulating environment while managing staff and engaging with parents. Required qualifications include a Level 5 Diploma in Children's Care Learning and Development or equivalent and at least 2 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• 2 years previous paid experience working in a play, education, youth or day care setting.
• Working towards Level 5 Diploma in Children’s Care Learning and Development / BA in Early Childhood Studies.

Responsibilities

• Oversee safety and well-being of the children.
• Manage risk assessments and learning resources.
• Establish relationships with parents/carers.

Skills

Leadership skills

Effective communication

Ability to manage diverse groups

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Children’s Care Learning and Development or BA in Early Childhood Studies

Job description

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Leader to oversee and guide a team in providing exceptional care and education to children. The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with young learners, fostering a nurturing and stimulating environment that promotes their development. This role requires strong leadership skills, effective communication, and the ability to manage a diverse group of children in various activities.

Responsibilities

• To be responsible for the overall safety and well-being of the children.
• To oversee the completion of risk assessments throughout the setting both indoors and outdoors.
• To provide safe, stimulating group play to meet the social, linguistic, creative, physical, imaginative and emotional needs of each child.
• To establish productive working relationships with children, acting as a role model and setting high expectations.
• To promote the inclusion and acceptance of all children within the Playgroup; provide and maintain equality of opportunity for all children and their families.
• To organise and manage an appropriate learning environment and resources.
• To select and prepare resources and plan to take account of the children’s interests, language and cultural background.
• To manage liaison with all relevant bodies to gather the necessary information for Health Visitors, the Health and Social Care Trust and auditors to ensure that the Playgroup is satisfying all the necessary legal and statutory requirements.
• To monitor, evaluate and adjust individual plans as appropriate as the children reach the next stage in their development.
• To manage record keeping systems and processes, and record progress and achievements in activities systematically providing evidence of the range and level of progress and attainment.
• To establish constructive relationships with parents/carers, exchanging information, facilitating their support for their child’s attendance.
• To comply with with the development of policies and procedures relating to child protection, health and safety, security, confidentiality and data protection, reporting concerns to an appropriate person.
• To manage staff and students/volunteers within the Playgroup including ensuring the supervision and appraisal process is implemented.
• Recruitment and induction of new staff in conjunction with the Management Committee
• To participate in training and other learning activities as appropriate
• To ensure wider communication of the Playgroup activities by producing monthly newsletters and updating social media to engage with parents/carers.
• To take part in and assist with the organisation of fundraising activities and special events.

Skills and Qualifications

• Level 5 Diploma in Children’s Care Learning and Development or BA in Early Childhood Studies or equivalent qualification.
• 2 years previous paid experience working in a play, education, youth or day care setting.
• Have, or are working towards, Level 5 Diploma in Children’s Care Learning and Development / BA in Early Childhood Studies

Further Information

The Leader will work closely with the Playgroup staff in the day-to-day running of the Playgroup to ensure safe, stimulating play in a safe, caring and welcoming environment for children and their families in line with DHSSPS Minimum Standards for Childminding and Day Care for Children Under Age 12, the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995, and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. This will involve planning, preparing and delivering play-based activities appropriate for children aged 3-4 years.You will be required to to apply for an Access NI and completed a Health declaration before you can be formally offered a role within the playgroup.