Early Years Practitioner

Respond

Cork

On-site

EUR 20,664 - 26,174

Full time

14 days+

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave
Training support
Maternity Leave pay
Sick pay
Employee assistance
Purchasing schemes
Attendance bonus
Adoptive Leave
Surrogacy Leave
Fertility Support
Early Pregnancy Loss Leave

Job summary

Respond Early Year\'s Service in Cork seeks an Early Years\' Practitioner to deliver a high-quality play-based curriculum under Aistear and Siolta. You will supervise children indoors and outdoors, guiding development with a caring, inclusive approach.

The role requires commitment to teamwork, strong communication and professional development. Garda Vetting is part of recruitment; salary is €15.41–€19.09 per hour for 25 hours weekly, permanent contract.

Qualifications

  • FETAC Level 5 in Early Years Education is required.
  • Experience in early years education is valued.

Responsibilities

  • Deliver and implement a high-quality play-based curriculum.
  • Observe and record learning stories for children.
  • Organise materials reflecting children's interests and abilities.
  • Support independence and self-esteem through play-based activities.
  • Aid children's emotional, social and cognitive development.
  • Support healthy snacks and accommodate dietary needs.
  • Engage families to enhance learning experiences.
  • Ensure children’s welfare in line with national guidance.

Skills

Play-based curriculum
Observation
Parental involvement
Team collaboration

Education

FETAC Level 5 in Early Years Education

Job description

Are you passionate about early childhood education and looking for a meaningful role in a purpose-driven organisation? At Respond, we believe in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can thrive, and staff can grow. Our aim is to deliver high-quality, play-based education that makes a real difference. If you're ready to bring your skills, creativity, and care to our service then we want to hear from you!

Respond is committed to equal employment and growing a diverse workforce. If you do not "tick every box" there are likely other valuable attributes and skills that you have, that would make you a great fit for the organisation. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, nationalities, genders and from anyone who has historically faced social exclusion.

Role: Early Years' Practitioner
Location: Respond Early Year's Service, Millpark, Blackpool, Cork
Reporting to: Early Year's Service Manager
Terms: 25 hours per week (Mon-Fri)
Contract: Permanent
Salary scale: €15.41- €19.09 per hour

(Please note that offers are typically made at the beginning to mid-range of the advertised salary, based on skills and experience)

Staff Benefits:
  • Annual leave of 23 days plus additional company days
  • Further education and training assistance
  • Maternity Leave pay
  • Sick pay
  • Employee assistance programme
  • Employee Purchasing Schemes
  • 100% Attendance Bonus Holidays
  • Adoptive Leave
  • Surrogacy Leave
  • Fertility Support Leave
  • Early Pregnancy Loss Leave
Job Purpose:

To act as a positive role model and be responsible for delivering and implementing a high-quality play-based curriculum under the guidance of the national quality frameworks Aistear and Siolta both indoors and outdoors. To, guide, observe, stimulate and supervise children in a safe and caring environment as part of the childcare team.

Responsibilities
  • To follow the policies and procedures of the service at all times.
  • To conduct observation and learning stories for all children.
  • Organise materials and resources to ensure that they reflect the children's emerging interests and abilities.
  • To implement a play based curriculum that encourages independence and fosters the growth of self esteem within all children.
  • To support children's emotional, social and cognitive development.
  • To assist in providing healthy snacks that meet children's growing needs and reflect variations in culture or dietary requirements.
  • To develop and support parental involvement strategies that enhance children's learning experiences.
  • Ensuring that the welfare of children is paramount in accordance with Children First; National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
  • Promote the services in the local community and broader area to assist and support the quality and sustainability of the service.
  • To perform other reasonable and relevant duties as may be required from time to time.
Person Specification
  • Commitment to high quality early education.
  • The ability to work in collaboration with a dedicated team.
  • Highly motivated to work on own initiative.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • A professional and enthusiastic disposition.
  • Flexible and adaptable.
  • Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development.
  • Garda Vetting will be required as part of the recruitment process on an ongoing basis.
Qualification & Experience:
  • A minimum of FETAC Level 5 in Early Years Education.
  • Experience of working in early years.

Closing date for receipt of applications: 7th of August 2026.

Get your free, confidential resume review.
or drag and drop your file here.
Similar jobs

Similar jobs worth comparing

Early Years Practitioner - Fixed term contract
Early Years Practitioner - Fixed term contract

Respond • Cork

On-site
EUR 21,000 - 26,000
Annual leave 23 days
Education and training assistance
Maternity Leave pay
+8
Early Years Educator
Early Years Educator

Respond • Cork

On-site
EUR 20,000 - 25,000
Annual leave 23 days + company days
Further education and training support
Maternity Leave pay
+8
Play-Based Early Years Educator | Nurture & Growth
Play-Based Early Years Educator | Nurture & Growth

Respond • Cork

On-site
EUR 20,000 - 25,000
Annual leave 23 days + company days
Further education and training support
Maternity Leave pay
+8
Early Years Educator
Early Years Educator

Donegalchildcare • Letterkenny

On-site
Permanent Position
Attractive Pay scale
Pension Scheme
+2
Childcare Practitioner
Childcare Practitioner

Cara Energy • Ireland

On-site
EUR 31,000 - 42,000
Paid annual leave
Public holidays
Professional development
Early Years Educator
Early Years Educator

Kids Inc • Dublin

On-site
EUR 37,000
Play-Based Early Years Educator
Play-Based Early Years Educator

Respond • Cork

On-site
EUR 21,000 - 26,000
Annual leave 23 days
Education and training assistance
Maternity Leave pay
+8
Early Years Educator
Early Years Educator

Ashleigh Galvin • Dublin

On-site
EUR 21,000 - 32,000
Early Childhood Educator Level 6+
Early Childhood Educator Level 6+

Scribbles & Giggles Pre-school • Drogheda

On-site
On-site parking
Employee assistance program
Professional development opportunities
Play-Based Early Years Educator
Play-Based Early Years Educator

Respond • Cork

On-site
EUR 20,664 - 26,174
Annual leave
Training support
Maternity Leave pay
+8