Early Years Practitioner - Fixed term contract

Respond; Cork; On-site; EUR 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 23 days

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 summary

Respond Early Year's Service in Midleton, Co-Cork, is seeking an Early Years' Practitioner to deliver a high-quality, play-based curriculum under the national quality frameworks Aistear and Siolta, indoors and outdoors. You will guide, observe, stimulate and supervise children in a safe, caring environment as part of the childcare team, reporting to the Service Manager.

The role offers a 39-hour week, a fixed-term contract, and a supportive benefits package including education funding, leave

Qualifications

• Minimum FETAC Level 5 in Early Years Education.
• Experience in early years.
• Garda Vetting will be required as part of the recruitment process.

Responsibilities

• Follow the policies and procedures of the service at all times.
• Conduct observation and learning stories for all children.
• Organise materials and resources to reflect children's emerging interests and abilities.
• Implement a play-based curriculum that encourages independence and fosters self-esteem.
• Support children's emotional, social and cognitive development.
• Assist in providing healthy snacks that meet children's growing needs and reflect variations in culture or dietary requirements.
• Develop parental involvement strategies that enhance children's learning experiences.
• Ensure welfare of children in line with Children First guidance.
• Promote the services in the local community and broader area to support service quality and sustainability.
• Perform other duties as required.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Adaptability

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 (Fixed term contract)

Location: Respond Early Year's Service, Carraig Liath, Midleton, Co-Cork

Reporting to: Early Year's Service Manager

Terms: 39 hours per week (Mon-Fri)

Contract: Fixed Term

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: 28th of August 2026.