Play Worker

Play and Learn Childcare & Education; Dublin; On-site; EUR 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Play and Learn Childcare & Education in Dublin is seeking a Play Worker to support children’s learning through structured and free play, on-site at Glenamuck Manor, Dublin 18.

This full-time role involves 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, with emphasis on safeguarding, documenting progress, and collaborative work with families and colleagues to maintain a welcoming learning environment.

Qualifications

• QQI Level 7/8 in Early Childhood Education or equivalent.
• Experience working with children aged 12 months to 12 years in childcare, school, or after-school setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, families and team members.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety policies and regulatory standards.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver age-appropriate play and learning experiences.
• Supervise children to ensure safety and well-being.
• Observe and document children's progress.
• Contribute to curriculum planning.
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety policies and procedures.
• Support routines such as meals, rest times and transitions.

Skills

Communication & interpersonal skills

Relationship-building

Team collaboration

Education

QQI Level 7/8 in Early Childhood Education

Job description

Company Description Play and Learn Childcare & Education provides high-quality early education and care services for children aged 12 months to 12 years across Kildare and Dublin. The organization creates nurturing, play-based learning environments that encourage curiosity, creativity, and a lifelong love of learning. An experienced team of educators supports children through key developmental milestones, promoting social, emotional, and cognitive growth in a safe and supportive setting. With a focus on individualized attention and holistic development, Play and Learn aims to empower children to reach their full potential and prepare confidently for future success.

Role Description The Play Worker is a full-time, on-site role based in Dublin, supporting children’s learning and development through structured and free play activities. Day-to-day responsibilities include planning and delivering age-appropriate play and learning experiences, supervising children to ensure their safety and well-being, and promoting positive social interactions. The Play Worker will help maintain a welcoming, inclusive environment, communicate effectively with children, families, and colleagues, and support routines such as meals, rest times, and transitions. The role also involves observing and documenting children’s progress, contributing to curriculum planning, and following all safeguarding, health, and safety policies and procedures.

Qualifications

• QQI Level 7/8 qualification in Early Childhood Education, childcare, or equivalent.
• Experience working with children aged 12 months to 12 years in a childcare, school, or after-school setting.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, families, and team members.
• Knowledge of play-based learning, child development, and age-appropriate activities that support social, emotional, cognitive, and physical growth.
• Ability to create a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment, adhering to safeguarding, health, and safety, and regulatory standards.
• Organizational skills for planning activities, maintaining records, and managing daily routines in a busy childcare setting.
• Flexibility, reliability, and a collaborative approach to working as part of an education and care team.
• First Aid training, child protection training, and experience in Irish early years settings are advantageous.

Location: Glenamuck Manor, Dublin 18.

Contract: This is a full time, Permanent position. 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday.