Foundation Studio – Permanent Childminder

Cape Town Opera; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 78,000 - 123,000; Full time

Job summary

Cape Town Opera is seeking a dedicated Childminder to care for Foundation Studio singers in a theatre setting. You will create a safe, engaging environment, support discipline, health and emotional well-being, and assist with rehearsals and performances.

Requirements include Matric Grade 12, at least two years of childcare experience, and a Police Clearance. Evening, weekend and school holiday availability is essential.

Qualifications

• Matric Grade 12 is required.
• Two years’ childcare experience preferred, ideally in arts or educational settings.
• Police Clearance Certificate required.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and ensure safety and well-being of all children in care.
• Assist with venue/room setup and photocopying tasks as needed.
• Escort children to and from rehearsal and performance venues.
• Manage healthy meals, hygiene and handwashing practices.
• Maintain records of attendance and incidents.
• Support positive behaviour and inclusive theatre etiquette.

Skills

Empathy

Patience

Communication

Multitasking

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Education

Matric Certificate (Grade 12)

Job description

Cape Town Opera is looking for dedicated and nurturing Childminder to join our team and assist with taking care of a group of the Foundation Studio singers. The ideal candidates will create a safe, engaging and enriching interactive environment for children to learn, relax and develop social skills. The Childminder will be responsible for overseeing rehearsal and performance activities, ensuring the well-being of each child, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

This is a permanent position requiring availability during evenings, weekends and school holidays. Applicants must demonstrate a genuine love of working with children, alongside the ability to support discipline, health and emotional well-being in a theatre context.

The ideal applicant possesses the following:

• Matric Certificate (Grade 12)
• Minimum two years’ childcare experience, ideally in arts or educational settings
• Police Clearance Certificate issued by SAPS
• Proven ability to work effectively with children of different ages, backgrounds and abilities
• Basic knowledge of the Children's Act and Occupational Health and Safety protocols
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Empathy, patience and emotional maturity
• Ability to multitask and remain calm under pressure
• Confidence working collaboratively with a diverse team of staff and caregivers

The above position reports to the Education and Participation Manager and entails the performance of the following key responsibilities.

Daily

• Pick-up pre-packed meals from our caterer, as arranged.
• Hand out meals to learners, which can be eaten in the vehicle before lessons.
• Ensure that the vehicle remains in a clean and tidy condition. Black bags will be provided.
• Ensure that learners get safely to and from their lessons. This entails fetching the learners from their respective schools/houses, travelling with them to the venue, escorting them to their lessons, and vice versa.
• Ensure that learners attend their lessons.
• Assist Foundation Studio Teachers as needed with venue/room setup and photocopying tasks.

Supervision and Safety

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all children under your care
• Maintain a secure and child-friendly environment at all times
• Implement the required safety protocols and emergency procedures

Rehearsals and Performances

• Escort children to and from rehearsal and performance venues promptly and safely
• closed-toe shoes when on stage
  costumes are worn and cared for correctly
• ensure costumes are returned and stored properly after use
• Maintain calm backstage conduct and support children’s focus

Health and Hygiene

• Supervise children during snack and meal breaks, ensuring safe and hygienic eating practices
• Encourage and support regular handwashing, especially before meals and after bathroom use
• Ensure all food waste is disposed of safely and in an environmentally responsible manner
• Be familiar with each child's known allergies or health needs, and follow established emergency protocols if required

Communication and Reporting

• Maintain open and effective communication with the Education and Participation Manager.
• Report any concerns or issues promptly to the Education and Participation Manager.
• Education and Participation Manager will communicate with parents

Behaviour Management and Inclusion

• Implement positive behaviour management techniques and should attempt to instil best practice theatre etiquette where appropriate
• Promote positive reinforcement, emotional support, and respectful behaviour in line with best practice in theatre and education
• Address behavioural challenges calmly and constructively, escalating as necessary
• Create an inclusive environment respectful of race, gender, culture, and ability

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of:
• Child attendance
• Incidents, injuries, or behavioural notes
• Any notable interactions