AFTER SCHOOL LEADER

Job Description

Job Title:               Moneyslane After School Club Leader

Accountability:       The Moneyslane After School Club Management Committee

Location:               Moneyslane After School Club,133 Dromara Road, Ballyroney, Co.Down

Hours of Work:       20 hours per week term time working only

Salary:                     £10 per hour

Organisational structure:

The Leader is responsible to the Management Committee. The Leader should support the Management Committee in providing a safe, caring and welcoming environment for children and their families in Moneyslane After School Club.

MAIN PURPOSE OF JOB:

To assist the Management Committee to ensure the smooth running of Moneyslane After School Club which, when full capacity is obtained, will cater for 16 children between the ages of 4 years and 12 years.

The overall policies of the After School will be laid down by the Management Committee to whom all other staff is responsible. 

Within the terms of these policies the Leader along with the Management Committee will manage periods requiring cover due to annual leave, illness, and training or for other reasons unable to lead the club.

The postholder should have a detailed and up-to-date knowledge of child development, and be able to demonstrate an ability to relate this to his/her practice.

The postholder will hold a relevant qualification at QCF Level 5 Diploma in Playwork; or

QCF Level 5 Diploma in Childcare, Learning and Development; or relevant occupational qualification

and QCF Level 5 in Leadership and Management

And at least two years’ experience working with children aged 4-12 years preferably in a play, education, youth or day care setting, experience in a supervisory role in a childcare setting and have Paediatric First Aid Training and a Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.

The post holder should support the Management Committee in providing a stimulating and diverse programme of play for all children appropriate to their age and development, in order to enhance each child’s abilities, and in a way which ensures the safety and wellbeing of the children at all times.

The post holder is responsible for:

1. supporting on a day to day basis the Management Committee

2. in conjunction with the Management Committee ensuring that adequate staffing levels are available each day as per statutory requirements

3. to assist the Management Committee with budgeting, purchasing/deliveries of goods and equipment, as required;

The post holder will, in conjunction with the Management Committee

1. Manage the layout of facilities where the children are present, are laid out at the

beginning of the session and tidying away at the end of the session;

2. ensure that all parents and children are greeted warmly and that parents are kept fully informed of their child’s progress or day informally;

3. take an active part in planning and evaluating a caring and stimulating environment, which meets the individual needs and age ranges of all children;

4. listen to, encourage, enable and stimulate children in all ways;

5. ensure that equipment is maintained and safe to use;

6. ensure safety of children and have the necessary training to be able to detect hazards in the environment and be able to take the appropriate action;

7. manage and keep:

• up-to-date records

• the first aid box replenished

• an accident/incident book

• copies of plans of activities/routines etc.

• records required by Social Services and Department of Education

• observation records of children

• equipment and stock inventory

8. ensure fire drills are carried out and recorded; ensure observance of the No Smoking Policy;

9. advise the Management Committee in the first instance of any matter requiring attention, such as replacement or repairs to equipment,

10. maintain an appropriate First Aid Certificate and Basic Food Hygiene Certificate;

11. preparation and supervision of children’s snacks ensuring dishes are washed afterwards as needed;

12. liaise with other professional bodies e.g. Play Board NI, the Early Years Organisation and Social Services and keep records etc. as appropriate;

13. keep strictly confidential any personal information regarding children, their families or other staff which is learnt as part of the job.  Such information should only be passed on in the interests of the child.  The postholder shall, in each instance refer to the policy of the After School Club to ascertain her/his responsibilities in this situation;

14. act as Designated Officer - working within Child Protection Procedures as appropriate, reporting on child abuse/neglect/bullying and implementing delegated tasks within the Child Protection Policy and Procedures;

15. undertake any relevant training as considered necessary by the Management Committee (training may take place out of normal working hours)

16. ensure the provision values and respects the differing cultures and ethnic backgrounds of the families and children using the After School;

17. in conjunction with the Management Committee review staff policies and procedures annually and on an ongoing basis. 

18. contribute to regular reports on the service for the Management Committee and attend Management Committee meetings as appropriate (meetings may take place out of normal working hours).

19. hold regular staff meetings that are minuted to plan work, to facilitate the sharing of information and address any issues such as the management of individual needs of children or management of behaviour.

20. carry out any other duties relevant to the post as may be required by the Management Committee. 

All successful candidates must undergo vetting procedures by the Social Services/AccessNI.  Employment will only commence once applicant has been given appropriate clearance.

Personnel Specification

Factors

Essential

Desirable

How

Measured

Qualifications and/or Training

QCF Level 5 in Playwork

or

QCF Level 5 Diploma in Childcare, Learning and Development;

or

a relevant occupational qualification

QCF Level 5 in Leadership and Management

Paediatric First Aid Certificate

Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate

Other qualifications which include a significant play component (4 –12 years) may be considered.

By application form and certificates

Experience

At least two years’ experience working with children aged 4-12 years in a play, education, youth or day care setting

Experience in a supervisory role in a play, education, youth or day care setting,

Experience of working with a voluntary Management Committee.

By application form and interview

Knowledge

Experience of developing, organising, co-ordinating and managing a child-centred Play programme for children aged 4-12.

Awareness of child protection issues and reporting procedures and understanding of the role of Designated Officer for child protection.

An awareness of current childcare legislation and Minimum Standards for Day Care and Childminding for Children Under Age 12.

By application form and interview

Skills

Ability to work as part of a team as well as on own initiative

Display good verbal and written communication skills with families, other professionals and agencies.

Good organisational skills.

Demonstrate experience in planning and prioritising work.

IT Skills with the ability to use Microsoft office packages.

.

By application form and interview

Aptitudes

An ability to follow health and safety legislation and best practice.

By application form and interview