Bright Sparks: Childcare Assistant (2 posts)

Job Title:                         Childcare Assistant

Accountable to:             Nursery Manager

Salary:                             £14329.60

Location:                                   Skainos Square, 239 Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 1AF

Hours of work:              40 hours per week  - flexible hours to suit opening hours

Leave:                             240 hours per 52 weeks entitlement

Pension:                         NEST Pension (Auto enrolment)

Expenses:                       An allowance is paid in respect of mileage undertaken in the course of business

Bright Sparks offer a full daycare service for 68 children up to the age of 12 years. The centre is based in a new state of the art purpose built building which is located within the Skainos development on the lower Newtownards Road. The facility provides professional, structured, educational care within a learning stimulated environment to ensure children can reach their full potential.

• To work as part of the childcare team within Bright Sparks Childcare Facility in providing a stimulating and quality learning environment for children.
• To play a full and participative role in children’s mealtimes, breakfast, lunch and breaks.
• To ensure a good standard of hygiene at all times to include, nappy changing, cleaning of equipment and rooms.
• In consultation with the Childcare Team plan and implement a relevant play programme to meet individual children’s needs.
• To keep up to date records in line with Bright Sparks Childcare Policy and Procedures ensuring confidentiality at all times.
• To participate in special seasonal or EBM projects i.e. trips, workshops, events etc.
• To liaise with parents regarding children’s progress on a regular basis.

• To participate in staff development and training as and when required.
• To attend regular staff and team meetings.
• Any other reasonable duties as may be required by Nursery Manager or Director of Business Development.

Bright Sparks offer a full daycare service for 68 children up to the age of 12 years. The centre is based in a new state of the art purpose built building which is located within the Skainos development on the lower Newtownards Road. The facility provides professional, structured, educational care within a learning stimulated environment to ensure children can reach their full potential.

Personal Specification

Essential Criteria

• NVQ Level 2 in Childcare or equivalent

Experience

• Experience working/volunteering in a childcare setting

Knowledge and Skills

• ·         Good communication skills both written and verbal
• ·         Good observation and record keeping skills
• ·         Good organisational skills
• ·         Ability to liaise with parents and professionals
• ·         Ability to adapt to different groups / individual children / routines
• ·         Ability to implement policies, procedures and play programmes
• ·         Knowledge and understanding of child development
• ·         Ability to work flexible hours
• ·         Ability to cope with many different roles / responsibilities and to understand the importance of parental involvement
• ·         Ability to lift children and equipment when required
• ·         Ability to work as part of a team

Personal Attributes / Disposition

• A commitment to the ethos of EBM
• A friendly, caring, helpful, flexible, open-minded and patient disposition

Additional Notes

This job description is an accurate reflection of the job as it is currently. However, due to the fact that it is a first-time post, the hours and/or nature of the position may change. All prospective changes will be discussed with the post holder as part of the organisation’s performance management arrangements.

This position gives the post holder access to children and young people and will therefore be required to disclose details of any criminal convictions, including spent, bound-over orders and cautions in accordance with the Access NI Vetting and Baring Scheme and our organisation’s Children Protection Policy and Procedure.  An AccessNI check will be carried out, and in applying for this position, you are in agreement for the organisation to carry out this necessary check.

East Belfast Mission is an Equal Opportunities Employer

 Closing date for applications is 5/9/2014 at 17.00hrs

Bright Sparks is a Social Economy project of East Belfast Mission