Childcare Assistant Fixed-Term Contract to 31st March 2017 may be extended subject to funding

Job Title:       

Childcare Assistant Fixed-Term Contract to 31st March 2017 may be extended subject to funding

Reports To:  

Playwork Leader

Location:          

Skainos Square, 239 Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 1AF

Salary:      

£7.20 per hour

Hours of work:  

40 hours per week Monday to Friday 1 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. during term time and 9.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. during holiday periods

Leave: 

32 days including 12 statutory days pro-rata

Pension:    

National Employment Savings Trust (NEST)

Health Care:     

An employee health care plan is available after successful completion of probationary period

Probation:      

This post is subject to a 6 month probationary period       

Bright Sparks offer a full day care service for 68 children up to the age of 12 years. The facility provides professional, structured, educational care within a learning stimulated environment to ensure children can reach their full potential. With effect from September 2016 as part of our growth, Bright Sparks will be providing a School Age Project incorporating afterschools and holiday care.

 Main Responsibilities

• 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, personal care, 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 pick up and drop off children using own transport for children using the School Age Childcare service
• To participate in special seasonal or EBM projects i.e. trips, workshops, events etc.
• To communicate 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.
•  To lead in the absence of Playwork Leader.
• Any other reasonable duties as may be required by the Childcare Manager.

 PERSON SPECIFICATION

 Essential Criteria

 Education/qualifications                             

• A qualification at QCF Level 3 Diploma in Playwork  or
• QCF Level 3 Diploma Child Care, Learning and Development or equivalent

Note: A qualification at QCF Level 3 Diploma Child Care, Learning and Development is considered acceptable, but anyone appointed MUST complete) the Level 3 Award Transition to Playwork qualification within the fixed-term contract period.

Note: Where staff have previously attained NVQ qualifications in Early Years Care and Education (Level 3 or 5), this will be an acceptable alternative to QCF Diplomas.

 Experience

• 2 year’s recent relevant experience working in a childcare setting with children aged between 0-12 years old.
• 1 year’s recent relevant experience working in a childcare setting with children aged between 4-12 years old.

 Knowledge and Skills

• Well develop communication skills both written and verbal.
• Good observation and record keeping skills.
• Good organisational skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively 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 lift children and equipment when required.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Driving duties using own transport for children using the School Age Childcare service.

Personal Attributes / Disposition

• A commitment to the ethos of EBM.
• A friendly, caring, helpful, flexible, open-minded and patient disposition .
• Good attendance and timekeeping record.

 Desirable Criteria 

• Child Protection Training.
• First Aid Training.
• Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Experience of working with children who have additional challenges.
• Full clean driving licence.
• Use of own transport for picking up and dropping off children as may be required.

Additional Notes

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 Child 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

Bright Sparks is a Social Economy project of East Belfast Mission