Playgroup Assistant (Temporary to end of June 2020)

Aim:

Ballygawley Early Years Playgroup is committed to delivering excellent outcomes for children, in a setting where children are happy, safe and able to reach their potential. The Playgroup Assistant will support the Leader in ensuring that there is a safe, caring and welcoming environment for children and their families.

Responsibilities:

• To ensure a high standard of physical, emotional, social and intellectual care for children attending the Playgroup.
• Help ensure that the playroom is appropriately laid out before the session commences and is tidied up after the session ends.
• Ensure good standards of hygiene are followed and that equipment is safe and regularly checked as recommended in DHSSPS guidelines.
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings and assist in the planning and preparation of same.
• Carry our regular observations and make an assessment of each child’s needs within the group and plan daily to meet these needs. 
• Help prepare for and take part in all the Playgroup’s activities.
• Take part in special events and Playgroup outings.
• Encourage parental involvement.
• Listen to, encourage, enable, stimulate and ensure the safe-keeping of the children at all times.
• Attend relevant evening meetings and courses as directed by the Leader or Committee. Course fees may be considered by the Management for approved training.
• Advise the Leader of any matter requiring attention, such as concerns about a child or equipment that needs to be repaired/replaced.

Experience/Qualifications Required:

Essential:

• NVQ / QCF Level 3 (or working towards) in Child Care, Learning and Development or Playwork.
• Experience working in a play, education, youth or day care setting
• Good knowledge and understanding of the NI Pre-school Curriculum Guidelines
• Ability to work as part of a team
• Ability to relate well to children and their parents
• Willingness to attend evening meetings and training
• Specific play skills
• An understanding of child development and the importance of parental involvement
• Friendly, caring, helpful, open-minded
• Demonstrate an understanding of policies and procedures within an early years setting
• Good understanding of child protection

Desirable:

• Current First Aid, child protection and basic food hygiene completed and in date
• 2 years paid experience of being a Playgroup Assistant
• Knowledge of Highscope approach

Rate of pay will be dependent upon experience and qualifications.

The closing date for completed applications is 12pm on Monday 27th January.

Ballygawley Early Years is an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.