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Job description

We are recruiting for a Playgroup Assistant. As the playgroup assistant in Woodburn Pre-School Playgroup, your role is to assist the Leader and Deputy Leader in delivering high quality early years education and care to children aged from 2 years and 10 months to 4 years.

Responsibilities

• You will act as keyworker to a small group of children and ensure that their progress is effectively and regularly assessed by carrying out regular observations such as Anecdotal observations and Tracking observations.
• As the playgroup assistant, you will help set up the play space both indoors and outdoors daily and help to tidy away and clean equipment at the end of each session as well as carry out manual handling duties.
• The playgroup assistant will lead on activities such as story time and physical play and offer appropriate stimulation and support to the children.
• The playgroup assistant must attend staff meetings/planning sessions as required.
• You will participate and help with the drawing up of daily, weekly and monthly programmes of activities and events in accordance with desirable learning outcomes as defined by the pre-school curriculum.
• Other duties include ensuring records are properly maintained such as daily attendance register, accident and incident books/forms etc.
• The playgroup assistant will keep any information regarding the children, their families or other staff confidential as part of the job.
• Liaising closely with parents/carers and being responsible for writing up settling-in and progress reports on individual children.
• The playgroup assistant is to liaise with the Playgroup Leader, Social Services and other professionals as necessary and ensure that all legal and statutory requirements are implemented.
• You will also attend inhouse/outside training when required and implement the training in your role.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Minimum NVQ Level 3 in Childcare and Education or equivalent.
• At least one years’ experience working with pre-school children who are funded by the education board in a paid capacity or at least two years’ experience working with pre-school children who are funded by the education board in a placement capacity.
• Have knowledge and understanding of the DENI, DHHSPS and CCEA (2018) Curricular Guidance for Pre-School Education Document.
• Have the ability to reflect on children's care and learning needs and use this knowledge to impact on children's learning outcomes for example in planning, procurement of resources, Individual Education Plans.
• Have the ability to complete observations such as Anecdotal observations and Tracking’s related to the N.I. pre-school curriculum.
• Have effective I.C.T skills using Microsoft Office.
• Effective oral communication skills.

Desirable Skills

• Experience of working with other agencies and professionals.
• Willingness to be involved in the broader experiences of the pre-school.
• Ability to work independently using own initiative.
• Experience of working as part of a team.
• Knowledge and experience of ETI inspections.
• Have Safeguarding and Child protection Training, Food Hygiene training and Paediatric First Aid.

Further Information

About Woodburn Pre-School Playgroup: Woodburn Pre-School playgroup focuses on fostering holistic development in young children. By prioritising their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth, while also nurturing their self-image and confidence. We are setting up a strong foundation for their future learning. Through play-based learning children explore, engage, and learn at their own pace in an environment that feels safe and fun. Our staff team is the most important resource we have to ensure that this happens. The position is based in Oakfield Community Development Centre. To apply for this post, applicants can download an application form from JobsapplyNI website or contact Leanne via email at woodburnpre-school@hotmail.co.uk and a copy of the application form as well as the Job Description and Person Specification will be sent to applicants. Application forms are to be forwarded by email at the above address. Application forms must be received no later than 12noon on Wednesday 9th July 2025. Applicant must be 18 years or over to apply Work time 23 Hours 30 minutes Hours per Week TERM TIME ONLY 8.15am to 12.30pm Monday to Friday inclusive 1.00pm to 3.15pm Thursday - Planning Observations Staff Meetings Monthly changeover An Access NI check, Declaration of Health from your G.P. and relevant Trust checks will be carried out and in applying for this position, you are in agreement for the organisation to carry out this necessary check. All offers of employment will be subject to all checks and Two satisfactory references including one from your current or most recent employer being received. The applicant will also work additional hours over at least two to three weeks of July and August during our Summer Club based on the need for additional childcare for parents whose children currently attend and are due to attend the setting. Woodburn Pre-School Playgroup is an Equal Opportunities Employer. Interviews are due to take place week commence 28th July 2025. Date and time to be confirmed.