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Job description

Woodburn Pre-School Playgroup is dedicated to fostering the holistic development of young children. We prioritize their social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth while nurturing a positive self-image and building their confidence. By creating a strong foundation for future learning, we help children thrive in every aspect of their development. Through a play-based learning approach, children are encouraged to explore, engage, and learn at their own pace in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. At the heart of everything we do is our dedicated staff team, our most valuable resource in creating a nurturing and inspiring experience for every child. As a Playgroup Assistant, your primary responsibility is to support the Playgroup Leader and Deputy Leader in providing high-quality early years education and care. You will work with children aged 2 years and 10 months to 4 years, helping to create a nurturing, engaging, and safe environment that promotes each child’s development. Key duties include assisting in the planning and delivery of age-appropriate activities that support children's social, emotional, physical, and intellectual growth. You will help ensure that each child’s individual needs are met through play-based learning and positive interactions. This role also involves maintaining a clean and secure setting, observing and recording developmental milestones, and promoting positive behaviour and inclusion for all children. This is a hands-on role suited to someone with a passion for early childhood education, a caring and patient attitude, and the ability to work effectively as part of a supportive team.

Responsibilities

• Act as a keyworker to a small group of children.
• Regularly assess children's development through observations.
• Write settling-in and Progress/Transition reports on each child.
• Write Individual Educational Plans (I.E.Ps) for children who require additional support e.g. S.E.N.
• Liaise closely with parents/carers regarding children's development and well-being.
• Lead activities such as: Storytime, Physical play, Welcome Time, Tidy-Up Time, Other developmentally appropriate activities.
• Offer stimulating and supportive interactions during play.
• Assist in preparing daily, weekly, and monthly programmes in line with the pre-school curriculum and desirable learning outcomes.
• Participate in staff meetings and planning sessions.
• Set up and tidy away indoor and outdoor play spaces daily.
• Clean and maintain equipment and materials after each session.
• Carry out manual handling duties as required.
• Maintain key records.
• Ensure confidentiality is maintained regarding children, families, and staff.
• Work collaboratively with: Playgroup Leader/Deputy Leader, Parents/Carers, Social Services, Other professionals as needed.
• Ensure all legal and statutory requirements are followed in line with childcare regulations.
• Attend in-house and mandatory external training sessions as required.
• Maintain confidentiality at all times.
• Willingness to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Commitment to the well-being and development of all children.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Candidates must have a minimum Level 3 Diploma/NVQ in Children’s Care Learning and Development (CCLD) or equivalent.
• Must have at least 6 months experience working directly with young child Aged 2 to 4 in a formal learning environment: Playgroup, Pre-School, Nursery.
• Experience with planning or assisting in implementing age-appropriate activities, observing children, working with keyworker arrangements
• Understand early childhood development (social, emotional, intellectual, physical) for children around 2 to 4 years.
• Have knowledge of health & safety, safeguarding / child protection policies, hygiene standards relevant to working with children.
• Have the ability to engage with children, parents and colleagues.
• Good organisational skills such as planning, preparing materials, observing and recording children’s progress.
• Have good ICT / digital skills using Microsoft Office (for tracking records, writing up reports, planning).
• Effective oral communication skills.

Desirable Skills

• Have experience of working with other agencies and professionals.
• Ability to work independently using own initiative.
• Experience of working as part of a team.
• Experience with or training for special educational needs/working with children with additional needs.
• Have the ability to plan and implement strategies for children with additional needs e.g. planning, procurement of resources, Individual Education Plans (I.E.P)
• Have some knowledge and experience of ETI inspections and HSCT inspections.
• Have Safeguarding and Child protection Training, Food Hygiene training and Paediatric First Aid.

Further Information

To apply for this post, applicants may download an application form from the JobsApplyNI website or request one directly by emailing woodburnpre-school@hotmail.co.uk. A copy of the Job Description and Person Specification will also be provided to all applicants. Applicants must also forward a copy of their qualification certificate and any additional continued professional development certificates that support the application. Applications must clearly show how the applicant meets the essential criteria. Completed application forms and proof of qualification must be submitted via email no later than 12 noon on Friday, 7th November 2025. Other Information Hourly Rate 21 and over £12.21, 18 to 20 £10.00 minimum wage. 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. Potential applicants should be aware that the implementation of the Pre-school Standardisation Programme may result in an increase in working hours in the future. 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/most recent employer being received. Additional Work Opportunities: The successful applicant may be offered additional paid hours during July and August to support our Summer Club. This opportunity is subject to sufficient parental demand and the number of children requiring the service. A minimum commitment of two weeks may be required, with final arrangements confirmed based on need. Woodburn Pre-School Playgroup is an Equal Opportunities Employer.