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Job description

Do you have a passion for making a meaningful impact in early childhood education? Do you believe in the power of play to unlock potential? Be part of our team and help shape the futures of children by fostering growth and learning through purposeful opportunities. At Early Years, we are committed to fostering growth for both the children and our staff. Joining means an opportunity to enhance your skills, make a meaningful difference, and collaborate with a team that upholds dedication, compassion, and excellence in early years care and education. In return, Early Years provides a comprehensive rewards package, including a competitive salary, 36 days of annual leave (pro-rata), inclusive of statutory/public holidays, a contributory pension scheme, options to purchase additional leave, and access to healthcare schemes.

Responsibilities

• The postholder will work in partnership with families to promote and facilitate positive parenting and the enhancement of the role of parents as ‘first educators’.
• Ensure children attending the Developmental Programme for 2 to 3 year-olds and any other SureStart programme have the best start in life by providing a safe, welcoming, high quality, inclusive early education environment.
• Working to improve the ability to learn, improve health and improve social development of children, ante-natal to four years of age.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• NVQ Level II in Early Years Care and Education or equivalent.
• One years’ experience working with young children in a paid, voluntary or training/placement capacity.

Desirable Skills

• NVQ III in Early Years Care and Education or equivalent.
• A full current driving licence enabling the holder to drive in NI and have the use of a vehicle for official purposes or have access to a form of transport that will enable the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full.

Further Information

Join Early Years the organisation for young children as Early Years Assistant Location: Rainbow SureStart Hours: 27.5 hours per week, term time, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00am to 2:00pm, Wednesday 9:00am to 5:00pm Tenure: Fixed term until 18 December 2026 Salary: NJC Scale 2 to 3, (Point 4 to 6) £24,404 to £25,183 per annum pro rata The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Tuesday 25 November 2025. For shortlisted applicants it is anticipated that interviews will take place on Monday 1 December 2025. A reserve list may be held for a period of up to six months for the same or similar roles, if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via email. Should you need to contact us, please use the following methods: Email: monitoringofficer@early-years.org Phone: 028 9038 7905 Early Years is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing flexible friendly working conditions. As Protestants and males are currently known to be under-represented in the Organisation, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups.