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Job description

The Deputy Childcare Co-ordinator / Drop-in Respite Crèche Early Support Coordinator will be part of the childcare team and will deputise for the Childcare Co-ordinator when required. As part of the childcare team, the post holder will provide a warm, nurturing, and stimulating programme of play and care to promote children’s overall development and well-being. The role also includes working closely with parents/carers to promote a holistic, child-centred service and encouraging families to engage with the centre’s wider services, such as the Parent and Child Together Programme, (Stay & Play groups, Music & Movement programmes, Baby Massage/ Baby Yoga, Baby/ Toddler Swim, Trips), parenting programmes, one to one counselling, and classes running within the centre. The Drop-in Respite Childcare Programme provides essential early support to families with young children who need extra support and guidance, creating opportunities for positive change, particularly for those who are marginalised or in need of community-based support. This role also requires completing referrals for additional support for families in need. All staff are required to undertake any reasonable duties as directed by the Centre Manager that contribute to the wider work of the organisation beyond childcare provision.

Responsibilities

• Work with the crèche team to supervise children aged 0 to 4 years, providing a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment that supports children’s holistic development.
• Deputise for the Childcare Co-ordinator when required, assisting with the co-ordination, monitoring, and evaluation of the childcare services including Drop In Respite Care Creche.
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of the Drop-in Respite Programme and the early support services, focusing on agreed targets, outcomes, and continuous improvement.
• Plan and deliver play-based programmes with the childcare team that encourage learning through play, social interaction, and emotional wellbeing, tailored to the needs of individual children.
• Safeguard the welfare of every child, ensuring child protection procedures are followed at all times.
• Support and engage parents/carers, keeping them informed of crèche procedures, signposting to other services.
• Work in partnership with external agencies such as health visitors, social workers, and early intervention teams to support referrals and family needs.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring the crèche environment meets the needs of children from diverse cultural, religious, and developmental backgrounds, including those with additional needs.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming environment, ensuring high standards of health, safety, and hygiene.
• Advise on and assist with the purchase or replacement of equipment and resources to support quality childcare provision.
• Organise trips, events and outings, ensuring appropriate planning, supervision, and safety when deputising.
• Promote and uphold all Centre policies.
• Supervise staff, volunteers, and students when deputising, ensuring high standards of care and good practice are maintained.
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, and training, supporting personal development and professional practice.
• Attend childcare staff meeting and in the absence of the childcare coordinator lead these meetings.
• Always maintain confidentiality, handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.
• Assist childcare coordinator/ centre manager in funding reports related to the childcare services including case studies.
• Undertake any additional reasonable tasks to support the smooth running of the crèche and wider Centre.
• This description may be updated, in consultation with the post holder, to reflect the evolving needs of the service.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• QCF Level 5 Diploma Child Care, Learning and Development (or enrolment on the course) or equivalent qualification Plus 2 years experience in childcare setting 0-4 years.
• Knowledge of Child protection and Safeguarding policies and Procedures.
• Knowledge of the requirements under the Minimum Standards for Day Care in NI.
• Knowledge of funding bodies.
• Ability to work on own Initiative.

Desirable Skills

• Verbal & written communication & ICT skills including Microsoft Office.
• Safeguarding Children (Child Protection)- current up to date certificate.
• Paediatric First Aid- current up to date certificate.
• Certificate in Food Hygiene- current up to date certificate.
• Certificate in GDPR- current up to date certificate.
• Qualification in working with children with special needs.
• Experience in working with children with Special needs.
• Experience in working within the Community & Voluntary Sector and in-particular with marginalised families.
• Experience of fundraising.