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Job description

We are seeking a passionate and dedicated pre-school Leader to join our team. The pre-school leader will manage the day-to-day running of the playgroup, ensuring the highest standards of learning, care, and safeguarding. Reporting directly to the Management Committee, the successful candidate will guide the staff team, maintain regulatory compliance, and create a positive environment for children, families, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Carry out regular observations, assessments, and evaluations of children’s needs.
• Create individual learning plans and adapt them as children progress.
• Plan and deliver engaging, play based activities aligned with the NI Preschool Curriculum.
• Promote inclusion, equality of opportunity, and a supportive environment for all children.
• Ensure the safety, wellbeing, and supervision of all children.
• Oversee risk assessments and ensure safe use of equipment.
• Maintain high standards of hygiene throughout the setting.
• Administer first aid when required.
• Build strong relationships with parents and guardians.
• Conduct parent consultations twice yearly and complete transition reports.
• Provide regular updates through newsletters, social media, and Seesaw.
• Lead and support staff through inductions, supervisions, appraisals, and training.
• Oversee planning meetings (long, medium, and short-term).
• Foster a positive, collaborative team environment.
• Complete administrative and GDPR compliant recordkeeping.
• Liaise with external agencies (Health Visitors, Social Services, auditors)
• Attend monthly committee meetings and provide leader’s reports.
• Contribute to policy development and review.
• Assist with fundraising, open days, and key events.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• QCF level 5 in Early Years or equivalent.
• Minimum of 2 years' paid experience working in a Pre-school/Early Years setting.
• Experience working in a Pre-School or Early Years setting in a Deputy/Leader role.
• Strong knowledge of the NI Preschool Curriculum and child development.
• Understanding of safeguarding procedures.
• Confident ICT user (Microsoft Office, social media, newsletters).
• Commitment to professional development.
• Understanding of regulatory/inspection processes.

Desirable Skills

• Experience with Tapestry System
• Additional training (e.g., SEN, Speech & Language, behaviour).
• Up to date training in safeguarding, food hygiene, paediatric first aid, anaphylaxis, and health & safety.

Further Information

What We Offer - Competitive salary - Ongoing professional development and training opportunities. - Support from an active and engaged Management Committee. - Opportunities to contribute to the future growth and direction of the playgroup. To Apply: If this role appeals to you, please submit your CV along with a covering letter explaining how you meet the above criteria to ahoghillplaygroupmanagement@gmail.com by 12pm on Monday 16th February. Ahoghill Playgroup reserves the right to enhance the criteria in the event of an unprecedented response. Ahoghill Playgroup is an equal opportunities employer and will consider reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.