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Job description

To lead a team responsible for the care and supervision of children under 5 years in the early years facilities, both morning and afternoon sessions as and when required.

Responsibilities

• As the designated contact person within the facility, assume responsibility for liaising and maintaining contact with Social Services, Health Visitors and Parents.
• Lead a team to develop and maintain a suitable programme of activities, which meet the needs of the children in the early year’s facilities.
• Have the ability to work on one’s own initiative to ensure that the programmes are properly implemented.
• Encourage and support children to become involved in the programme of activities through one’s own active participation.
• Be aware of the individual child’s needs and level of development to ensure that each child gets the most out of the programme.
• Communicate regularly with parents regarding the needs and progress of their children and liaise with relevant Health Visitors as and when appropriate.
• Ensure that there is sufficient stock of equipment and resources and that the stock is well maintained. Maintain and update inventory list and where necessary order equipment.
• Ensure that all work rotas are adhered to.
• Hold weekly team meetings and record minutes of all meetings.
• Assist with the organisation and implementation of fundraising activities.
• Take responsibility for ensuring that all records required by Social Services, DHSS, Fire Authority and Early Years Advisor are maintained and kept up to date within the facility.
• Promote the work of the childcare facilities and the education and health programmes of the Ballybeen Women’s Centre within the community, particularly targeting young and single mothers.
• Respond to requests from other childcare providers for contact visits to the Ballybeen Women’s Centre and provide information and advice on all aspects relating to the provision of childcare.
• Deal with any complaints/concerns from parents in the first instance and where necessary refer to the Early Years Manager.
• Represent the organisation in a professional manner at all times.
• Participate in staff training where appropriate.
• Carry out any other duties as the Early Years Manager sees fit.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Currently undertaking and due to qualify in June 2026 in Level 5 QCF or qualified in Level 5 QCF or equivalent in Children’s Care.
• 2 years direct work with children under 5 years.
• Experience of supervising staff and facilities.
• Developing and implementing programmes for children.
• Application of Child Protection Procedures.
• Ability to communicate effectively with professionals, parents & colleagues. Ability to lead, manage & motivate a team. Able to record & report writing. Planning, prioritisation & time management. Involvement in assessment of children’s need.

Desirable Skills

• Specialist Training in Special Needs; Anti-discriminatory Practice; Legislation & Requirements relevant to Children & Social Care; Risk Assessment (Health & Safety); First Aid
• Experience in use of information technolog.
• Knowledge of child development; behaviour management; networks & resources available to children & their families; principles of effective assessment & care planning; promotion of equal opportunity & anti discriminatory practice.
• Knowledge of child protection recognition & procedures; human growth & development; knowledge of the principles of effective leadership & the ability to create efficient management systems.

Further Information

Work time -July-August 26: 9.00am - 4.00pm Monday-Friday; September 26-March 27 8.45am - 3.45pm Monday-Friday. This is a fixed term post from July 2026 - March 2027 to cover maternity leave. Please e-mail CV and cover letter showing how you meet the criteria together with a completed monitoring form. Ballybeen Women's Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.