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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 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.
• A good standard of general education.
• 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.
• Supporting parents.
• 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 technology.
• 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

Interviews will be held on Wednesday 03 June 2026 in the afternoon. Ballybeen Women's Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Application Information

Please e-mail CV and cover letter showing how you meet the criteria together with a completed monitoring form to: info@ballybeenwomenscentre.org