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Job description

The Deputy Preschool Leader will support the Leader in the running of the Preschool to ensure safe, stimulating play in a safe, caring and welcoming environment for children and their families in line with the Department of Health's Minimum Standards for Children under age 12, the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. The full Job Description is in the Application Pack which is accessed when you click on application form.

Responsibilities

• In the absence of the Leader, the deputy will take full responsibility for all aspects of the operation of the Preschool, including the role of Designated Child Protection Officer.
• In conjunction with the Leader, ensure that all required standards, ratios and conditions of registration are maintained at all times with the centre.
• Ensure that high standards of safety, security, hygiene, cleanliness and tidiness are always maintained and that the building and resources are treated with respect by children and staff.
• Ensure that high standards of safety, security, hygiene, cleanliness and tidiness are always maintained and that the building and resources are treated with respect by children and staff.
• Liaise with the Local Authority and other professionals associated with the Preschool, including networking with outside agencies and funding bodies.
• Work in partnership with parents/ carers and families. The Deputy Leader must be approachable, friendly and able to communicate effectively at all times.
• Work in partnership with parents/ carers and families. The Deputy Leader must be approachable, friendly and able to communicate effectively at all times.
• Work in partnership with parents/ carers and families. The Deputy Leader must be approachable, friendly and able to communicate effectively at all times.
• Demonstrate effective time and resource management to meet the planned needs of children and families and any anticipated demands that might be reasonably foreseen.
• The post requires normal physical effort involving: lifting and handling play equipment and other resources, practical activities and physical care of young children.
• Attend meetings and training outside normal working hours. Work alongside the Leader to monitor and manage the performance of all staff within the Preschool.
• Ensure that all staff comply with all policies and procedures and with regulatory and statutory requirements.
• Direct and support staff and facilitate appropriate training to ensure they are suitably skilled and equipped.
• Provide leadership and support to staff and ensure personal development through the Appraisal Process.
• The full list of Responsibilities is in the Job Description in the Application Pack which can be accessed when you click application form.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• A qualification at QCF Level 5 Diploma in Child Care Learning and Development or Playwork or an equivalent occupational qualification in early years education, social work, nursing, teaching or health visiting.
• A minimum of 2 years' paid experience working with children.
• Experience of developing long, medium and short-term plans for early years setting.
• Experience of carrying out observations.
• Experience of managing staff and students, including staff appraisals.
• Sound working knowledge of the Department of Health's Childminding and Day Care for Children Under Age 12 Minimum Standards.
• Good understanding of child protection and minimum standards.
• Knowledge of child development, including age-appropriate areas of learning.
• Ability to demonstrate an understanding of developing policies and procedures.
• IT Skills with the ability to use Microsoft Office packages and Seesaw.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Willingness to attend evening meetings and training courses.

Desirable Skills

• Willing to work within the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland

Further Information

Salary per year based on term time work 38 weeks per year plus 28 days holiday, 43.6 weeks per year, to be confirmed. Applicants should be aware that - in line with Department of Education policy and increased funded Preschool provision - working hours may increase from September 2027. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, 8.30am-1.00pm; Thursday 8.30am-3.00pm plus extra hour (on mutually suitable day) for admin/IT tasks.