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Job description

The Preschool Assistant will work as part of our staff team 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 the age of 12, the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. Please see employer Application Pack for full job details & person specification.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Work in partnership with parents/carers and families.
• Work alongside Early Years specialists and assist the Preschool Leader with implementing recommendations made.
• Work with the staff team to ensure that the ethos of the Preschool is fulfilled.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• A qualification at NVQ/QCF Level 3 Diploma in Child Care Learning and Development or equivalent.
• A minimum of one year's paid experience working in an Early Years setting with young children.
• Experience of carrying out observations and planning in an Early Years setting.
• Sound working knowledge of the Department of Health's Childminding and Day Care for Children Under Age 12 Minimum Standards.
• Knowledge of child development, including age-appropriate areas of learning.
• Good understanding of child protection and minimum standards.
• 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.
• IT Skills - working knowledge of Seesaw.

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 Preschool provision - working hours may increase from September 2027.