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Job description

Responsible to the Preschool Leader and the Management Committee. The Management Committee (to whom the Preschool Leader is responsible) lays down the overall policy and procedures of the Preschool. The Assistant is firstly responsible to the Preschool Leader and secondly to the Management Committee. Main Purpose of the Job: 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 age 12, the Children (Northern Ireland) Order 1995 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Responsibilities

• Keep strictly confidential any personal information regarding the children, their families or other staff learned as part of the job.
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings and assist in curriculum planning.
• Carry out regular observations and assess each child’s needs within the group as directed by the Preschool Leader.
• Attend meetings and training outside normal working hours.
• The post requires normal physical effort involving: lifting and handling play equipment and other resources, practical activities and physical care of young children.
• Demonstrate effective time and resource management to meet the planned needs of children and families and any anticipated demands that might be reasonably foreseen.
• Work with the staff team to ensure that the ethos of the Preschool is fulfilled.
• Work alongside Early Years specialists and assist the Preschool Leader with implementing recommendations made.
• Work in partnership with parents/ carers and families. Assistants must be approachable, friendly and able to communicate effectively at all times.
• 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.
• This list of responsibilities is not exhaustive and the Preschool Assistant may be expected to take on other reasonable duties as assigned by the Preschool Leader.

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.

Desirable Skills

• Willing to work within the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
• IT Skills working knowledge of Seesaw

Further Information

Work time - Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8.30am - 1pm; Thursday: 8.30am - 3pm. Term time only. Application for this post is by completed application form only. Completed application forms must be received by no later than: 12 noon on Tuesday 8 September 2026. CVs and late applications will not be considered. Applicants should be aware that, in line with Department of Education policy and increased funded Preschool provision, working hours may increase from September 2027.