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Job description

This is an important leadership role within the Club. The successful candidate will work directly with children while supporting, guiding and motivating the staff team. They will contribute ideas and help create a welcoming, inclusive and enjoyable environment where children are listened to, supported and encouraged to thrive

Responsibilities

• Support the Leader in the day-to-day running of the Club and provide a safe, welcoming and stimulating environment.
• Plan and support age-appropriate indoor and outdoor play opportunities that reflect children's interests, choices, abilities and individual needs.
• Promote equality, inclusion and participation, including supporting children with additional needs.
• Support children with homework and provide snacks as required.
• Build positive relationships with children based on trust, respect and appropriate professional boundaries.
• Ensure the Club operates in accordance with registration requirements, policies and procedures and the requirements of the relevant HSC Trust.
• Support the Club's Designated Safeguarding/Child Protection Officer and, where formally delegated, act in their absence, ensuring concerns are reported and acted upon appropriately.
• Maintain confidentiality and handle information relating to children, families and staff appropriately.
• Help maintain a safe environment through safety checks, fire drills and emergency procedures.
• Ensure accidents, incidents and other relevant events are recorded and reported in accordance with Club procedures.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and staff-to-child ratios are maintained in accordance with the Club's registration requirements and relevant HSC Trust requirements.
• Provide day-to-day guidance, support and encouragement to staff and raise concerns regarding performance, conduct or practice.
• In the absence of the Club Leader, take responsibility for the safe and effective day-to-day operation of the Club, including staffing, safeguarding, health and safety, activities, parent communication, records and compliance.
• Communicate professionally and positively with parents/carers regarding children's experiences, wellbeing and any relevant concerns.
• Maintain positive working relationships with schools and relevant professionals where appropriate
• Assist with administration, including daily registers, waiting lists, staff timesheets and parent payments.
• Maintain accurate records and complete required documentation.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• Level 5 Diploma in Playwork or Level 5 Diploma in Child Care, Learning and Development (CCLD), or a relevant occupational qualification in early years education, social work, nursing, youth work, teaching or health visiting, subject to the requirem
• Applicants working towards the required Level 5 qualification may be considered where registered with a recognised Further Education College or training provider and making satisfactory progress, subject to HSC Trust requirements.
• Current Paediatric First Aid qualification or prepared to achieve qualification within a 3 month period
• GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above (or equivalent), or demonstrable equivalent literacy and numeracy skills.
• Minimum of 2 years paid experience working with children in play, youth, education or day care settings, preferably with children aged 4 to 11
• Experience of leadership or management within a childcare/playwork setting.
• Experience of supervising, supporting or mentoring staff.
• Experience of safeguarding and responding appropriately to children's welfare concerns.
• Experience of planning and delivering activities for school-age children.
• Understanding of child development, play and the individual needs of school-age children.
• Understanding of safeguarding, child protection and whistleblowing procedures
• Clear understanding of health and safety requirements within a childcare setting.
• Understanding of inclusion and supporting children with additional needs.
• Ability to lead and support a team and remain calm and professional under pressure
• Communication, organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Basic IT skills and confidence using online systems and electronic records

Desirable Skills

• Additional training in safeguarding/child protection.
• Training in supporting children with additional needs.
• Health and safety training.
• Food Hygiene qualification.

Further Information

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory pre-employment checks, including: Enhanced AccessNI, satisfactory references, verification of qualifications and relevant experience, health/suitability clearance required by the HSC Trust.