Playgroup Leader

**Playgroup Leader**

Hours of Work: 22.5 Hours per week / 8.30am-1pm, Monday to Friday, 48 week contract per annum.

Rate of Pay: £13,500 per annum initially (under review)

Contract Duration: The initial funding period is up until March 2024.

We are excited to announce a rare opportunity for a highly motivated Playgroup Leader to join our team. Our community-run playschool, situated in Caw, is dedicated to delivering exceptional service to local families. We are seeking a dedicated individual to spearhead the management of our playschool, creating a warm, inclusive, and nurturing environment for our children and their caregivers.

As the Playgroup Leader, you will lead and coordinate activities for young children in a playgroup setting and work closely with our dedicated committee of long-standing volunteers. Your responsibilities will include ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our children, maintaining accurate attendance records, and effectively communicating with parents and caregivers regarding the children's progress and development.

This is a unique opportunity to join a dynamic team committed to providing high-quality care and education to our community's children. Don't miss out on this chance to make a positive impact in the lives of young children and their families.

**Responsibilities**:

- Developing and implementing policies and procedures in line with Early Years requirements and promoting a high standard of care.
- Planning, preparing, and leading play-based, age-appropriate activities for children in the playgroup.
- Hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating staff members.
- Ensuring the safety and well-being of all children under their care.
- Communicating effectively with parents and caregivers, including providing regular updates on children's progress and development.
- Maintaining accurate attendance records and reporting any concerns or incidents to appropriate parties, utilising the appropriate policy and procedure.
- Developing and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including local community groups, Early Years, social services, local schools, local community organisations and committee members.
- Ensuring that all children receive individualized attention and care appropriate to their needs and developmental stages.
- Providing leadership and support to staff members, including facilitating ongoing training and professional development opportunities.
- Overseeing the maintenance and safety of the physical environment, including ensuring cleanliness, safety, and appropriate resources and equipment are available.
- Representing the Playgroup at all management meetings.
- Reconciling playgroup fees and administering required bookkeeping.
- Overseeing and preparing for any external inspections.
- Implementing the Eager and Able to Learn programme within Playgroup (training provided) and other evidenced based early years programmes
- Maximise the opportunities to grow and develop the social enterprise model within Playgroup

**Requirements**:

- At least 3 years’ experience working with young children in a group setting
- Early Years Level 5 qualification (or above) OR a willingness to undertake this training within the first year in post.
- Familiarity with child development and early childhood education principles
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong organisational and administrative skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Current first aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
- It is desirable that the applicant will have previous experience of line management of staff

**Interviews will take place week commencing 3rd July 2023**

**Job Type**: Part-time
Part-time hours: 22.5 per week

**Salary**: £13,500.00-£14,500.00 per year

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

School type:

- Preschool

Ability to commute/relocate:

- Londonderry: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

**Education**:

- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

**Experience**:

- Nursery: 1 year (preferred)
- Nursery experience: 1 year (preferred)
- Childcare: 1 year (preferred)
- Management: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

- Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 23/06/2023
Reference ID: 000