Job Summary
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.
Application is by application form only. A link to the Application Pack and Application Form will be available on the website: www.ballyholmepresbyterian.com (under the tab Latest News) from Thursday 27 August 2026. Your completed application form must be received by no later than: 12 noon on Tuesday 8 September 2026. CVs and late applications will not be considered.
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. Assistants must be approachable, friendly and able to communicate effectively at all times.
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.
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.
Carry out regular observations and assess each child’s needs within the group as directed by the Preschool Leader.
Attend and participate in all staff meetings and assist in curriculum planning.
Keep strictly confidential any personal information regarding the children, their families or other staff learned as part of the job.
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.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
Qualifications, Experience, Skills, Knowledge, Aptitude
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 CRITERIA
Willing to work within the Christian ethos of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland.
IT Skills – working knowledge of Seesaw.
Pay: £10,000.00-£15,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
