Preschool Assistant Gleno PreSchool require a permanent Pre School Assistant
- Job Title: Pre School Assistant
- Accountable to: Pre-school Leader
- Salary: To be discussed with Employer
- Location: Gleno PreSchool, 15 Gleno Village, Larne, BT40 3LG
- Hours of work: 27hours per week (for academic year 2026/27 but subject to change for future academic years)(Term Time) to cover morning preschool session Monday - Friday and afternoon sessions Tuesday and Thursday for academic year 2026/27 (subject to change for future years)
Gleno Pre School is a well established Pre School offering part-time PEAGS funded and fee paying Pre-School places for children of pre school age operating term time, Monday – Friday 9:00 – 11:30 (afterschools club 11:30-12:30 Monday, Wednesday and Friday) and afternoon sessions Tuesday and Thursday 12:30-2:30pm. Gleno Pre School is a voluntary management committee run organisation. Main responsibilities
The overall policy and procedures of the group will be laid down by the management committee to whom the leader is responsible. The preschool assistant practitioner is firstly responsible to the leader and secondly to the committee. To assist and support the leader in ensuring that there is a safe, caring and welcoming environment for children and their families.
In order to achieve this, the assistant practitioner will :
● Help ensure that the playroom is appropriately laid out before the session commences and is tidied up after the session ends. This will include hall pack aways when the hall will be in use for other activities. The assistant practitioner will also ensure good standards of hygiene are followed and equipment is safe and regularly checked as recommended in DHSSPS guidelines and include general daily cleaning and tidying.
● Attend and participate in all staff meetings and assist in planning and preparation meetings.
● Ensure that activities offered throughout the session allow the children to experience the full breadth of the curriculum as laid down in department of education guidance for Preschool education.
● Carry out regular observations and make an assessment of each child’s needs within the group and plan DAILY to meet these needs.
● Help provide and take part in all the group's activities.
● Take part in special events and group outings and fundraising events.
● Encourage parental involvement .
● Listen to, encourage , enable , stimulate and ensure the safekeeping of the children.
● Attend relevant evening meetings and courses as directed by the leader or committee. Course fees may be considered by the management for approved training.
● Advise the leader of any matter requiring attention e.g. Concerns about a child, or equipment needing repaired / replaced.
● Keep strictly confidential any personal information regarding the children, their families, or other staff which is learnt as part of the job. Such information must not be passed on unless it is in the interest of a child. The assistant practitioner will then follow procedures as laid down by the preschool child protection policy.
Essential criteria
QUALIFICATIONS
-NVQ level 3 childcare learning and development or equivalent
EXPERIENCE
-2 years paid experience of working in an early years setting
KNOWLEDGE
- Good knowledge and understanding of the NI pre-school curriculum guidelines- Knowledge of child development including age appropriate areas of learning- Demonstrate an understanding of developing policies and procedures- Good understanding of child protection- Understanding of new minimum standards
SKILLS
- Experience of observations and planning
- Good organisational skills
- Good IT skills
- Good communication skills
- Ability to use own initiative and work as a team
- An ability to lift children and equipment safely , set up and clear playroom
PERSONAL QUALITIES
- Open friendly manner - Dependable , trustworthy, reliable ,loyal- Demonstrate a commitment to continual personal development- Understand the importance of confidentiality in matters relating to children, families, staff members and committee members.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
To work flexible hours and an ability to attend evening meetings
Willingness to attend training and to support the preschool in their fundraising efforts
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS
● Experience of working in a PEAGS setting ● Completed ‘Step up to Management’ course
KNOWLEDGE
● Knowledge and experience of ETI inspection
● Good knowledge of self development and reflective practice
● Experience of developing long, medium and short term planning for an early years setting
● Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of parental involvement in an early years setting
● Demonstrate an understanding of the PSEEP
SKILLS
● Valid food hygiene certificate
● Valid first aid certificate
● Experience of working with children with special educational needs .
● Knowledge of safeguarding
● Experience of working with a voluntary management committee
Please email [email protected] to request an application form
Job Types: Permanent, Part-time
Pay: £12.71-£13.00 per hour
Application question(s):
- Have at least two years experience working within an early years setting?
- Hold Level 3 childcare or equivalent qualification
Work Location: In person
