Playgroup Leader

The day to day running of the Playgroup (12 - 16 children aged between 2yrs 10mths - 4yrs).

Implement the standards and policies required by the regulating agency including but not exclusively child protection/safeguarding/reporting and recording appropriately in-line with the Children’s Order (NI) 1996 and current good practice.
 
The provision of a curriculum of play and activities which follow the guidelines set out in Curriculum Guidance for Pre-school Education 2006 – which provides a broad, balanced and stimulating range of age appropriate activities for each child.
 
In consultation with staff, the Playgroup Leader is responsible for ensuring appropriate individual and group observations are carried out and used to inform future planning needs of the group. Regular evaluations of each aspect – observations and planning should be used to ensure quality of provision. The Centre Manager and Management Committee will support the Playgroup Leader regarding time management to achieve this and any preparatory time necessary to meet this objective.
 
Ensure the Playgroup Leader maintains awareness of current good practice within early years care and education and keeps updated in order to maintain and improve the quality of the provision.
 
Be responsible for the support and supervision of staff, trainees and volunteers on a day to day basis, and consult with the Centre Manager in relation to training for both paid and unpaid staff.
 
Assess each individual child’s needs within the group and plan to meet those needs.  The Playgroup Leader will listen to, encourage, enable and stimulate all the children as appropriate.
 
Attend relevant meetings and training courses.  Course fees will be considered by the Management Committee for approved training.
 
The Playgroup Leader should bring to the attention of the Centre Manager, or a member of the Management Committee if appropriate, any matter of concern regarding the children, parents or staff.
 
Adhere to the Centre’s Policy and Procedures, with particular emphasis on childcare related policies.
 
Undertake other appropriate tasks as requested by the Centre Manager.
 
As part of the Playgroup Leader’s role, it will be expected that parents who use the Playgroup will be encouraged to fully participate in the learning educational programmes available in the centre.