Childcare Assistant Part Time 16 hours a week

Post: Childcare Assistant Level 2 / Level 3 Part Time 16 hours a week

Reports to: Manager and Managing Director

Wee Chicks is located in Women’sTec, 29 Chichester Avenue, Belfast, BT155EH. As one of our strategic business units is a Pop-Up childcare service, occasionally staff may be required to work in different locations in order to meet the needs of the business. 

*All staff are required to make their own way to work.

Main Purpose of Job:

The post holder will be responsible for ensuring that all children attending Wee chicks are kept safe and receive a stimulating play experience, appropriate to the age and stage of development. They will work effectively as part of a cohesive team, showing initiative and creativity and fostering an environment where a high standard of care and play opportunities are provided for the children in our care.

Responsibilities:

Main/General Responsibilities:

• To be responsible for Health & Safety within the workplace.
• To adhere to Health & Safety Policies.
• To undertake a shared responsibility with the managers towards the health, safety and cleanliness in the unit.
• To report any risks to the manager at the earliest opportunity.
• To undertake other duties as reasonably required by the Line Manager.  
• To adhere to all company policies and procedures at all times.
• To undertake all training that is essential criteria unless otherwise indicated.
• To check emails and phones throughout the day and reply to any queries and/or concerns from parents.
• To carry out general administrative duties; emails, afterschool collections - adding and checking children with corresponding dates, staff collection rota. *Training will be provided.
• To be responsible for management of petty cash and cash handling.
• Level 3 To carry out supervisions for Level 2 Childcare Assistants.
• Level 3 will be expected to supervise the room if the deputy is not available

Operational Responsibilities:

• To promote Wee Chicks to both current and potential clients.
• To be a flexible and reliable team member, remembering that the unit must operate at a required staffing level at all times.  
• To understand that absence at short notice, lateness or being uncooperative is not accepted.
• To be mindful that each child is an individual.
• To develop a positive professional relationship with parents, carers and colleagues.
• To assist with the effective supervision of play and activities at all times.
• To be involved with curriculum planning and fundraising events.
• To assist with the care and maintenance of the equipment and toys ensuring these are tidied away at the end of each setting in an organised manner.
• To shadow a child, when required

Financial Responsibilities:

• To ensure that all parents are given receipts for cash payments and that all notes are security checked.
• All payments must be kept in the cash box which should be securely stored each day.

Previous Experience:

• Experience in a childcare setting is desirable.
• A relevant childcare qualification NVQ 2 or 3 programme in playwork or CCLD desirable.
• Child Protection and FIrst Aid Training is desired.
• Must be able to drive and have access to their own car.
• Good communication skills both verbal and written communication are necessary.
• Ability to be an effective team player and to supervise children.
• A willingness to be flexible due to the nature of the company, e.g. staying in case of an emergency, to facilitate training, meetings, and waiting to speak with parents if a matter has arisen throughout the day.

PERSON SPECIFICATION - Child Care Assistant

You will need to be:

You will need to be someone who is passionate about all aspects of childcare and education, and able to bring new ideas to the role. 

You will need to have a caring and dynamic approach, as well as an ability to lead and motivate a range of staff.

Qualifications and other required skills

Essential

NVQ level 2 or Level 3 in Childcare/Playwork 1 years experience working in a play, education, youth or day care setting or 3 years experience in a childcare setting

Excellent communication skills

Recent experience of working with children age 0-11

Good organisational skills

Good knowledge and understanding of equal opportunities and special educational needs

Full UK driving licence & access to car

Desirable

First Aid qualification

Food Hygiene Qualification

Experience of administration systems

Competent in using computer systems including email and Microsoft Word and Publisher

Safeguarding Children