Early Years Childcare Assistant (SEN)

Sólás delivers practical support services for children & young people with additional needs including autism, and their families. Based in South Belfast, it strives to promote the inclusion of those with disabilities into the social, economic and cultural life of the community, and promote values of fairness and equality.

Sólás are currently recruiting for Early Years Childcare Assistants to work within our Early Years Invention programmes. We currently have positions available in the following programmes:

Seedlings: (16 Hour Post / 2-3yo) Monday - Wednesday 8.45am - 1.45pm + 1 hour Team Meeting / Admin per week.

SEN Pre School AM: (16 Hour Post / 3-4yo) Monday - Friday 8.30am - 11.30am + 1 hour Team Meeting / Admin per week.

SEN Pre School PM: (16 Hour post / 3-4yo) Monday - Friday 11.30am - 2.30pm + 1 hour Team Meeting / Admin per week.

SEN Pre School: (29.5 Hour Post / 3-4yo) Monday - Friday 8.30am - 2.30pm (minus 30min unpaid lunch) + 2 hour Team Meeting / Admin per week.

The post holder will:

     - assist with the provision of a safe, caring, stimulating, and caring play environment for preschool aged children. Working in partnership with fellow team members and other professionals to ensure each child can reach their full potential, focused on each child’s individual abilities and interests.

     - work closely with children and their families through key worker system, supporting each child to develop their skills, promote independence and support school “readiness”.

     - work in an effective and professional manner to ensure best outcomes for children and be responsible to work as part of team to develop the daily routines and play opportunities for all children in their care.

     - ensure the highest possible standard of play, care and opportunities for all children through ongoing support, recording and monitoring of activities provided. The Early Years Assistant will be expected to ensure a range of play opportunities are available for children through both indoor and outdoor opportunities. Support children through individual and group based activities, individualized to each child’s abilities and interests.

     - complete developmental baselines and assessments of children in care. Provide ongoing observations and monitoring of children’s care, play and development. The post holder will be available for team planning sessions, staff development / training and team meetings as required.

     - assist children with intimate care needs including feeding and toileting (changing nappies), in accordance to Sólás policy and procedures.

     - hold the highest respect and dignity for all children and families within our care. The Early Years Assistant will work in partnership with parents, ensuring effective communication and involved of parents within their children’s learning and development.

All Sólás staff must adhere to Sólás values, positive “can do” attitude, providing an enthusiastic and flexible approach in their role. Sólás staff adhere to organizations policies and procedures, regulatory and legal requirements, including Safe Guarding, Health and Safety and Minimum Standards.

This post will involve contact with children and young people.  Successful applicants must complete a police check via Access NI.  Spent convictions may be disclosed.

The AccessNI Code of Practice applies to all registered bodies under ANI, including Sólás. A copy of this code will be made available to you on request.

Please note- having a criminal record will not necessarily prohibit you from working with Sólás. This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences or other information contained on a disclosure certificate or provided directly to us by the police. Sólás’ policy on Recruitment of Ex-offenders will be made available to you on request.

Please send CV to Mari Therese on mari@solasbt7.com to apply. Alternatively, please fill in the Application Form attached and end to Mari Therese before the closing date. 

Please state which post you re interested in when applying. 

Please also detail if you would require any special provisions in place if invited for interview.