At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children's development through play sessions and home visits, monitoring progress.
- Company: Waterside SureStart provides essential early support for children and families in Londonderry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, flexible family packages, and a pension with up to 7% employer contribution.
- Other info: This is a part-time role, working 30 hours per week during term time only.
- Why this job: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in children's lives during their crucial early years.
- Qualifications: Must have a minimum Diploma Level 2 in Childcare and experience with children under 4 years.
Salary: £13.45 per hour.
Contract/Hours: Permanent, Part Time (working 30 hours per week – TERM TIME ONLY).
Location: Waterside, Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
Benefits:
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays pro rata term time only.
- Professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities.
- Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.
- Pension with up to 7% employer contribution and life assurance cover.
- Staff discounts and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers discounts.
About the role:
The Waterside SureStart service plays an essential role in giving children and families the early support they need. As a universal service we work in partnership with other agencies such as health visitors, midwives and local schools. To help 0–4 year olds get ready for school our services include child and family health services, parenting programmes and antenatal support, early year's education services such as “stay and play” sessions, speech and language support and family learning.
Core working hours are usually Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.
Key responsibilities:
- Work as part of a team within the creche and developmental programme for 2–3 year olds to support children’s personal, social, emotional, cognitive and SLC skills.
- Use a range of tools to monitor and assess children’s progress and development.
- Provide support within group play sessions and undertake home visits to support play skill development.
- Develop successful relationships with children and their families.
- Observe and track children's development and share this with parents/carers and other professionals.
- Plan, develop and deliver individual and group‑based services that support families in giving children the best start in life.
Qualifications and experience:
- Minimum Diploma Level 2 in Childcare or equivalent relevant qualification.
- Experience working with children aged under 4 years.
- Genuine interest in childcare and passion for children.
- Understanding of child protection and safeguarding.
- Excellent communication skills to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Understanding of physical, intellectual, linguistic, social and emotional growth as part of child development.
- Access to a car and ability to travel as required, with reasonable adjustments according to the Equality Act.
Application notes:
No visa sponsorship will be offered for this role. Closing date: Monday 29th June 2026. Interviews are scheduled for Thursday 9th July 2026 at Waterside.
Contact: recruitmentservice@actionforchildren.org.uk (reference 13267).
Equality, diversity and inclusion:
Action for Children is committed to a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace. We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, disabled candidates and male staff for our Children Service roles.
Early Years Practitioner in Derry employer: Action for Children
Action for Children is committed to diversity and inclusion, actively encouraging applications from underrepresented groups. Located in Waterside, Londonderry, the team focuses on providing vital support services for families. Employees benefit from professional training opportunities and discounts with 15,000 retailers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Practitioner in Derry
✨Get Involved in Local Initiatives
Dive headfirst into local community projects and social enterprises! This not only builds your experience but also connects you with like-minded folks who may know about part-time opportunities. Plus, many nonprofits announce openings through their events and volunteer activities, so keep your ears to the ground!
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Look for networks and forums centred around social impact – think local charity groups or online platforms where changemakers hang out. These places are goldmines for job leads, especially for part-time roles like the ones at Action for Children. Engaging in discussions can also help you make meaningful connections with potential employers!
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
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✨Check Out Online Opportunities
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We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Practitioner in Derry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Impact:For a role like Early Years Practitioner at Action for Children, your cover letter is your chance to shine a light on why social impact matters to you. Share any personal experiences or volunteer work that highlight your commitment to the cause. We want to see your genuine enthusiasm!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure your CV showcases any nonprofit work or projects you've been involved in, even if they were part-time or volunteer roles. Emphasize skills like project management, fundraising, or community engagement. These are key in the nonprofit sector, and we want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Tailor Your Application:When applying for the Early Years Practitioner, customise your documents to fit the vibe of Action for Children. Use our language, reflect our values, and connect your personal goals with our mission. This shows us you’ve done your homework and you're excited to join the team in this part-time capacity.
Don’t Forget Your Availability:As this is a part-time position, clearly outline your availability in your application. Whether you're a student balancing studies or have other commitments, we appreciate transparency. Just pop your available hours in your cover letter or CV so we can see how you fit into our schedule.
How to prepare for a job interview at Action for Children
✨Show Your Passion for the Cause
When applying for a part-time role in the nonprofit sector, it's essential to convey your genuine enthusiasm for the mission of Action for Children. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight why social impact matters to you and how you align with their goals.
✨Bring Tangible Examples of Impact
Nonprofits often look for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to create meaningful change. Prepare examples from your past experiences—whether in volunteering, projects, or academic work—that showcase your skills in making a positive impact. Use metrics if possible; it's all about showing how you’ve really contributed.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect to encounter scenario-based questions during your interview. These will assess how you handle real-world challenges in the nonprofit space. For example, how would you deal with limited resources or navigate a conflict with team members? Think through your past experiences to give thoughtful responses.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
Since it's a part-time role, they might dig into your availability during the interview. Be open and clear about your schedule and how it can align with Action for Children's needs. They’ll want to know that you can commit without compromising your passion for the work!
