Early Years Practitioner

Overview

Part-Time Opportunity Available – 20 Hours per Week

Based at Maghera Programme

Are you passionate about giving young children the very best start in life? Do you thrive in a caring, play-based learning environment where no two days are the same? If so, one of these exciting opportunities could be perfect for you!

About the Role

We are currently recruiting for a part-time Early Years Practitioner, 20 hours per week, based at our Maghera Programme.

As an Early Years Practitioner, you will be a vital part of our multi-disciplinary team, delivering engaging and nurturing early years programmes for children aged 0–4 and their families.

Your role will include:

• Supporting the Developmental Programme for 2–3-Year-Olds, running three 2.5-hour sessions weekly (September–June)
• Delivering fun, creative Outreach Play Sessions in local community settings
• Building trusted relationships with families, including conducting home visits
• Promoting positive play, early learning, and social development
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the highest standards of care

About Us

G-old Community Partnership Sure Start has been supporting families in the Mid Ulster area for over 24 years. Funded by the Department of Education and delivered by Barnardo\’s, our work is rooted in community needs and focused on early intervention. We are passionate about helping children and families thrive in warm, inclusive environments.

What We\\\’re Looking For

Essential Criteria:

• QCF Level 2 in Playwork or equivalent (or willingness to work towards it)
• Relevant experience working or volunteering with children aged 0–4 years

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience communicating effectively with parents/carers regarding their child\\\’s needs

A full driving licence and access to a car are essential, due to the wide geographical area covered across Mid Ulster.

Applicants with a disability that prevents them from driving may demonstrate an alternative means of meeting mobility requirements.

Ready to Make a Difference?

We\\\’re looking for enthusiastic, compassionate, and committed individuals who want to make a genuine impact in children\\\’s early years.

Position is based at our Maghera Programme and help shape the future for our youngest children – right from the very beginning.

Location: G-old SureStart, Maghera

Salary: £26,142.40 – £28,660.16 (full time equivalent). This is equivalent to £13.59 – £14.90 per hour, starting on the first point of the scale

Hours of Work: 20 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Closing date: Midnight, 2 November 2025

Waiting List: A waiting list of applicants will be compiled for any similar posts arising in the next 12 months.

Contact Details

The successful candidate will also be required to undertake an Enhanced Access NI with the Child and Barred List check. Social Services vetting will also be required.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and Barnardo\\\’s values. We are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow, and will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and pay. Our starting salaries are between the minimum and mid-point of the pay band to ensure pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually.

More details on Barnardo\\\’s pay framework can be found upon application.

Benefits

Workplace Offer: What it means for you

• Barnardo\\\’s believes in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; flexible working arrangements are available.
• Annual Leave entitlement for full-time colleagues is 26 days per annum, increasing with service. Pro rata for part-time.
• The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our HolidayPlus scheme
• Family friendly leave options including maternity, paternity and adoption pay
• Service-related sick pay from day 1
• Access to a Group Personal Pension with matched contributions
• Death in service cover of 4x annual earnings
• Cycle2work scheme
• Interest-free season ticket loans
• Discounts and cashback from high street shops through our Benefit Portal
• 20% discount at Barnardo\\\’s stores
• Health cash plan options
• Employee assistance program
• Access to Barnardo\\\’s Learning and Development offer

About Barnardo\\\’s

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and cultivating a culture where everyone can belong and thrive through inclusion and connectivity. We are a Disability Confident Leader and are progressing our anti-racism commitments. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minoritised Ethnic and/or disabled candidates. For disabled applicants, we offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Our basis and values

• Reference number: 21582
• Job Title: Early Years Practitioner
• Location: Maghera
• Locality: Maghera
• Contract type: Permanent
• Hours: 20
• Salary: £26,142.40 – £28,660.16 (FTE) – £14,131.00 – £15,491.00 (pro rata)
• Closing Date: 2 November 2025
• Interview Date: TBC