At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to create fun and engaging play experiences for children.
- Company: Be part of Cardiff Council's supportive childcare team at Twinkle Stars.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent training, career progression, and a secure pension plan.
- Other info: Flexible hours, term-time only, with a focus on staff welfare and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a nurturing environment.
- Qualifications: Must have a qualification in Children's Care, Learning/Play & Development (minimum Level 2).
The predicted salary is between 1200 - 1600 £ per month.
About The Service
An exciting opportunity has become available at our Flying Start Childcare setting, to work under the Cardiff Council childcare provisions. We are looking for a Play Assistant to join our team at Twinkle Stars. Twinkle Stars Flying Start childcare setting serves the communities of Splott, Tremorfa, Adamsdown and Roath. We are proud to be a warm and welcoming setting based in the heart of the community, that provides high-quality childcare for children aged 0-5 years, Monday to Friday, as part of Flying Start provision. We are currently based in the grounds of Willows High School.
Parents whose children have attended Twinkle Stars have said:
- "I am so grateful to the staff they helped my son and can see a huge improvement. They listened to us about concerns for our son and did all they could to support us. Can’t fault any of them. Our son loves going there."
- "I have had children attend Twinkle Stars, and each has loved it. They grow so much while attending, in confidence their speech and independent skills which is down to the love and care of the staff at the setting."
Here’s what the Care Inspectorate Wales said in our last inspection: 'Practitioners provide a nurturing and caring environment where the needs of the children come first. The indoor and outdoor play areas provide a rich learning environment for children to explore and learn, and practitioners adapt the provision and resources in response to children’s interests.'
Flying Start is a Welsh Government funded programme targeted at children under 4 years of age and their families. Part-time childcare for 0-5 year olds is one part of the Flying Start offer. Twinkle Stars Flying Start childcare setting is part of Cardiff Council's Cardiff Parenting and Play Service, in Cardiff Early Help.
The childcare setting is supported by a committed and dedicated leadership team within Cardiff Parenting and Play. We are part of a wider multi-agency team of professionals who deliver Parenting and Play Services across Cardiff. This provides opportunities for support to staff, excellent training opportunities and career progression.
About the job
We are looking for a Play Assistant to join our childcare team at Twinkle Stars. You will be directly employed by Cardiff Council to work at the setting. The Play Assistant will play a key part in joining an experienced team of staff who provide engaging and fun play experiences for children aged 0-5 years. We welcome new and exciting ideas from successful candidates for children to learn through play and being outdoors. The Play Assistant will be able to plan effectively for children’s learning, be fun and engaging.
Twinkle Stars Flying Start childcare setting is open to children Monday to Friday 8am-6pm. The hours of the job are 8am-4pm Monday to Friday, with a 5pm finish one night a week to attend a team meeting. The paid hours are 30 hours a week term time only. Every day includes a 30 minute unpaid lunch break.
The Play Assistant will have a commitment to children’s development and ensuring that the children and families feel safe, valued and respected at all times.
Cardiff Council takes the welfare of all of our staff seriously and we strive to deliver positive working arrangements that support our amazing workforce to feel respected and valued. Here are some examples of how we try to achieve this, with opportunities for you as an employee:
- Access to the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Pension Fund which is part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), offering a reputable, secure and flexible pension plan for peace of mind.
- Excellent training and development opportunities provided by a knowledgeable and dedicated workforce development team whether you are newly qualified or an experienced practitioner who is an expert in your field.
- Opportunities for career development across the whole of Cardiff Early Help Team – we encourage career progression and support employees with ensuring that they have access to develop their strengths in all fields.
- Support provided through mentorship, supervision and a senior management team that recognises achievements and celebrates success.
You will be supported with an induction and ongoing line management, supervision and professional development.
What We Are Looking For From You
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our already established team. The successful candidate will need:
- A qualification in Children’s Care, Learning/Play & Development (CCLD minimum Level 2).
flying start play assistant in Cardiff employer: CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL
Twinkle Stars Flying Start childcare setting, part of Cardiff Council, is an exceptional employer that prioritises the welfare and development of its staff. With a strong commitment to providing high-quality childcare, employees benefit from excellent training opportunities, career progression within the Cardiff Early Help Team, and a supportive work culture that values mentorship and recognition of achievements. Located in the heart of the community, this role offers a rewarding chance to make a meaningful impact on children's lives while enjoying a secure pension plan and a positive working environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land flying start play assistant in Cardiff
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, check out Twinkle Stars on social media. Understanding their vibe and values will help you connect during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Bring your ideas! Think about fun activities or play experiences you could introduce. Show them how you can contribute to the children's learning through play.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your passion for childcare. Talk about why you love working with children and how you can make a difference in their lives at Twinkle Stars.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Cardiff Council team.
We think you need these skills to ace flying start play assistant in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Play:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through! Share any relevant experiences or ideas you have about engaging kids in fun and educational play.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of a Play Assistant. Mention specific aspects of Twinkle Stars that resonate with you and why you want to be part of the team.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well so that we can easily see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Twinkle Stars.
How to prepare for a job interview at CARDIFF COUNTY COUNCIL
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the Flying Start programme and the specific needs of children aged 0-3. Familiarise yourself with the principles of play-based learning and how it applies to the role of a Play Assistant. This will show your passion for early years education and your commitment to the children's development.
✨Bring Your Ideas
Think about some engaging activities or play experiences you could introduce at Twinkle Stars. Be ready to share these ideas during the interview, as they’ll want to see your creativity and how you can contribute to the team’s efforts in providing fun and educational play.
✨Show Your Caring Side
Demonstrate your commitment to creating a nurturing environment for children. Share examples from your past experiences where you’ve supported children’s development or helped families feel valued and respected. This will highlight your alignment with their values and mission.
✨Ask Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the childcare setting. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you. You might ask about training opportunities or how the team collaborates to support children’s learning.
