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- Tasks: Lead and develop high-quality Early Years services for children and families.
- Company: Join Early Years, a passionate organisation dedicated to early childhood education.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 36 days annual leave, pension scheme, and healthcare access.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in children's lives through play and learning.
- Qualifications: QCF level 5 in Childcare and experience in Early Years settings required.
- Other info: Flexible working conditions and commitment to equal opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 29000 £ per year.
Join Early Years, the organisation for young children, as Early Years Team Leader.
Location: Splash SureStart - Craigavon
Hours: 37 hours per week
Tenure: Permanent
Salary: NJC Scale 6, Point 18-22 (£30,559-£32,654) per annum pro rata
Do you have a passion for making a meaningful impact in early childhood education? Do you believe in the power of play to unlock potential? Be part of our team and help shape the futures of children by fostering growth and learning through purposeful opportunities.
At Early Years, we are committed to fostering growth for both the children and our staff. Joining means an opportunity to enhance your skills, make a meaningful difference, and collaborate with a team that upholds dedication, compassion, and excellence in early years care and education.
In return, Early Years provides a comprehensive rewards package, including:
- A competitive salary
- 36 days of annual leave (pro-rata), inclusive of statutory/public holidays
- A contributory pension scheme
- Options to purchase additional leave
- Access to healthcare schemes
The role involves leading, supporting, and developing high-quality community-based Early Years services for children aged 0-4 years and their families, in line with SureStart targets and Early Years standards. The post holder will have direct responsibility for the leadership, coordination, supervision, and professional development of staff within both the Developmental Programme and Play Development teams.
Working collaboratively with the Project Manager and wider multidisciplinary partners, the post holder will ensure that services are inclusive, child-centred, safe, and aligned to the ethos and objectives of SureStart.
We’re looking for people who, at the closing date, have:
Essential criteria:- QCF level 5 in Childcare or equivalent
- Two years experience of supporting staff in an Early Years setting
- Two years experience in developing and delivering Early Years programmes and parenting services in an Early Years environment
- Knowledge of child development including age appropriate areas of learning
- A full current driving licence enabling the holder to drive in NI and have the use of a vehicle for official purposes or have access to a form of transport that will enable the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full
- Degree in Early Years Studies or equivalent
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Monday 9 February 2026. For shortlisted applicants, it is anticipated that interviews will take place on Friday 27 February 2026.
Early Years is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing flexible friendly working conditions. As Protestants and males are currently known to be under-represented in the Organisation, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups.
Skills: early years, childcare, SureStart, education, leadership/management skills, staff development, coordination.
Early Years Team Leader employer: Early Years Organisation
Contact Detail:
Early Years Organisation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in early years education and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Early Years and their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise answering common interview questions so you can showcase your passion for making a difference in early childhood education.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work or projects you've led in early years settings. This will help you demonstrate your leadership and coordination abilities, making you stand out as a candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Early Years team and making a meaningful impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for early childhood education shine through in your application. We want to see how you believe in the power of play and how it can unlock potential in children.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience, especially in supporting staff and developing Early Years programmes. We’re looking for specific examples that align with our values and the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to tell us why you’re the perfect fit for the Early Years Team Leader position. Be personal, be genuine, and connect your experiences to what we do at Early Years.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Early Years Organisation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child development and the specific Early Years programmes. Familiarise yourself with SureStart targets and how they align with the role. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed teams in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Developmental Programme and Play Development teams effectively.
✨Be Child-Centred
During the interview, emphasise your commitment to creating inclusive and child-centred environments. Share stories or experiences where you’ve made a meaningful impact on children’s learning and development, highlighting the power of play in unlocking potential.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the organisation's approach to early years education and staff development. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.
