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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 30000 - 32654 £ 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, applicants must have:
- 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.
Desirable criteria:
- 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.
Early Years Team Leader in Craigavon employer: Early Years - the organisation for young children
Contact Detail:
Early Years - the organisation for young children Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Early Years Team Leader in Craigavon
✨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 interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Be ready to discuss how your passion for early childhood education aligns with their mission. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and staff development. Use specific examples from your experience to demonstrate your skills and how you can contribute to their team.
✨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 our team and making an impact in early years education.
We think you need these skills to ace Early Years Team Leader in Craigavon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Early Years Team Leader role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for early childhood education shine through! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially in fostering growth and learning through play.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us see your potential quickly!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Early Years - the organisation for young children
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of child development and early years education. Familiarise yourself with the SureStart targets and how they align with the role. This will show that you're not just passionate but also well-informed about the expectations.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led and developed teams in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you supported staff or improved programmes. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the Developmental Programme and Play Development teams effectively.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working with multidisciplinary partners, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative settings. Share stories that highlight your ability to work with others to create inclusive and child-centred services.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the organisation's approach to early years education and how they measure success. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
