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- Tasks: Support preschool children through play and provide guidance to parents and early years providers.
- Company: Join Early Years, a leading organisation dedicated to enhancing early childhood education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days of annual leave, a competitive salary, and access to healthcare schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive and compassionate team.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level III in relevant fields and two years' experience with young children required.
- Other info: Flexible working conditions and a commitment to equal opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 27711 - 30060 £ per year.
6c Wildflower Way, Belfast, Co. Antrim, BT12 6TA United Kingdom
Join Early Years – the organisation for young children as Play Development Worker
Hours: 37 hours
Tenure: Fixed Term to26 September 2026 (Maternity Cover)
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, and access to healthcare schemes.
The role
As Play Development Worker you will be required to offer quality play opportunities to pre-school children.
The post holder will provide advice, information and support to early years providers, parents and carers on play development with young children. They will also support a range of programmes across the Sure Start area.
We\’re looking for people who:
At the closing date have:
At the closing date applicants, must have:
1. An NVQ Level III in Health and Social Care or NVQ Level III in Early Years Care and Education or Level III Award in Community Development or equivalent.
2. Two years’ experience working with young children in an early year\’s group-based setting.
3. One year’s experience of planning and facilitating group activities to support children, parents and families.
4. Demonstrate an understanding of the importance of age-appropriate quality play for a child’s development.
5. An understanding of safeguarding/child protection issues and procedures.
6. A full current driving license 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.
1. A degree in Early Childhood Care and Education, Health and Social Care, Community Development or equivalent.
An information pack containing the job description and personnel specification is available by clicking here .
Please note, the information pack will not be available after the job posting closes therefore you may want to download it.
As part of the application process, you will need to demonstrate how you meet the criteria as outlined above and, on the personnel specification, and provide a copy of your CV. Shortlisting will be completed based on the information contained with the application form, therefore it is important to clearly outline how you meet the criteria. Please note that your CV will only be used to support your application in assessing employment history.
Once you begin the application, it must be completed in one session, as there is no option to save and return to it later.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Tuesday 1 July 2025.
For shortlisted applicants it is anticipated that interviews will take place on Tuesday 8 July 2025.
A reserve list may be held for a period of up to six months for the same or similar roles – if this applies to you, we’ll let you know via email.
Should you need to contact us, please use the following methods:
Email: monitoringofficer@early-years.org
Phone: 028 9038 7905
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.
Salary NJC Scale 5, Point 12-17 (£27,711-£30,060) per annum pro rata
Contact email monitoringofficer@early-years.org Contact phone 028 9038 7905
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Play Development Worker 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 Play Development Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of early childhood education and play development. Understanding the key concepts will help you articulate your passion and knowledge during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of early years education. Attend local workshops or community events to connect with others who share your interests, as they may provide valuable insights or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to plan and facilitate group activities. Highlighting your hands-on experience will show your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Early Years as an organisation. Understanding their values and mission will allow you to tailor your approach and show how you align with their goals, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Development Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Play Development Worker position. Make notes on how your experience aligns with their needs.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience, particularly your work with young children and any planning or facilitating of group activities. Ensure it reflects the qualifications they are looking for, such as your NVQ Level III.
Demonstrate Your Skills: In your application, clearly outline how you meet each of the criteria listed in the personnel specification. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your understanding of age-appropriate play and safeguarding issues.
Complete the Application in One Go: Since the application must be completed in one session, gather all necessary information and documents beforehand. This includes your CV and any other supporting materials to ensure a smooth submission process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Early Years - the organisation for young children
✨Show Your Passion for Play
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for early childhood education and the importance of play in a child's development. Share personal experiences or anecdotes that highlight your commitment to fostering growth through play.
✨Demonstrate Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous roles working with young children, particularly in group settings. Highlight specific activities you planned and facilitated, and how they supported children's development and engagement.
✨Understand Safeguarding Procedures
Be ready to talk about your knowledge of safeguarding and child protection issues. This is crucial in the role, so ensure you can articulate the importance of these procedures and how you've implemented them in past positions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation and the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission of supporting early years development.
