Childcare Worker in Belfast

The Childcare Worker will support the care, safety, and development of pre-school and primary-age children in a nurturing and inclusive environment. The role involves assisting with play-based learning activities, supervising children during indoor and outdoor play, supporting routines such as snacks, toileting, and transitions, and promoting positive behaviour.

The childcare worker helps ensure a safe, clean, and stimulating setting, follows safeguarding and health and safety procedures, and works as part of a team to support each child’s wellbeing and development. The postholder is not required to hold a childcare qualification but must be willing to undertake relevant training while in the role and follow guidance from senior staff. This role will be subject to an enhanced Access NI Disclosure check as it involves working closely alongside children’s services and with vulnerable adults.

• To work with preschool and primary school aged children in a registered childcare setting.
• Child Development Awareness: To have an understanding of how children grow and learn at different stages, and how to support their social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development through age-appropriate activities.
• Safeguarding and Child Protection: To keep children safe by following safeguarding procedures, recognising signs of concern, and reporting issues appropriately in line with policies and legislation.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Build effective communication with children, parents/carers, and colleagues, including listening to children’s needs and supporting positive relationships.
• Activity Planning and Play Facilitation: Support and deliver engaging play-based and recreational activities that encourage learning, creativity, and inclusion for different age groups.
• Behaviour Support and Positive Guidance: Promote positive behaviour, set clear boundaries, and support children’s emotional regulation using age-appropriate and consistent approaches.
• Health, Safety, and Hygiene Practices: Maintain a safe and clean environment, including food hygiene, infection control, and risk awareness during play and daily routines.

• Ability to follow policies relating to safeguarding, confidentiality, and behaviour management.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively.
• Ability to follow routines while remaining flexible.
• Basic record-keeping skills (e.g. attendance, incident notes).
• Experience working with children of relevant age groups (e.g. under 5s / school-age, as applicable).
• Understanding of child development, play, and age-appropriate activities.
• Ability to create a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Understanding of health and safety in a childcare setting.

JobStart Opportunity - Working Hours Information: Standard Hours: up to 25 hours per week. Flexible/Reduced Hours: May be available upon approval by a Work Coach. Additional Hours: The employer may offer extra hours depending on availability. This should be discussed directly with the employer before starting employment.

The job advert may end before the closing date if requested by the employer.

JOBSTART IS OPEN TO WORKING AGE BENEFIT CLAIMANTS WHO ARE DEEMED ELIGIBLE BY A WORK COACH. If you are on Universal Credit, please contact your Work Coach via your Journal. If you are in receipt of any other working age benefit, please contact your local Jobs & Benefits Office on 0800 001 5782.