Job Description - Early Years

Job DescriptionJob Title:Responsible to:Reports to:Hours:Salary:Location:Play Development WorkerEarly Years – the organisation for young childrenEarly Years Support Worker25 hours per weekNJC Scale 4, Point 18-21 (£17,161-£19,126) pro rataClogher Valley Sure Start areaTenure: Fixed term contract to end 30 August 2013Allowances:Travel expenses will be paid according to Early Years rates and guidance.1. Job PurposeTo post holder will be required to provide advice, information and support to early years’ providers,parents and carers on play development with young children. They will also be required tooperate a mobile toy library as a means of offering quality play opportunities to pre-schoolchildren.2. Key Tasks• Promote an understanding of the importance of quality play for young children’s development.• Develop and deliver play development workshops, activity sessions and group based sessionsfor families and practitioners.• Provide 1:1 and/or home based support and advice to families and early years settings on allaspects of play development.• Liaise with early years providers to supply equipment suitable for the children in their care.• Set up play provision in Parent and Toddler groups and model good practice in interactionswith children.• Design and deliver a six week summer play activity programme throughout the area.• Develop and deliver play development workshops, activity sessions and group based sessionsfor families and practioners eg. Monthly stay and play sessions, termly story telling etc.• Provide weekly storytelling sessions in the local library• Deliver Book-Start packs via home visits• Co-facilitate termly baby and toddler and play group cluster meetings• Drive the Toy Library van to various locations as required.

• Take responsibility for the lending service of the Toy Library.• Ensure the suitability, safety and cleanliness of toys and other equipment.• Replenish or add to the supply of toys as required, within the constraints of the budget.• Maintain Toy Library records.GeneralTo represent Early Years as agreed with the Line Manager.To be committed to own and employees’ personal development and growth.To provide the appropriate service and to treat all stakeholders in a courteous and respectfulmanner.To demonstrate commitment to Early Years by regular attendance and the efficient completionof tasks allocated.To take part in and assist in the organisation of special events, outings, visits and any otheractivities as required.To promote Early Years and the Sure Start Programme.Be available for planning, review, support and appraisal meetings and any relevant trainingand staff development as required.To carry out all duties in compliance with Early Years Health and Safety Policy and Statutoryrequirements.To adhere to Early Years values and behaviours in all aspects of employmentTo adhere to Early Years Equal Opportunities Policy throughout the course of employment.To adhere to Early Year’s Confidentiality Policy.To adhere to Early Years Child Protection Policy and Procedures.To maintain the high standards of personal accountability to ensure the ongoing confidence ofthe public in the staff of Early Years.To carry out any other duties falling reasonably within the competence and capability of thepost holder.The duties and responsibilities outlined in this Job Description are not meant to bedefinitive nor restrictive and may be modified to meet changing needs. It should be notedtherefore that duties, designation and location of the post might be subject to change in thefuture to meet the changing requirements of the service.