Join Early Years – the organisation for young children as Early Years Assistant
Location: Star SureStart - Banbridge
Hours: 30 hours per week, Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9am-2pm, Tuesday and Thursday 9am-5pm
Tenure: Permanent
Salary: NJC Scale 2-3, Point 4-6 (£24,027- £25,183) 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, and access to healthcare schemes.
The role
As Early Years Assistant you will ensure children attending the SureStart programmes have the best start in life by providing a safe, welcoming, high quality, inclusive early education environment, working to improve the ability to learn, improve health and social development of children, ante-natal to four years of age.
The postholder will work in partnership with families to promote and facilitate positive parenting and the enhancement of the role of parents as 'first educators'.
You will be required to innovatively support and extend play experiences to ensure early outcomes are achieved.
The post holder will be involved in the Developmental Programme for 2-3 Year Olds, Creche Services, Play Programmes and other services depending on the need of the project.
We're looking for people who:
At the closing date have:
Essential criteria
At the closing date applicants, must have:
1. NVQ Level II in Early Years Care and Education or equivalent.
2. One years' experience working with young children in a paid, voluntary or training/placement capacity.
3. A full and current driving licence enabling the post 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
1. NVQ III in Early Years Care and Education or equivalent.
To find out more about the roles and to apply, visit our website:
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Friday 10 October 2025.
For shortlisted applicants it is anticipated that interviews will take place on Wednesday 5 and Thursday 6 November 2025 (afternoon for both days).
Previous applicants need not apply.
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: -
Phone:
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.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £24,027.00-£25,183.00 per year
Expected hours: 30 per week
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 10/10/2025
Reference ID: 25-79