Early Years Team Leader

Northside Family Resource Centre – Sunshine Childcare Service & Riverside Early Childhood Centre

Northside Family Resource Centre is seeking an experienced, motivated, and child‑centred Early Years Team Leader to join our Early Years services. Our centre is rooted in community, inclusion, and high‑quality early childhood practice. We are looking for a leader who can inspire, support, and guide staff while ensuring the highest standards of care and education for children aged 0–6.

About the Role

The Early Years Team Leader plays a key leadership role in the day‑to‑day running of the service. Working closely with the Early Years Manager, you will oversee curriculum planning, staff coordination, quality practice, and the creation of a nurturing, stimulating, and safe environment for children.

Key Responsibilities

Childcare & Curriculum Leadership

  • Take day‑to‑day responsibility for the care, learning, and development of children aged 0–6.

  • Design and oversee curricula that support children’s emotional, social, cognitive, and physical development.

  • Coordinate the planning and implementation of programmes tailored to individual and group needs.

  • Support staff to plan and deliver high‑quality learning experiences.

  • Lead the implementation of Aistear and Síolta, including monitoring progress and embedding best practice.

  • Deliver Incredible Years or another recognised programme to young children (training may be provided).

  • Review, evaluate, and continually enhance programmes and activities.

Team Leadership & Operations

  • Work collaboratively with the Early Years team to ensure a high‑quality programme.

  • Coordinate staff rotas, timetables, and breaks to support smooth daily operations.

  • Provide guidance, direction, and support to staff in their daily work.

  • Act up in the absence of the Early Years Deputy Manager.

  • Promote a positive, supportive, and professional team culture.

Childcare Facility & Safety

  • Ensure the highest standards of health, hygiene, and safety across the service.

  • Maintain a clean, safe, and well‑organised environment.

  • Ensure equipment and materials are properly maintained and fit for purpose.

  • Share responsibility for general areas of the facility.

Parents & Families

  • Work with the Early Years Manager to support parents in their parenting roles.

  • Build positive, respectful relationships with families.

  • Share relevant information regarding children’s progress and needs.

  • Encourage parent involvement in the service.

Policies, Compliance & Child Protection

  • Ensure awareness and implementation of all childcare policies and procedures.

  • Support the ongoing development and updating of policies, procedures, and staff handbooks.

  • Implement the Child Protection Policy and report concerns immediately to the Childcare Manager.

  • Ensure students, volunteers, parents, and visitors adhere to all policies and procedures.

Administration & Reporting

  • Ensure accurate completion of roll books, attendance records, waiting lists, staff forms, and other documentation.

  • Prepare and submit reports as required.

  • Maintain high standards of record‑keeping and compliance.

Training & Professional Development

  • Engage in continuous professional development and support staff to do the same.

  • Participate in training, workshops, and team development sessions.

  • Stay informed of best practice and regulatory requirements.

Person Specification

Essential

  • Minimum two years’ experience working in an Early Years setting.

  • Experience working with children aged 0–6.

  • Ability to meet childcare regulations independently and proactively.

  • Minimum QQI Level 6 in Early Years Care and Education.

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to relate to young children and engage in playful, nurturing interactions.

  • Ability to communicate effectively with parents regarding children’s needs.

  • Patient, kind, fun‑loving, and attuned to children’s emotional and developmental needs.

  • Respectful, supportive, and non‑judgmental approach to families.

  • Flexibility regarding working hours.

Desirable

  • Experience working in a community‑based setting.

  • Experience supporting children experiencing deprivation.

  • Volunteer experience with children or young people.

  • Local knowledge.

  • QQI Level 7 in Early Years Care and Education.

  • Accreditation in a complementary area (e.g., Incredible Years, Play Therapy, Speech & Language, Circle of Security).

Hours of Work

Full‑time 39‑hour post, Monday to Friday between 08:00 and 18:00. Reduced hours may be considered but not below 35 hours per week (salary pro rata). Some flexibility for occasional evening work may be required (time‑off‑in‑lieu provided). Six‑month probation period applies.

Salary

€31,200 – €34,100 per annum, depending on qualifications and experience. Pro rata for 35 or 39 hours.

Staff Benefits

Northside Family Resource Centre is committed to supporting staff wellbeing and work–life balance. Benefits include:

  • 25 days annual leave (pro rata)

  • 2 additional privilege days

  • Up to 14 paid sick days

  • Employer‑contributory pension scheme

  • Family‑friendly working arrangements considered

  • Access to training, CPD, and professional development opportunities

  • Supportive, community‑focused working environment

Location

Northside Family Resource Centre, Limerick.

Additional Requirements

  • Garda Vetting in line with the National Vetting Bureau Acts 2012–2016.

  • Commitment to confidentiality at all times.

How to Apply

CVs will not be accepted. All applicants must apply through HireHive and complete the full application form. Incomplete applications may not be considered.


For informal enquiries, contact: Alison Dore – alisondore@northsidefrc.ie| 061‑326623


Northside Family Resource Centre is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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Before you begin:

Please take a few moments to read the job description and person specification carefully. Your answers should clearly demonstrate how your experience, skills, and qualifications meet the requirements of the role. When responding to the application questions, please provide specific examples and relevant details that show your suitability for the position. Applications that do not address the questions or do not reference the role requirements may not be shortlisted.

Do you meet the minimum educational requirement for this role as outlined in the Job Description?

Please provide the following details for your relevant qualification:

Reference 1

Please provide the name and company of a professional reference. This referee must be be your current or most recent employer - please note referees will only be contacted with your consent.

This referee is my current/most recent employer.

Professional Reference 2

Please provide the name and company of a second professional reference. Please note referees will only be contacted with your consent.

This referee is my current/most recent employer.
Are you willing to complete Garda Vetting and provide Police Clearance (if you have lived outside of Ireland for more than 6 months)?
I confirm that the information I have given in this application is accurate and complete to the best of my knowledge. Please note that the submission of this application form indicates that you have read the job description and any other information issued by the Company and you comply with the requirements of the post. Any false statements may result in the application being declared invalid.
Do you have a full driving license and a car for work?
Do you currently have the legal right to work in Ireland at the time of this application?
A panel will be created for 12 months should a similar position arise. Would you like to be included on the panel should you be successful?
Interviews for this role will be conducted in person in Northside FRC. Please confirm that you would be able to attend an in-person interview if shortlisted.