Play Assistant - Twinkle Stars Flying Start
An exciting opportunity has become available at our Flying Start Childcare setting, to work under the Cardiff Council childcare provisions. We are looking for 2 Play Assistants to join our team at Twinkle Stars.
Twinkle Stars Flying Start childcare setting serves the communities of Splott, Tremorfa, Adamsdown and Roath. We are proud to be a warm and welcoming setting based in the heart of the community, that provides high-quality childcare for 2-3 year olds, Monday to Friday, as part of Flying Start provision. We are based in the grounds of Moorlands Primary School.
Flying Start is a Welsh Government funded programme targeted at children under 4 years of age and their families. Part-time childcare for 2-3 year olds is one part of the Flying Start offer.
Twinkle Stars Flying Start childcare setting is part of Cardiff Council's Cardiff Parenting and Play Service, in Cardiff Early Help. You can learn more about elements of Early Help by visiting the website www.cardifffamilies.co.uk. The childcare setting is supported by a committed and dedicated leadership team within Cardiff Parenting and Play. We are part of a wider multi agency team of professionals who deliver Parenting and Play Services across Cardiff. This provides opportunities for support to staff, excellent training opportunities and career progression.
About the job
We are looking for 2 Play Assistants to join our childcare team at Twinkle Stars. You will be directly employed by Cardiff Council to work at the setting.
The Play Assistants will play a key part in joining an experienced team of staff who provide engaging and fun play experiences for children aged 2-3 years. We welcome new and exciting ideas from successful candidates for children to learn through play and being outdoors. The Play Assistant will be able to plan effectively for children's learning, be fun and engaging.
Twinkle Stars Flying Start childcare setting is open to children Monday to Friday 9am-11:30am and 12:30pm-3pm. The hours of the job are 8:30am-3:30pm Monday to Friday, with a 4:30pm finish one night a week to attend a team meeting. The paid hours are 33.5 hours a week term time only. Every day includes a 30 minute unpaid lunch break.
The Play Assistants will have a commitment to children's development and ensuring that the children and families feel safe, valued and respected at all times.
Cardiff Council we take the welfare of all of our staff seriously and we strive to deliver positive working arrangements that support our amazing workforce to feel respected and valued. Opportunities for you as an employee include:
- Access to the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Pension Fund which is part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), offering a reputable, secure and flexible pension plan for peace of mind.
- Excellent training and development opportunities provided by a knowledgeable and dedicated workforce development team whether you are newly qualified or an experienced practitioner who is an expert in your field.
- Opportunities for career development across the whole of Cardiff Early Help Team - we encourage career progression and support employees with ensuring that they have access to develop their strengths in all fields.
- Support provided through mentorship, supervision and a senior management team that recognises achievements and celebrates success.
You will be supported with an induction and ongoing line management, supervision and professional development.
What We Are Looking For From You
We are looking for enthusiastic and motivated individuals to join our already established team. The successful candidate will need:
- A qualification in Children's Care, Learning/ Play & Development (CCLD minimum Level 3). Please contact us prior to applying for the post if you would like to discuss whether your qualification or training is relevant. You can also look at the list of qualifications online.
- Proven experience of working with babies and/or children under age 5 - this could be in a paid job, as a volunteer or as part of your training.
- Experience of contributing to effective teamwork - this could be in your paid job, as a volunteer or through college/training experiences of teamwork.
- Experience of following safeguarding procedures to protect children and families - this could be experience of following the procedures in your work, voluntary role or training; or learning about the policies and a knowledge of how to follow them.
Please see the job description and personal specification for further information. Applicants will be required to show they meet all of the essential requirements in the person specification in order to be invited to an interview. Please also look at the desirable criteria and include your experiences against these.
This role is part-time at 33.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year. The advertised salary is based on a full-time role (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year). The actual salary will be lower than the advertised salary because of the part-time hours and weeks worked.
This post is temporary until 31st March 2028, but could be extended.
If you would like a tour of the setting or just have questions about the role, please contact Sarah Mackay 07817 955443 or Rachel Everett 07875 548267 who will be more than happy to help.
This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced check.
Safeguarding and Child Protection are key priorities for the Council. We aim to support children and vulnerable adults to ensure they are as safe as they can possibly be.
If you require additional support to complete the Play Assistant job application, our Into Work Advice Service team can help you. To receive further support contact 029 2087 1071 or email intoworkadviceservice@cardiff.gov.uk.
This job advert is also available in Welsh. / Mae'r hysbyseb swydd hon ar gael yn Gymraeg hefyd: https://www.jobscardiffcouncil.co.uk/vacancies/?lang=cy_GB