Early Years Team Leader

Join Early Years the organisation for young children as Early Years Team Leader

Location: Splash SureStart - Craigavon

Hours:37 hours per week

Tenure:Permanent

Salary: NJC Scale 6, Point 18-22 (£30,559-£32,654) 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 Team Leader you will lead, support and develop high-quality community-based Early Years services for children aged 04 years and their families, in line with SureStart targets and Early Years the Organisation for Young Childrens standards.

The post holder will have direct responsibility for the leadership, coordination, supervision and professional development of staff within both the Developmental Programme and Play Development teams. Working collaboratively with the Project Manager and wider multidisciplinary partners, the post holder will ensure that services are inclusive, child-centred, safe and aligned to the ethos and objectives of SureStart.

We're Looking For People Who

At the closing date have:

Essential Criteria

At the closing date applicants, must have:

• QCF level 5 in Childcare or equivalent.
• Two Years experience of supporting staff in an Early Years setting.
• Two Years experience in developing and delivering Early Years Programmes and parenting services in an Early Years environment.
• Knowledge of child development including age appropriate areas of learning.

A full current driving licence enabling the 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

• Degree in Early Years Studies or equivalent.
  
  

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Monday 9 February 2026.

For shortlisted applicants it is anticipated that interviews will take place Friday 27 February 2026.

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.

Skills

early years childcare surestart Education Leadership/Management Skills Staff Development Coordination