School Age Practitioner, Kilkenny (Maternity Leave Contract)

Are you passionate about early childhood education and looking for a meaningful role in a purpose-driven organisation? At Respond, we believe in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can thrive, and staff can grow. Our aim is to deliver high-quality, play-based education that makes a real difference. If youre ready to bring your skills, creativity, and care to our service then we want to hear from you! Respond is committed to equal employment and growing a diverse workforce. If you do not tick every box there are likely other valuable attributes and skills that you have, that would make you a great fit for the organisation. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, nationalities, genders and from anyone who has historically faced social exclusion. If you feel this role is for you, then please apply. Role : School Age Practitioner Location : Respond School Age Service, Millennium Court Kilkenny Reporting to : School Age Service Manager Terms : Part-time - 18.5 hours per week (Mon-Fri) x 6 months maternity leave contract Hours : 2.15pm -6pm Salary / Hourly rate : €14.75 to €19.09(Please note that offers are typically made at the beginning to mid-range of the advertised salary, based on skills and experience) Job Purpose : To act as a positive role model and be responsible for the delivery and implementation of a high quality play-based curriculum under the guidance of the national quality frameworks Aistear and Solta both indoors and outdoors. To, guide, observe, stimulate and supervise children in a safe and caring environment as part of the childcare team. Staff Benefits : Annual leave of 23 days plus additional company days Further education and training assistance Maternity Leave pay Sick pay Employee assistance programme Employee Purchasing Schemes 100% Attendance Bonus Holidays Adoptive Leave Surrogacy Leave Fertility Support Leave Early Pregnancy Loss Leave Core Duties & Responsibilities : To follow the policies and procedure of the service at all times. To conduct observation and learning stories for all children. To organise materials and resources to ensure that they reflect the childrens emerging interests and abilities. To implement a play-based curriculum that encourages independence and fosters the growth of self-esteem within all children. To support childrens emotional, social and cognitive development. To assist in providing healthy snacks which meet the growing needs of children and reflects variation in culture or dietary needs. To develop and support parental involvement strategies that enhance childrens learning experiences. To ensure that the welfare of children is paramount in accordance with Children First; National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children. Promote the services in the local community and wider area to assist and support the quality and sustainability of the service. To perform other reasonable and relevant duties as may be required from time to time. Person Specification : Commitment to high quality early education. The ability to work in collaboration with a dedicated team. Highly motivated to work on own initiative. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. A professional and enthusiastic disposition. Flexible and adaptable. Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development. Garda Vetting will be required as part of the recruitment process on an on-going basis. Qualification & Experience : A minimum of FETAC Level 5 in Early Years Education. One year post paid qualification experience of working in early years. Strong understanding and experience in Early Childhood Education. Closing date for applicants is Friday 26th September 2025 Skills : early years childcare best practice