Early Years Practitioner (Relief Panel)

We are looking for enthusiastic, caring and reliable Early Years Educators to join our relief panel in our busy, welcoming countryside crèche.

Our setting provides a warm, nurturing and stimulating environment where children are encouraged to learn, explore and develop through play. As a member of our relief panel, you will play an important role in supporting our team and ensuring a high standard of care and education for the children, particularly during staff holidays, training days and periods of increased demand.

This is an ideal opportunity for an Early Years Educator who enjoys working with children of different ages and is comfortable adapting to a busy and varied environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide warm, responsive and respectful care to children in line with their individual needs.
• Support children’s learning and development through age-appropriate play and activities.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with children, parents and colleagues.
• Assist with daily routines including meals, sleep, toileting, nappy changing and personal care.
• Help create a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment for all children.
• Follow the crèche's policies and procedures, including health and safety, safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Maintain appropriate supervision of children at all times.
• Support the implementation of the curriculum and activities within the room.
• Observe and respond appropriately to children's interests, needs and developmental stages.
• Work cooperatively with Room Leaders and the wider childcare team.
• Assist with maintaining a clean, organised and welcoming environment.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with parents and guardians where appropriate.
• Complete any relevant records and documentation as required.
• Be flexible and willing to work across different rooms and age groups when required.

Essential Requirements

• A recognised Early Years qualification at Level 5 or above, in line with current regulatory requirements.
• Experience working with children in an early years setting is desirable.
• Knowledge and understanding of children's development and the importance of play-based learning.
• An understanding of child safeguarding and good practice in early childhood education and care.
• A caring, patient and respectful approach to working with children.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Reliability, punctuality and a flexible approach to work.
• Garda vetting and relevant employment checks will be required.

Desirable

• Experience working in a full-day care setting.
• Experience working with children across different age groups.
• First Aid / Paediatric First Aid certification.
• Manual Handling certification.
• Experience working within a nature-based, outdoor or rural early years environment.
• A genuine interest in children's learning, development and wellbeing.

What We Offer

• A friendly and supportive team environment.
• The opportunity to gain experience across different rooms and age groups.
• A beautiful countryside setting with opportunities for outdoor learning and play

Pay: From €15.00 per hour

Benefits:

• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Work Location: In person