Play Cafe Assistant

Sugar Plums Play Café is a new, fairytale-themed play café in Newtownards for children aged 0-5 years old and their families, opening in October 2026.

Our mission is to provide a calm, nurturing and imaginative space where children can learn through play, and adults can relax, connect and feel part of a supportive community.

We are seeking a friendly, reliable person for the role of Play Café Assistant. In return, you can expect a warm, supportive workplace, free parking, complimentary coffee on-shift, and discounted play sessions and parties.

Thank you for your interest in joining the Sugar Plums team. We look forward to receiving your application.

Job Description

Job Title: Play Café Assistant

Reports to: Owner / Play Café Supervisor
Location: Sugar Plums Play Café, Newtownards

Hours: Part Time (8 hours per week, with potential for additional hours)

Salary: £12.71 per hour
Contract Type: Permanent

Job Purpose

To provide a friendly and efficient service to customers while preparing high-quality drinks and food, maintaining exceptional cleanliness standards, and helping to create a welcoming, safe and enjoyable environment for families visiting Sugar Plums Play Café.

The Café Assistant will work as part of the team to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of both the café and play environment.

Key Responsibilities

Customer Service

• Welcome customers in a warm, friendly and professional manner.
• Provide excellent customer service.
• Answer customer enquiries and assist with bookings where appropriate.
• Resolve minor customer concerns promptly and escalate issues when required.

Food and Beverage Service

• Prepare and serve hot and cold drinks to company standards.
• Prepare and serve light meals, snacks and baked goods.
• Follow food hygiene, allergen and food safety procedures.
• Operate the till and process payments accurately.
• Replenish food and drink displays as required.

Cleaning and Presentation

• Maintain excellent standards of cleanliness throughout the café and customer areas.
• Clean tables, equipment and food preparation areas regularly.
• Assist with opening and end-of-day cleaning and closing duties.
• Follow daily and weekly cleaning schedules.

Play Café Support

• Help maintain a clean, tidy and welcoming play environment.
• Support children and families in enjoying the play environment in line with Sugar Plums’ values and procedures.
• Report any damaged equipment or safety concerns immediately.
• Encourage safe and respectful use of the play facilities.
• Assist with activities, events and parties where required.

Stock & General Duties

• Restock supplies throughout the day.
• Assist with deliveries and stock rotation.
• Minimise waste and report low stock levels.
• Carry out opening and closing tasks as directed.
• Actively participate in required training and development
• Contribute to a positive and collaborative team environment
• Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.

This job description outlines the main duties and responsibilities of the role. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list and may be reviewed or amended to meet the changing needs of the business.

Person Specification

We’re looking for someone with the following:

Essential

• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work efficiently in a busy environment.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to follow instructions and use initiative.
• Good standard of literacy and numeracy.
• Friendly, approachable and welcoming manner.
• Reliable, organised and punctual.
• Positive attitude and willingness to learn.
• Enjoys creating a welcoming environment for children and families.
• Able to work flexible hours, weekday availability is essential.
• Right to work in the UK.

Desirable

• Experience in a customer-facing role e.g. café, leisure or retail
• Experience handling cash and operating a till or POS system.
• Experience working with children and families.
• Level 2 Food Hygiene Certificate.
• Barista training or coffee qualification.
• Emergency or Paediatric First Aid qualification.

How to Apply

To apply for the role of Play Café Assistant, please send the following by email to [email protected]:

• An up-to-date CV;
• A covering letter outlining how you meet the criteria set out in the Person Specification; and
• The contact details of two referees - references will only be sought following a successful interview

Please include the role you are applying for in the subject line.

Your cover letter should demonstrate how you meet each of the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. Your CV should include relevant employment, voluntary experience and training, with dates where applicable.

If we receive a high volume of applications, we reserve the right to shortlist using both the essential and desirable criteria contained within the Person Specification.

Equal Opportunities

Sugar Plums Play Café is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We do not discriminate on the grounds of religious belief, political opinion, race, sex or gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, dependents or any other protected characteristic.

Safeguarding

Sugar Plums Play Café is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and expects all employees to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to complete appropriate safeguarding checks, including an Access NI check, and to follow all safeguarding policies and procedures, and promote a safe environment for children and families.

Pay: £12.71 per hour

Expected hours: 4.0 – 8.0 per week

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person