About Headfort School
Headfort School is Ireland’s only day and boarding school dedicated exclusively to primary-aged children — a place where curiosity, creativity and childhood are protected, celebrated and allowed to flourish. Set within the historic Headfort estate, the school has a long tradition of nurturing confident, imaginative and independent young learners. Our belief is simple: children thrive when they feel safe, supported and inspired, and when the adults around them take genuine interest in their wellbeing and growth.
The After School Care Programme is an extension of this philosophy. It provides pupils with a warm, structured and joyful end to their school day — a space where they can unwind, explore interests, build friendships and feel at home. We see after-school time not as supervision, but as an opportunity to enrich children’s lives, encourage curiosity, and offer gentle guidance as they navigate the rhythms of their afternoon.
For staff who join our boarding community, Headfort offers an experience found nowhere else in Ireland. With boarders aged 10–13 living in the House, the After School Care Coordinator becomes part of a close, supportive residential environment where children are known deeply and cared for consistently.
Working in the House means greeting pupils at the end of their day, helping them transition from school to home-like routines, and supporting their social, emotional and personal development. It is a role that blends pastoral care, gentle leadership and genuine connection — a chance to make a meaningful difference in the daily lives of children who rely on the adults around them for stability, encouragement and warmth.
This combination of after-school care, pastoral support, and residential community life makes Headfort a uniquely rewarding place to work.
About the Role
Headfort School is seeking a warm, organised and creative After School Care Coordinator to lead our afternoon programme for Junior Infants to Form 2 pupils. This role is designed for someone who believes that after-school time is an extension of learning — a space where children can explore interests, build confidence, develop independence and feel genuinely cared for.
This is not a babysitting role. It is a structured, purposeful programme that blends gentle academic support, creative exploration, wellbeing activities and social development within a safe, joyful environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead a structured after-school programme focused on learning, creativity and wellbeing
- Plan daily activities that encourage curiosity, independence and gentle skill-building
- Support homework and quiet study through calm, age-appropriate guidance
- Facilitate creative projects including art, design, craft and hands-on exploration
- Promote social development through group games, collaboration and positive interactions
- Create a safe, warm and organised environment where pupils feel secure and respected
- Encourage wellbeing through mindfulness, outdoor time and reflective activities
- Communicate with parents regarding routines, progress and any concerns
- Collaborate with teaching and boarding staff to ensure continuity of care and learning
- Maintain accurate attendance and programme records
- Model Headfort’s values of safety, respect, kindness, curiosity and courageous
Coordinator Responsibilities
- Manage programme invoicing with accuracy, clarity and consistency, ensuring families receive timely information about fees and schedules.
- Maintain financial oversight of the After School Care Programme, including attendance tracking, billing cycles and reconciliation of daily records.
- Work closely with the Finance Office to ensure all charges are correct, compliant and aligned with school policies.
- Provide transparent communication to parents regarding costs, billing timelines and any changes to the programme, fostering trust and confidence.
- Ensure families feel informed and supported by responding promptly to queries about fees, attendance or scheduling.
- Uphold Headfort’s values of clarity, fairness and professionalism in all financial interactions.
- Contribute to programme sustainability by contributing to the strategic direction fo the School and the Headfort Journey
Safeguarding and Reporting
- Safeguarding vigilance — maintain a constant awareness of pupil wellbeing, ensuring concerns are recognised early and acted upon immediately.
- Clear reporting pathways — record all incidents, disclosures and concerns factually and promptly, following Headfort’s safeguarding procedures and communicating with designated staff without delay.
- Risk assessment in daily practice — proactively assess risks in activities, transitions, environments and routines, adapting plans to ensure pupils’ physical and emotional safety at all times.
- Safe supervision standards — uphold appropriate ratios, maintain active supervision, and ensure pupils are accounted for during all after-school activities.
- Reviewing and improving processes — regularly evaluate the effectiveness of routines, safety measures and communication systems, identifying areas for improvement and implementing changes in collaboration with leadership.
- Emergency readiness — remain calm, confident and prepared to respond to medical, behavioural or environmental emergencies, following established protocols.
- Professional boundaries — model appropriate adult–child interactions, ensuring pupils feel safe, respected and supported.
- Confidentiality — handle sensitive information responsibly, sharing only with those who need to know and maintaining trust with pupils and families.
Essential Skills
- Child-centred communication — the ability to listen deeply, ask thoughtful questions and support children in expressing themselves
- Wellbeing-focused practice — understanding how routines, creativity and gentle structure support emotional development
- Creative facilitation — confidence in leading art, craft, design and exploratory activities
- Positive behaviour guidance — maintaining calm, consistent routines that help children feel safe and confident
- Organisational strength — ability to manage time, transitions and materials smoothly
- Reflective practice — encouraging children to think about their choices, actions and learning
- Inclusive care — ensuring every child feels seen, supported and valued
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Education, Childcare, Youth Work, Arts, or related field
- Experience working with children in educational or care settings
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills
- Ability to plan engaging, age-appropriate activities
- A calm, warm and confident presence
- A genuine passion for supporting children’s learning, wellbeing and independence
Pay: €28,300.00-€45,527.06 per year
Work Location: In person
