Part-Time Afterschool (SAC) Manager
Location: Duleek, Co. Meath
Hours: Part-Time (22 - 24 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
Salary: €18.00–€20.00 per hour (depending on qualifications and experience)
We are seeking an enthusiastic, organised and experienced Afterschool (School Age Childcare) Manager to lead our welcoming and child-centred afterschool service.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced childcare professional to manage the day-to-day operations of a busy afterschool setting while leading and supporting a small team.
The successful candidate will be passionate about providing high-quality care, creating a safe and engaging environment for children, and ensuring the service operates in compliance with all relevant regulations and quality standards.
Key Responsibilities / Leadership & Management
- Lead, motivate and supervise a small team of childcare practitioners.
- Foster a positive, supportive and professional working environment.
- Allocate staff duties and daily responsibilities.
- Conduct staff meetings and provide regular feedback.
- Support staff development through coaching, mentoring and performance management.
- Assist with induction and onboarding of new team members.
- Manage staff rosters, annual leave and daily staffing requirements.
- Ensure adequate staff-to-child ratios are maintained at all times.
Childcare & Programme Delivery
- Ensure children receive high-quality care in a safe, nurturing and inclusive environment.
- Plan and oversee engaging age-appropriate activities including arts and crafts, sports, STEM, outdoor play and wellbeing activities.
- Promote children's independence, confidence and social development.
- Support children with additional needs where appropriate.
- Encourage positive behaviour using respectful behaviour management strategies.
- Build strong, positive relationships with children and families.
Compliance & Safeguarding
- Ensure compliance with Tusla regulations, national quality standards and service policies.
- Act as the Designated Liaison Person (or Deputy) where appropriate.
- Maintain the highest standards of child safeguarding.
- Ensure all staff understand and implement Child Protection procedures.
- Complete and maintain accurate accident, incident and medication records.
- Carry out regular risk assessments and safety inspections.
- Ensure health and safety procedures are followed at all times.
- Maintain emergency evacuation procedures and fire safety records.
- Ensure all required documentation is accurate and up to date.
Administration
- Manage daily attendance records and registers.
- Maintain children's files and confidential records.
- Liaise professionally with parents regarding children's progress and wellbeing.
- Respond to parent queries in a timely manner.
- Prepare reports and maintain administrative records.
- Order supplies and manage equipment and resources.
- Monitor stock levels and maintain a safe, organised environment.
Quality & Service Development
- Promote continuous quality improvement.
- Ensure policies and procedures are implemented consistently.
- Support inspections and quality assurance processes.
- Develop new ideas and activities to enhance the afterschool programme.
- Build strong relationships with local schools and the wider community.
- Promote inclusion, diversity and equality throughout the service.
Essential Requirements
- Minimum QQI Level 5 (or recognised equivalent) in Early Learning and Care or a related qualification.
- Previous experience working in School Age Childcare or Early Years.
- Excellent leadership and organisational skills.
- Strong communication and interpersonal abilities.
- Knowledge of Tusla regulations and quality frameworks.
- Ability to work independently and make sound decisions.
- Excellent problem-solving skills.
- Strong IT and administrative skills.
- Garda Vetting (or willingness to obtain).
- Current First Aid and Children First training (or willingness to complete).
Desirable
- Level 6 qualification in Early Learning and Care.
- Experience preparing for Tusla inspections.
- Previous experience supervising or managing a childcare team.
- Experience managing staff rotas and budgets.
- Knowledge of AIM, Inclusion and Equality Diversity & Inclusion practices.
- Full clean driving licence.
Personal Qualities
- Positive and approachable leader.
- Passionate about delivering high-quality childcare.
- Excellent time management.
- Reliable and professional.
- Flexible and adaptable.
- Calm under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Creative and enthusiastic.
- Team player with excellent people skills.
What We Offer
- Competitive hourly salary (€18.00-€20.00 per hour DOE).
- Supportive and friendly working environment.
- Ongoing professional development and training.
- Opportunities for career progression.
- Employee wellbeing support.
- Paid training where applicable.
- Staff appreciation initiatives.
- A rewarding opportunity to make a positive difference in children's lives every day.
If you are an experienced childcare professional with strong leadership skills and a passion for providing exceptional school age childcare, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to join our dedicated team.
Pay: €19.00-€20.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
