Part-Time Afterschool (SAC) Co-ordinator
Location: Duleek, Co. Meath
Hours: Part-Time (22.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday)
Salary: €18.00–€19.00 per hour (depending on qualifications and experience)
We are seeking an enthusiastic, organised and experienced Afterschool (School Age Childcare) Co-ordinator to lead our welcoming and child-centred afterschool service.
The role is for term time only 38 weeks per year in line with the school calendar of Duleek National School
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
- 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 5 qualification in Early Learning and Care.
- Previous experience working in School Age Childcare or Early Years.
- 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-€19.00 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.
Apply today to join our dedicated team.
Pay: €18.00-€19.00 per hour
Expected hours: 22.5 per week
Work Location: In person
