Are you passionate about early childhood education and looking for a meaningful role in a purpose-driven organisation? At Respond, we believe in creating a nurturing and inclusive environment where children can thrive, and staff can grow. Our aim is to deliver high-quality, play-based education that makes a real difference. If you're ready to bring your skills, creativity, and care to our service then we want to hear from you!
Respond is committed to equal employment and growing a diverse workforce. If you do not "tick every box" there are likely other valuable attributes and skills that you have, that would make you a great fit for the organisation. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, nationalities, genders and from anyone who has historically faced social exclusion. If you feel this role is for you, then please apply.
Role: Early Years' Practitioner
Location: Respond Early Year's Service, Stonecourt, Ennis,Co Clare
Reporting to: Early Year's Service Manager
Terms: 25 hours per week (Mon-Fri)
Contract: permanent
Salary scale: €15.41- €19.09 per hour
(Please note that offers are typically made at the beginning to mid-range of the advertised salary, based on skills and experience)
Staff Benefits:
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Annual leave of 23 days plus additional company days
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Further education and training assistance
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Maternity Leave pay
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Sick pay
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Employee assistance programme
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Employee Purchasing Schemes
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100% Attendance Bonus Holidays
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Adoptive Leave
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Surrogacy Leave
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Fertility Support Leave
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Early Pregnancy Loss Leave
Job Purpose:
To act as a positive role model and be responsible for delivering and implementing a high-quality play-based curriculum under the guidance of the national quality frameworks Aistear and Siolta both indoors and outdoors. To, guide, observe, stimulate and supervise children in a safe and caring environment as part of the childcare team.
Responsibilities
To follow the policies and procedures of the service at all times.
To conduct observation and learning stories for all children.
Organise materials and resources to ensure that they reflect the children's emerging interests and abilities.
To implement a play based curriculum that encourages independence and fosters the growth of self esteem within all children.
To support children's emotional, social and cognitive development.
To assist in providing healthy snacks that meet children's growing needs and reflect variations in culture or dietary requirements.
To develop and support parental involvement strategies that enhance children's learning experiences.
Ensuring that the welfare of children is paramount in accordance with Children First; National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children.
Promote the services in the local community and broader area to assist and support the quality and sustainability of the service.
To perform other reasonable and relevant duties as may be required from time to time.
Person Specification
Commitment to high quality early education.
The ability to work in collaboration with a dedicated team.
Highly motivated to work on own initiative.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
A professional and enthusiastic disposition.
Flexible and adaptable.
Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development.
Garda Vetting will be required as part of the recruitment process on an ongoing basis.
Qualification & Experience:
A minimum of FETAC Level 5 in Early Years Education.
Experience of working in early years.
Closing date for receipt of applications: 9th of July 2026.
