Join Early Years – the organisation for young children as Early Years Quality Mentor
Location: Belfast/Northern and South Eastern Trust Areas working across Health and Social Care Trust areas within Northern Ireland, a hybrid working policy is in place
Base: Early Years HQ, Belfast, BT12 6TA
Hours: 37 hours per week
Tenure: Fixed term until 29 June 2029
Salary: Points 29-32, £40,554.90-£43,532.22 per annum pro rata
Do you have a passion for making a meaningful impact in early childhood education?
Do you believe in the power of play to unlock potential?
Be part of our team and help shape the futures of children by fostering growth and learning through purposeful opportunities.
At Early Years, we are committed to fostering growth for both the children and our staff. Joining means an opportunity to enhance your skills, make a meaningful difference, and collaborate with a team that upholds dedication, compassion, and excellence in early years care and education.
In return, Early Years provides a comprehensive rewards package, including a competitive salary, 36 days of annual leave (pro-rata), inclusive of statutory/public holidays, a contributory pension scheme, options to purchase additional leave, and access to healthcare schemes.
The role
The Early Years Quality Mentors (EYQMs) will be responsible for the programmatic development, delivery, co-ordination and quality assurance of the pre-school curriculum across Northern Ireland. The EYQMs will also contribute to the delivery of existing services and developments within the Early Years portfolio, with a clear focus on leading improvements within the sector.
As postholder you will promote and support the development of early years settings, demonstrating a strong commitment to improvement and the ability to respond to expectations of the sector relating to outstanding practice. With a focus on clear, timebound evidence demonstrating sustained and high-level improvements to practice and / or leadership of a setting.
As Early Years Quality Mentor you will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in all the services provided by the organisation and to settings through specialist, highly effective and timebound support. Focusing on high quality learning and care for children, families and communities.
We're looking for people who:
At the closing date have:
Essential criteria
BA in Early Childhood Studies or equivalent and a Post Graduate Qualification in Early Years or equivalent e.g. HighScope, ToT, Masters in Early Years.
Demonstrate a strong working knowledge of statutory requirements in Northern Ireland for childcare settings in the community and voluntary sector.
Two years acting in a lead capacity in:
a voluntary/independent pre-school
OR
Sure Start
OR
a Nursery, Reception, Year 1 or Year 2 class.
A full current driving licence enabling the holder to drive in Northern Ireland/ROI and have the use of vehicle for official purpose OR have access to a form of transport that will enable the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full.
Desirable criteria
Proven experience of quality improvement.
To find out more about the role and to apply, visit our website by clicking the Apply button below.
The closing date for receipt of completed applications is Wednesday 20 May 2026.
For shortlisted applicants it is anticipated that interviews will take place on Friday 29 May 2026.
Early Years is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to providing flexible friendly working conditions. As Protestants and males are currently known to be under-represented in the Organisation, we would particularly welcome applications from these groups.