Assistant Manager – School Age Childcare (Afterschool & Breakfast Club)
Reports to: Childcare Manager
Location: Knocklyon, Dublin 16
Hours: [e.g., 23.75 hours per week – split between morning (breakfast 5 hours 7:45-8:45am) and afternoon 18.75 hours 1:15 -5pm]
Contract Type: [e.g., Permanent / Term-time only / Part-time]
Job Purpose:
To support the effective day-to-day running of the School Age Childcare Breakfast and Afterschool Club, ensuring a safe, stimulating, and caring environment for children aged 4–13 years. The Assistant Manager will support the Manager in leading staff, planning activities, ensuring compliance with childcare regulations, and building strong relationships with children, parents, and school staff.
Key Responsibilities: Childcare Provision
* Planning and delivery of age-appropriate, inclusive activities that promote children's physical, intellectual, emotional, and social development.
* Supervise and engage with children during activities, mealtimes, and free play, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
* Promote positive behaviour management strategies and be a positive role model at all times.
* Provide a welcoming, inclusive environment for all children, respecting individual needs and backgrounds.
Leadership & Staff Support
* Assist the Service Manager in overseeing daily operations and ensuring adequate staffing levels.
* Supervise junior staff and volunteers, providing guidance and support as required.
* Take charge in the absence of the Manager, ensuring continuity of care and compliance with policies.
Health & Safety
* Ensure that all safeguarding, health, hygiene, and safety procedures are strictly followed.
* Carry out daily risk assessments and safety checks of the setting, equipment, and environment.
* Administer basic first aid when required and record/report incidents in line with policy.
Parent & School Liaison
* Maintain positive communication with parents and carers, updating them on their child's wellbeing and participation.
* Foster good relationships with school staff and external agencies to support the integration of the club with the wider school community.
Administration
* Assist with the preparation of registers, incident forms, accident logs, and other required documentation.
* Support the Manager in maintaining accurate records in compliance with regulatory and organisational requirements.
* Handle day-to-day issues such as snack ordering, activity resources, and scheduling staff breaks (if required).
Person Specification:Essential:
* Minimum of QQI Level 5 qualification in Childcare, Early Years, or equivalent (in line with SAC regulations).
* Minimum 2 years' experience working in a childcare setting, preferably with school-age children.
* Up-to-date knowledge of child protection and safeguarding.
* Paediatric First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
* Strong organisational and interpersonal skills.
* Ability to lead a team and work collaboratively.
* Energetic, enthusiastic, and passionate about working with children.
Desirable:
* Experience in a leadership or supervisory role within a childcare or educational setting.
* Knowledge of relevant childcare legislation and quality standards (e.g., Tusla regulations, where applicable).
* Food hygiene certification.
* Creative or sporting skills that can be applied in activity planning.
Employment benefits
* Competitive hourly rate in line with qualifications and experience
* Supported school age childcare for staff members children
* Ongoing suppourt meetings with management to encourage growth and development
* Opportunities for ongoing training and progression within the organisation
* A positive, team focused environment that values collaboration, creativity and continuous improvement
Safeguarding Commitment:
KidzDen Knocklyon is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants will be subject to Garda vetting and reference checks in accordance with our Child Protection Policy.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: €18.00-€18.50 per hour
Expected hours: 23.75 per week
Benefits:
* Bike to work scheme
* Employee discount
* On-site parking
Education:
* Advanced/Higher Certificate (required)
Experience:
* Childcare: 1 year (required)
Language:
* English (required)
Work authorisation:
* Ireland (required)
Work Location: In person