Educational Leader

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Educational Leader required for StartBright Bawnogue

Clondalkin Area, 35 hours per week

Applications are being sought from suitably qualified and experienced people for the role of Educational Leader at our StartBright Bawnogue centre, located in Clondalkin.

We require a dedicated, flexible and enthusiastic individuals who are quality driven and have a child focused approach to early childhood education.

All applicants must have a minimum qualification of FETAC level 7/8 in Early Years and Education.

The role of the Educational Leader is to work directly with their early years’ service to build on their capacity to deliver high quality, inclusive early childhood care and education for children and families. This role may also include a room leader/ supervisor role so experience in a leadership role in an early years setting is essential.

The ideal candidate will have:

· A sound working knowledge of Síolta & Aistear

· Knowledge and or experience of national and international models of quality practices, philosophy and pedagogy.

· Knowledge of the Child Care Act 1991 (Early Years Services) (Registration of School Age Services) Regulations 2018

· An understanding and knowledge of the Early Childhood Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF) and of all aspects of operating a quality early years environment

· An inclusive approach to practice and an understanding of the Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Charter Guideline for Early Childhood Care and Education:

· An understanding of the First 5 - A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children, and their Families 2019-2028

· An appreciation for the Healthy Ireland Start Smart Framework developed by National Childhood Network

· A good knowledge and understanding of child protection and the duties and responsibilities under Children First

· Be naturally warm and respectful towards children & their needs

· Leadership and organisational skills

- Interested in CPD and reflective practice approaches

· An ability to work in partnership with other Educators

· Experience of working with parents as partners

· A flexible approach to their work

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills

· Prepared to complete a Garda Vetting form and additional mandatory training required for the role

· A good knowledge and understanding of Health and Safety legislation

Full Job Description:

Educational Leader - Job Description

Post: Educational Leader

Company: StartBright Early Learning Centres

Location: StartBright Balgaddy

Hours: 35 hrs per week

Flexibility is required.

Responsible to: Quality Mentor, Centre Manager, CEO, Ops Manager

Purpose: The role of the Educational Leader is to work directly with their early years’ service to build on their capacity to deliver high quality, inclusive early childhood care and education for children and families.

The work will be guided by the principles and standards of Síolta: The National Quality Framework for Early Childhood Education

Aistear: The Early Childhood Curriculum Framework

Aistear Siolta Practice Guide

Childcare Act 1991 (Early Years Services) Regulations 2016:

Early Childhood Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF):

The Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Charter Guideline for Early Childhood Care and Education:

CoRe (Report) Competence requirements in early Childhood Care and Education

Tusla Early Years Quality and Regulatory Framework

Better Outcomes, Brighter Futures 2014- 2020

First 5 - A Whole-of-Government Strategy for Babies, Young Children and their Families 2019-2028

Healthy Ireland Start Smart Framework developed by National Childhood Network

Reggio Philosophy

StartBright Strategic Plan 2024-2026

Primary Duties:

Quality of Pedagogy:

- Enhance and develop the quality of the early year’s provision in their service through a range of supportive approaches including, observation, advising, modelling and coaching in accordance with identified targets and outcomes

- Support the early years service to develop and actively implement a range of policies and practices in alignment with Síolta and Aistear and the Early Childhood Quality and Regulatory Framework (QRF).

- Support staff in developing quality services that are underpinned by LINC and the Diversity, Equality & Inclusion Charter Guideline for Early Childhood Care and Education.

- Engage and support service engagement with the Aistear Siolta Practice Guide

- Research and development in line with national and international models of quality practices, philosophy and pedagogy.

-Preform onboarding training with new educators to ensure they are supported in implementing the StartBright Way. This includes but not limited to Induction training, Planning and Observation training, Child Paths training, Floorbook training.

-One to one support may be necessary to support new or even existing educators. Utilise non contact hours to reflect the educators so can offer 1:1 guidance and support.

-Observing practice is a key element of quality pedagogy. This may occur but not limited through educator swaps, additional person in room, goal setting within teams and identifying training needs. Observations are seen as a reflection tool to support communication and reflective thinking and a growth mindset.

-Observation may occur informally and formally. Informally may be just being part of the room and experience with some feedback. Formally may include video recording, observational notes and own notes with intentions to do a reflective piece for feedback.

Quality of Service:

- Knowledge and information sharing in service.

- Support and enhance the development of the core skills such as: self-evaluation and quality assessment, planning, and documenting practice. Take on an active role in further enhancing own professional development.

- Develop and ensure that action plans are relevant, current, regularly reviewed and updated and to meet the evolving situation of the early year’s setting in partnership with the Quality Mentor and Centre Manager. That Logic models are preformed for each quality goal so a clear plan it available and communicated.

- Support staff in best practice in relation to governance and advising on how to build effective partnerships with parents and the wider community. This may be done by contacting supports, initiatives, groups, speakers, schools or other professional stakeholders to both support educators and/or parents.

- Supporting and advocating for student placements. You may take on the role of cooperating educator to facilitate this fully.

- To play an active role within the Tusla inspection process

- Supporting development and review of service policy and procedures. To be aware and active in the strategic implementation and an advocator for the StartBright Way.

Other

-Preforming in research projects either with another stakeholder or within StartBright to document new initiatives and projects. Being open to and seeking out these initiatives.

-Proposing new ideas to other educational leaders, Centre Managers, Quality Mentor, CEO about new initiatives that would support best practice and quality pedagogy i.e. supports that further extend pedagogy.

-Communicating with families in multiple ways to ensure participation and engagement in the setting.

-Newsletter to be produced once a quarter by each educational leader

Timeline developed for when parents are invited into the centre

Linking in with Family Facilitator or Parent Carer Facilitator to plan year and calendar. Be aware of topics that may need to be supported and have open lines of communication to support families overall.

-Ensure staff meeting agendas have your suggestions noted. This may to be offer new information, reflective feedback, information for Educational Leader COP, notify of trainings, educators swaps etc.

Information & Administration:

· Complete and maintain records and reports pertaining to the role.

· Ensure all administration back-up and support in progress is kept updated by maintaining all relevant systems.

· Participate in and assist in the organisation of special events, visits and any other activities required.

- Create, develop and adjust any working documents, plans, goals or other in relation to relevant practice and educators reflective feedback

- Monitor and evaluate all quality goals. Logic Model to be completed for each quality and goal

- Continuously add to and develop the Aistear Siolta Practice Guide to ensure that all educators have access to information, notes, examples and ideas

- Ensure feedback forms are completed, surveys are completed and that all staff are engaged within the organisational communications

- Responsible for 1 newsletter per year to be completed. Quality Mentor will assist if needed.

- Send on examples of pedagogy, events, celebrations, communications etc to Quality Mentor to support social media pages and website

- Develop resources for parents to support queries, concerns, learning and development

Continuous Improvement

· Participating in training relevant to the post and bringing evidence based best practice and concepts to the attention of the Quality Mentor, Centre Manager, CEO and team.

· Research, develop and implement best practices and standards to ensure quality Early Years Learning & Care

· Discussing continuous improvements and quality of service at the monthly management meetings with Quality Mentor

Other

Any other duties within the general requirements of the role that may be assigned as appropriate.

Interested candidates should send a current CV and cover letter specifically stating the position applied for to:

The Manager via email; manager@startbright.ie or alternatively via post to: The Manager, StartBright ELC Head Office, 1st Floor, ACE Enterprise Park, Bawnogue, Clondalkin, D22

The closing date for receipt of applications is strictly no later than 1pm on Friday the 8th August 2025.

Please note short-listing may apply.

All applicants must hold valid working visa/permit

StartBright Early Learning Centres Company Ltd by Guarantee is an equal opportunities employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 08/08/2025

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From €18.60 per hour

Benefits:

• Bike to work scheme
• Company pension
• On-site parking
• Sick pay
• Wellness program

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 08/08/2025