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An exciting opportunity has become available at our Flying Start Childcare setting, to work under the Cardiff Council childcare provisions. We are looking 1 Play Assistant to join our team at Twinkle Stars.
Twinkle Stars Flying Start childcare setting serves the communities of Splott, Tremorfa, Adamsdown and Roath. We are proud to be a warm and welcoming setting based in the heart of the community, that provides high-quality childcare for 2-3 year olds, Monday to Friday, as part of Flying Start provision. We are currently based in the grounds of Willows High School.
Parents whose children have attended Twinkle Stars have said:
“I am so grateful to the staff they helped my son and can see a huge improvement. They listened to us about concerns for our son and did all they could to support us. Can’t fault any of them. Our son loves going there”.
“I have had 3 children attend Twinkle Stars, and each has loved it. They grow so much while attending, in confidence their speech and independent skills which is down to the love and care of the staff at the setting.”
Here's what the Care Inspectorate Wales said in our last inspection:
'Practitioners provide a nurturing and caring environment where the needs of the children come first. ........... The indoor and outdoor play areas provide a rich learning environment for children to explore and learn, and practitioners adapt the provision and resources in response to children's interests.'
Flying Start is a Welsh Government funded programme targeted at children under 4 years of age and their families. Part-time childcare for 2-3 year olds is one part of the Flying Start offer.
Twinkle Stars Flying Start childcare setting is part of Cardiff Council’s Cardiff Parenting and Play Service, in Cardiff Early Help. You can learn more about elements of Early Help by visiting the website www.cardifffamilies.co.uk.
The childcare setting is supported by a committed and dedicated leadership team within Cardiff Parenting and Play. We are part of a wider multi agency team of professionals who deliver Parenting and Play Services across Cardiff. This provides opportunities for support to staff, excellent training opportunities and career progression.
Information about our Parenting Services can be found online:
Cardiff Parenting 0-18 - Cardiff Family Advice and Support : Cardiff Family Advice and Support (cardifffamilies.co.uk) - Cardiff Parenting 0-18 - Cardiff Family Advice and Support : Cardiff Family Advice and Support (cardifffamilies.co.uk)
We also post on our Twitter and Facebook pages – search for Cardiff Parenting – Rhianta Caerdydd to find out more.
About the job
We are looking for a Play Assistant to join our childcare team at Twinkle Stars. You will be directly employed by Cardiff Council to work at the setting.
The Play Assistant will play a key part in joining an experienced team of staff who provide engaging and fun play experiences for children aged 2-3 years. We welcome new and exciting ideas from successful candidates for children to learn through play and being outdoors. The Play Assistant will be able to plan effectively for children’s learning, be fun and engaging.
Twinkle Stars Flying Start childcare setting is open to children Monday to Friday 9am-11:30am and 12:30pm-3pm. The hours of the job are 8:30am-3:30pm Monday to Friday, with a 4:30pm finish one night a week to attend a team meeting. The paid hours are 33.5 hours a week term time only . Every day includes a 30 minute unpaid lunch break.
The Play Assistant will have a commitment to children’s development and ensuring that the children and families feel safe, valued and respected at all times.
Cardiff council we take the welfare of all of our staff seriously and we strive to deliver positive working arrangements that support our amazing workforce to feel respected and valued. Here’s some examples of how we try to achieve this, with opportunities for you as an employee:
- Access to the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Pension Fund which is part of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), offering a reputable, secure and flexible pension plan for peace of mind.
- Excellent training and development opportunities provided by a knowledgeable and dedicated workforce development team whether you are newly qualified or an experienced practitioner who is an expert in your field.
- Opportunities for career development across the whole of Cardiff Early Help Team – we encourage career progression and support employees with ensuring that they have access to develop their strengths in all fields.
- Support provided through mentorship, supervision and a senior management team that recognises achievements and celebrates success.
You will be supported with an induction and ongoing line management, supervision and professional development.
What We Are Looking For From You
We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our already established team.
The successful candidate will need:
- A qualification in Children’s Care, Learning/ Play & Development (CCLD minimum Level 3) Please contact us prior to applying for the post if you would like to discuss whether your qualification or training is relevant. Or look at the list of qualifications online List-of-Required-Qualifications-to-work-within-Early-Years-and-Childcare-in-Wales_-changes-made-by-Sandie-to-Foundation-Phase-only-5-April-2019.pdf (socialcare.wales)
- Proven experience of working with babies and/or children under age 5 – this could be in a paid job, as a volunteer or as part of your training
- Experience of contributing to effective teamwork – this could be in your paid job, as a volunteer or through college/training experiences of teamwork
- Experience of following safeguarding procedures to protect children and families – this could be experience of following the procedures in your work, voluntary role or training; or learning about the policies and a knowledge of how to follow them
Please see the job description and personal specification for further information. Applicants will be required to show they meet all of the essential requirements in the person specification in order to be invited to an interview. Please also look at the desirable criteria and include your experiences against these.
Additional information
If you would like a tour of the setting or just have questions about the role, please contact Sarah Mackay 07817 955443 who will be more than happy to help.
If you require additional support to complete the Play Assistant job application, our Into Work Advice Service team can help you. To receive further support contact 029 2087 1071 or email intoworkadviceservice@cardiff.gov.uk
This post is suitable for post share.
This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced checks.
This post is part time and will work 33.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year term time only. The salary shown however relates to 37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year and will therefore be pro-rata’d accordingly. The post is funded until March 31st 2025.
We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.
Please note the Council does not accept CV’s. When completing the supporting information section of your application, please ensure you refer to the below located on our website:
Important information you need read in order to complete your application:-
- Application Guidance
- Applying for jobs with us
- Behavioural Competency Framework
Additional Information:-
- Employee Charter
- Recruitment of Ex-Offenders
- Privacy Notice
Job Reference: PEO03635
