TITLE: EARLY LEARNING COORDINATOR HOURS: 37.5HRS SALARY: £32,994 PA CLOSING DATE: WED 5TH MARCH AT NOON INTERVIEW DATE: WED 12TH MAR 2025 Sure Start is a government health programme that provides a range of support services for parents and children under the age of four, who live in disadvantaged areas across Northern Ireland. It aims to support parents from pregnancy and to give children the best start in life. Colin Sure Start covers the wards of Colin Glen, Derriaghy, Kilwee, Poleglass and Twinbrook in outer West Belfast. The role of the Early Years Coordinator: To develop quality early years services to support the delivery of the Sure Start programme within the Colin Sure Start area. To build capacity, promote and enhance early years practice and experiences for young children through work with parents, Early Years settings and Sure Start staff. To identify and work in partnership with Early Years settings within the catchment area of the Colin Sure Start project to develop and promote best practice within the early years sector. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Professional Role within the Sure Start Project To lead and develop Early Years Services within Colin Sure Start catchment area. To lead and support the Developmental Programme for 2-3 Year Olds and other Colin Sure Start development programmes across the Colin area, including responsibility for home visits and allocation. To coordinate the delivery of other Early Years groups, activities and events eg Parent and Toddler groups and to monitor and evaluate all such activities to ensure they meet identified need while offering a holistic approach to the Projects work with the family. To be responsible for the provision of a safe, stimulating and varied programme of quality play and learning opportunities for children under 4 years, suitable to the childs age and stage of development. To ensure a child-centred and welcoming environment at all Colin Sure Starts programmes and activities. To establish supportive relationships with parents enabling them to develop their childrens potential and to develop and deliver programmes that promote and actively encourage parent-child interaction. To enhance the role of parents/carers in childrens development; recognising, supporting and encouraging them as childrens first educators. To support the development of Parent and Toddler groups, events and activities throughout the Sure Start area. Line Management Responsibilities To manage and support the Early Years Team staff, ensuring delegation of tasks, regular supervision and annual appraisals are undertaken. To participate in staff recruitment and selection, staff induction, mandatory training, staff development, team meetings, supervision and appraisals as required for self and others. Ensure Early Years Team staff are aware of, and act in accordance with all relevant regulations, policies, procedures, guidelines, protocols and codes of conduct. To arrange or provide appropriate training to staff to ensure the safe and effective delivery of all aspects of programme and service delivery. Identify and address any family staffing issues and liaise with the Project Coordinator. Operational Responsibilities To liaise with parents/carers, professionals and other community projects in relation to the needs of children and families To develop and strengthen Early Years networks in the area. To contribute to the development of Colin Sure Start policies and procedures to ensure compliance with all relevant legislation, ensuring regular reviews are completed. To regularly monitor and evaluate programmes, compile reports and provide recommendations for development to the Project Coordinator and Management Committee. To act as the registered person for settings and groups registered with Social Services Early Years Team and be responsible for compliance with minimum standards and yearly inspections. To contribute to business plans and other developmental initiatives, e.g. PR and communications, when requested to by management. To contribute to the development of appropriate resources (e.g. leaflets, Newsletters). To manage and oversee any budgets allocated to Early Years and allocated activities, in collaboration with the Project Coordinator and Finance Manager. Complete procurement requisitions as required to meet the needs of the Family service. To assist with the planning, preparation and facilitation of Colin Sure Start events in collaboration with the wider Sure Start team. To act as a Deputy Child Protection Officer. General Responsibilities Actively promote the work of Colin Sure Start through regular liaison and good communication with community, voluntary and statutory agencies. Maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant legislation, new policies and good practice. Ensure confidentiality of information relating to children and their families is maintained at all times; by using accurate recording systems, adhering to all data protection, records management and confidentiality policies and procedures of the organisation. Comply with all Colin Sure Start policies, procedures, guidelines, protocols and codes of conduct. Ensure effective and economic use of resources and request/arrange maintenance for any equipment the role has responsibility for. To work with the Senior Management Team in relation to the management and development of the wider Sure Start Project. Participate in supervision, appraisal and appropriate training where required. Be willing to work flexibly to suit the needs of the community. To undertake any other relevant duties as considered appropriate by the Sure Start Coordinator or Management Committee.