📍 Gold Surestart – Early Years Practitioner
Are you passionate about giving young children the very best start in life?
Do you thrive in a caring, play-based learning environment where no two days are the same?
If so, one of these exciting opportunities could be perfect for you!
About the Role
We are currently recruiting for 2 x permanent Early Years Practitioner (20 hours)
As an Early Years Practitioner, you will be a vital part of our multi-disciplinary team, delivering engaging and nurturing early years programmes for children aged 0–4 and their families.
Your role will include:
- Supporting the Developmental Programme for 2–3-Year-Olds, running three 2.5-hour sessions weekly (September–June)
- Delivering fun, creative Outreach Play Sessionsin local community settings
- Building trusted relationships with families, including conducting home visits
- Promoting positive play, early learning, andsocial development
- Working collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the highest standards of care
About Us
G-old Community Partnership Sure Start has been supporting families in the Mid Ulster area for over 25 years. Funded by the Department of Education and delivered by Barnardo's, our work is rooted in community needs and focused on early intervention. We are passionate about helping children and families thrive in warm, inclusive environments.
What We're Looking For
Essential Criteria:
- QCF Level 2 in Playwork or equivalent
- Relevant experience working with children aged 0–4 years
A full driving licence and access to a car are essential, due to the wide geographical area covered across Mid Ulster.
Applicants with a disability that prevents them from driving may demonstrate an alternative means of meeting mobility requirements.
When completing your application please refer to your skills, knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.
Ready to Make a Difference?
We're looking for enthusiastic, compassionate, and committed individuals who want to make a genuine impact in children's early years.
📅 Apply now and help shape the future for our youngest children – right from the very beginning.
Location: G-Old SureStart, Cookstown (With possibility of cover across G-Old sites - travel expenses paid).
📍 1 post – St Joseph's Developmental Programme for 2-3 Year Olds – Killeenan
📍 1 post – Outreach Play team based in Gold Surestart, Loy Buildings
Contact Details: recruitment.supportteam@barnardos.org.uk
The successful candidate will also be required to undertake an Enhanced Access NI with Child Barred List check.
values
People & Culture
Workplace Offer: What it means for you
- The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our Buy Your Leave scheme
- Service related sick pay from day 1
- Cycle2work scheme
- Interest free season ticket loans
- 20% discount at Barnardo's stores
- Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc
- Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
- Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer
*T&C's apply based on contract
- Reference number:22922
- Job Title:Early Years Practitioner
- Location:Cookstown
- Locality:G-Old Community Partnership
- Contract type:Permanent
- Hours:20
- Salary:£26,666 - £29,523 (FTE) (£14,414 - £15,958 pro rata)
- Closing Date:19 May 2026
- Interview Date:TBC
Benefits
Vacancy Alerts
Additional Info
- Barnardo's Workplace Offer Visual Summary.pdf (27.58 KB)
- Early Years Practitioner - Job Description and Person Specification.pdf (0.58 MB)
- Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy Dec 2024.pdf (164.07 KB)
- Early Years Practitioner Additional Info Sheet.pdf (142.98 KB)
- Storage Handling Retention and Disposal of Disclosure Policy Northern Ireland 2023.pdf (161.18 KB)
- AccessNI Revised Code of Practice.pdf (71.58 KB)
- AccessNI Privacy Notice - May 2025.pdf (141.60 KB)