Playgroup Leader

Shirenewton Flying Start childcare setting serves the Gypsy, Traveller and Roma communities living on site or in the surrounding area. We are proud to be a warm and welcoming setting based in the heart of the community, Monday to Friday, as part of Flying Start provision. We are based in the community building on site.

Flying Start is a Welsh Government funded programme targeted at children under 4 years of age and their families. Part‑time high quality childcare, for 2-3 year olds is one part of the Flying Start offer.

The childcare setting is supported by a committed and dedicated leadership team within Cardiff Parenting and Play, which is part of Early Help. 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.

We are looking for a Play Leader to join our small established team at Shirenewton Playgroup who are registered for up to 12 children. The post holder will be the Person in Charge and the designated Flying Start Leader. Working alongside the Creche and Childcare Coordinator you will ensure that the children’s experience is high quality using the indoor and outdoor environment and line‑manage the team.

You will be directly employed by Cardiff Council to work at the setting.

Children have many opportunities to express themselves and make choices about play and activities. They have built strong relationships with staff and are successfully learning to cooperate and interact with each other. Children are very happy and have lots of fun in their play. They are developing well and are becoming increasingly independent.

Shirenewton Flying Start childcare setting is open to children Monday to Friday, mornings only. The hours of the job are 8:30am‑12:30pm Monday to Friday, with a 3:00pm finish one day a week. The paid hours are 22.5 hours a week term time only.

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:

• 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.

As a Flying Start Leader you must hold both of the qualifications below:

A L3 qualification in Children’s Care, Learning, Play and Development

A City and Guilds Level 5 Leadership and Management of Children’s Care, Play, Learning and Development:
Practice

The post holder will play a key part in leading a small team of staff who provide engaging and fun play experiences for children aged 2-3 years. You will be able to plan effectively and creatively for children’s learning, be fun and engaging and have a commitment to ensuring that the children and families feel safe, valued and respected at all times.

You should recognise the 3 key measures of quality in a successful Flying Start childcare setting:

• Enabling Adults
• Engaging Experiences

This post is temporary until 31st March 2027, but could be extended.

Internal candidates who wish to apply for this position on a secondment basis must obtain approval prior to application using Form SEC1 (4.C.081). Requests may only be approved by the relevant Director/ Assistant Director/ Chief Officer or senior nominated officer graded no lower than OM2 or in the case of schools based staff the Headteacher / Governing Body.

This post is suitable for post share.

This post is subject to Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced checks.

This role is part‑time at 22.5 hours per week, 39 weeks per year. The advertised salary is based on a full‑time role (37 hours per week, 52 weeks per year). The actual salary will be lower than the advertised salary because of the part‑time hours and weeks worked.

We welcome applications in both English and Welsh. Applications received in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than English applications.

Working Pattern/Contract Type Part Time Temporary (Term Time)