Mairead, childcare provider in Glenavy

I am a flexible, adaptable and professional Child Care specialist with excellent communication skills and qualified up to Level 3 in Childcare and Level 4 Leadership & Management. I have a passion for working with and developing children, having this as my career goal from an early age. Possessing over 14 years’ experience working with children aged 0 – 4 years, ensuring that they are cared for in a happy, safe and stimulating environment.
Developing my career from a Trainee Childcare Assistant, through to senior management team of an Award-Winning Nursery, I have been able to utilize this experience in private child care working with children in their home environment.
Having an enthusiastic attitude, I am proactive in planning a range of exciting and enjoyable activities each day that will enhance the development of each child under my care.
I am dependable, cooperative, and willing to go the extra mile to ensure I have a meaningful and positive effect on the lives of both children and parents.

Responsibilities in previous positions:

• Responsible for the care and supervision of 3 children at client’s home property.
• Planning a range of outdoor activities away from the home on a regular basis.
• To ensure the children have a structured and engaging selection of toys to explore and enjoy.
• Preparing all meals, snacks and bottles throughout the day.
• To provide a high standard of quality care for each child.
• To deliver all requirements of each child as advised by parents (e.g. medications, allergies, special requests).
• To provide an exciting and structured environment for the children.
• Keeping records and child observations up-to-date within room/department.
• Deliver monthly parent meetings, providing feedback on their child’s progress, milestones, and any areas of concern.
• Working with external sources (e.g. social workers and courts) when required, providing up-to-date details of a child’s progress, any potential concerns, and supporting parents in this process.
• Ensuring an excellent communication network within my team, with other departments, and with parents.
• Providing supervision for each team member to develop, support, encourage and motivate them in their role.
• Deliver one-to-one sessions with each member of my team on a regular basis.
• Deliver staff inductions and regular training sessions.
• Dealing with any issues relating to both staff and parents.
• Stepping up / taking charge of the nursery in absence of the Nursery Manager.
• Lead team meetings, record minutes, and raise issues/concerns directly to the Nursery Manager.
• Organising staff rotas and menus.
• Responsible for First Aid within the Nursery.
• Carry out daily Safety Checks on nursery floor.
• Reporting and documenting Health & Safety issues to the appropriate department.
• Overseeing accident/incident reports are recorded properly and signed off by both parents and management.
• Adhering to all company procedures and codes of practice, ensuring at all times that the Statement of Nursery is being followed.
• Understanding the diverse nature of children and parents in relation to religious and ethnic backgrounds.
• Meeting with potential parents to show around and give an overview of the nursery.
• Key Holder – Responsible for opening and closing the building on rotation with other managers.
• Cooking/preparing meals for children on a rotation basis when required.
• Placing orders with food distributors, equipment suppliers, and clothing companies (staff uniforms).
• Occasionally looking after small finance matters, taking payments and keeping detailed records.
• Organise and assist with school runs for children.
• Appointed Fire Warden for Nursery.

Childcare Qualifications:

- Level 2 Early Years Child Care
- Key Skills English
- Key Skills Maths
- Key Skills I.T.
- Certificate in Food Hygiene
- Child Protection
- First Aid
- Fire Safety
- Level 4 Leadership and Management
- Level 3 Early Years Childcare
- Key Skills Level 3 English
- Key Skills Level 3 Maths
- Nippa Certificate for Learning & Development for 0-3 years
- Early Years Certificate – Music with Young Children
- Autism Awareness Course (Autism NI)
- Epipen Management
- St. John Ambulance Emergency First Aid Certificate
- NSPCC Certificate – Safeguarding Children and Young People
- Paediatric Certificate – Appointed Person
- Early Years Heuristic & Sensory Play Certificate