We are Recruiting!

  • Early Years Manager (maternity cover)
  • Information and Communication Coordinator (temporary)
  • Health Support Worker

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Health Support Worker

20 hours per week, SCP Scale 3, Point 5-6. Permanent subject to funding. Base: Coleraine Sure Start.

Essential Criteria:

  • NVQ Level III in Child Care Learning and Development, Health and Social Care or equivalent
  • 2 years paid employment experience caring for children under four, or providing family support
  • GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) at Grades A-C or Level 2 qualification in Literacy and Numeracy
  • Evidence of good written and spoken communication skills
  • IT Skills with the ability to use Microsoft office packages
  • Access to transport in order to fulfil the requirement of the post

Desirable Criteria: One year’s experience facilitating groups on health-related topics eg Swimming, Walking, Baby Massage, Baby Yoga

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Information & Communication Co-Ordinator:

25 hours per week, SCP Scale 5, Point 12-17. One Year Temporary, Subject to Review. Base: Coleraine Sure Start.

Essential Criteria:

  • Third level qualification in relevant discipline e.g. Business Studies, Media, Communication Studies, Digital Communication, PR, IT
  • GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above (or equivalent)
  • Experience of managing social media including content creation, engaging a target audience, reporting and data analysis either in a voluntary or paid capacity.
  • Experience of working in partnership with other agencies and organisations
  • Proven ability of planning and leading initiatives effectively
  • Proven ability to collect, collate and evaluate data for defined purposes
  • Evidence of the ability to work effectively in a team and on your own initiative
  • Evidence of good communication skills – both oral and written.
  • Evidence of good IT skills and competent use of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint

Desirable Criteria:

  • Understanding of community development principles
  • Knowledge and understanding of underlying principles of Sure Start
  • Experience in co-ordinating and implementing a marketing strategy for an organisation

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Early Years Manager:

30 hours per week, SCP Scale SO1 point 23-25. Maternity Cover starting July 2024. Base: Coleraine Sure Start.

Essential Criteria:

  • At least a qualification at QCF Level 5 Diploma in Childcare, Learning and Development or Playwork; or a relevant occupational qualification in Early Years Education, Social Work, Nursing, Teaching or Health Visiting AND two years’ experience working in a play, education, youth or day care setting
  • GCSE English and Maths at Grade C or above (or equivalent)
  • A minimum of two years’ experience effectively managing a staff team (within the last 5 years)
  • A minimum of two years’ experience of working in partnership with other agencies and organisations in a leadership role OR representing your organisation (within the last 5 years)
  • Evidence of good communication skills – both oral and written
  • Evidence of good IT skills and competent use of Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point and Outlook
  • Proven ability of planning and leading initiatives effectively
  • Evidence of the ability to work effectively in a team and on your own initiative
  • Knowledge of devising and implementing programmes or group facilitation
  • Knowledge and understanding of evaluating practice
  • Access to transport in order to fulfil the requirement of the post

For all three positions please apply in writing to Admin Assistant, Coleraine Sure Start, 34c Society Street, Coleraine, by emailing info@colerainesurestart.org.uk or by downloading a form at www.colerainesurestart.org.uk

 Closing Date 8th April at 12.00 noon. 

Interviews for Health Support Worker and Information & Communication Coordinator to be held Week Beginning 22nd April 2024 and for Early Years Manager to be held Week Beginning 6th May 2024.

Expression of Interest for New Board Members

As part of the Coleraine Sure Start Partnership ongoing succession planning and commitment to good governance, we wish to recruit some new Board Members.  Coleraine Sure Start has been supporting families in the local area since 2001 and provides a range of services in a holistic way.  There are 38 Sure Starts in Northern Ireland, and they aim to improve:

  • The ability to learn by encouraging stimulating play, improving language skills and the early identification and support of children with learning difficulties
  • Health by supporting parents in caring for children and promoting children’s health and development
  • Social development by supporting the development of early relationships between parents and children, good parenting skills, family functioning and early identification and support of children with emotional, learning, or behavioural difficulties.

We provide a wide range of services to families in our local area, and this would be impossible without the support of the partner organisations that make up Coleraine Sure Start Partnership.  Through the skills, dedication and commitment of all staff, we are able to provide support and guidance on a wide range of areas relevant to families with young children.

  • Mid-Ulster & Causeway Women’s Aid
  • Focus on Family
  • Harpur’s Hill Children and Family Centre
  • West Bann Development Centre

Our current Board of Directors is made up of representatives from the above organisations as well as from Libraries NI, CRUN, Further Education and Nursery Education.  Members of the Board support the project with meeting its Business Plan targets; managing finances and contribute to the partnership ethos of the organisation. 

We particularly welcome expressions of interest from individuals who are currently or have previously been users of our services and those with demonstrable experience in the following:

  • Financial Management
  • Human Resource Management
  • Records Management
  • Ethnic Minority Project Experience
  • Previous experience of being a Committee/Board member

These are voluntary, unpaid positions but expenses relating to travel etc will be reimbursed.  Meetings are held every six weeks and a commitment to attend is expected – further detail can be provided from our Constitution.

If you are interested, please request an expression of interest form from the Programme Manager by calling 028 7032 1032 or by email elaine@colerainesurestart.org.uk

Early Years Manager

TITLE :                                    Early Years Manager

LOCATION :                          Sure Start Office 

RESPONSIBLE TO:              Programme Manager

Summary:

As part of the senior management team, to manage and develop Early Years services in the Coleraine Sure Start Partnership catchment area by managing staff, services, evaluation and other developmental initiatives. 

Completed Application Forms MUST be received no later than:

Tuesday 7th June at 12.00 noon

with Interviews to be held Week Beginning 20thJune 2022

Applications received after the above time will not be considered.

Please return completed forms to:

Admin Team

                                      Coleraine Sure Start Partnership

                                      34c Society Street

                                      COLERAINE

                                      BT52 1LA

or Email: info@colerainesurestart.org.uk

Please note that CVs are not accepted

Support Worker (Ethnic Minority Families)

Title:                           Ethnic Minority Support Worker (16 hours)

Salary:                        NJC Point 5: £19,312 (pro rata)

Base:                          Sure Start, Society Street

Responsible to:         Project Development Manager

Closing Date: 19th October at 2pm, Interviews week beginning 1st November

Summary of Post:

To increase equality of opportunity of parents and children from minority ethnic backgrounds to engage in Sure Start services through identifying and addressing needs, while developing capacity and building relationships with participant communities.

Key Duties:

  1. Develop relationships with ethnic minority families in the catchment area in order to increase participation, provide necessary support and signposting.  This will include meeting families both in their own homes and in community settings across the area of Coleraine, Portrush and Portstewart.
  • Accompany Sure Start staff at home visits (Ante-Natal, Post-Natal, Health, Breastfeeding and partner services) to support ethnic minority families with understanding the information provided.
  • Translation or source translation of key Sure Start messages related to speech and language, health, play etc.
  • Support the Developmental Programme for 2-3 Year Old staff and parents at home visits and stay and play events.
  • To plan, help develop, set up and facilitate groups, programmes, workshops and events to families’ e.g. ante-natal classes, health workshops, parent group.
  • Liaise with ethnic minority support agencies to develop a list of appropriate services and information in the relevant languages.
  • To help ensure that there is an understanding of culture, its influences and practices within our services.
  • To arrange and book trained interpreters for relevant appointments where necessary.
  • To refer families to other Sure Start/Voluntary/Statutory services where appropriate.
  1. To maintain absolute confidentiality at all times.
  1. To be familiar with and operate within Child Protection Procedures.
  1. To maintain records of visits and provide statistics of work carried out.
  1. To be involved in Planning meetings and Sure Start Staff meetings.
  1. To adhere to Sure Start policies and procedures.
  1. Any other duties as required.

Personnel Specification

Essential Criteria:

  • Fluency in English both spoken and verbal and one other language (preferably Polish)
  • NVQ Level III in Child Care Learning and Development, Health and Social Care or equivalent relevant qualification
  • Two years’ experience working with families or in a supporting role in a community/voluntary organisation
  • One year’s experience facilitating small groups
  • GCSE English and Maths (or equivalent) at Grades A-C or Level 2 qualification in Literacy and Numeracy
  • IT Skills with the ability to use Microsoft office packages
  • A full current driving licence and access to transport in order to fulfil the travel requirements of the post OR a suitable alternative means of transport
  • To work evenings and weekends as and when necessary to ensure effective delivery of services.

Desirable Criteria:

  • Work undertaken with ethnic minority communities within a paid or voluntary capacity
  • To be a parent or have significant parenting experience

Please note:

Short listing will be carried out in respect of the essential criteria but in the case of a large number of applicants we reserve the right to enhance the short-listing criteria to include the desirable requirements.

Return all completed forms to:

Coleraine SureStart Partnership, 34c Society Street or email info@colerainesurestart.org.uk by the closing date

Health Support Worker (temporary)

Coleraine Sure Start Partnership wish to recruit the following:

Health Support Worker (Temporary)

To work as a member of the Health and Wellbeing Team carrying out a range of duties to support parents and children’s health and wellbeing. This will include the preparation and delivery of programmes and workshops, facilitating group activity and carrying out home visits. This post will require occasional evening and weekend work to support all parents/children/caregivers.

  • Salary – NJC Pt 5 / £19,312 (pro rata)
  • Hours – 20 hours per week
  • Temporary- subject to review March 2022
  • Base – Sure Start, Society Street

Please return all documents to:
info@colerainesurestart.org.uk or
34c Society Street, Coleraine, BT52 1LA

Closing Date Friday 23rd April at 12.00 noon with Interviews to be held Week Beginning 10th May 2021

Note: CV’s will not be accepted.

Early Years Outreach Worker

Title:                             Early Years Outreach Worker (20 hours)

Salary:                         NJC Point 3-4: £18,562 – £18,933 (pro rata) starting at Point 3

Base:                           Sure Start, Society Street

Responsible to:         Early Years Manager

Summary of Post:

The post holders will deliver:

  • home visits in order to extend learning and play experiences, and in response to individual needs identified by parents or an early years setting
  • sessions for parents and/or children in early years settings including group work, stay and plays and short programmes.   

Completed Application Forms MUST be received not later than:

Tuesday 3rd November at 12.00 noon

Applications received after the above time will not be considered.

Please return form to: Admin Team

                                      Coleraine Sure Start Partnership

                                      34c Society Street

                                      COLERAINE

                                      BT52 1LA

or Email: info@colerainesurestart.org.uk

Please note that CVs are not accepted

May Message of the Month

Over use of a dummy can be damaging.  Start to reduce the dummy when your child is 6 months old.  Reducing the use of the dummy…

  • gives your child a chance to build up the muscles in their mouth (e.g. moving their tongue), babble and talk
  • is  better for the growth and position of your child’s teeth
  • reduces the risk of colds and ear infections

What you can do?

  • Use an ‘orthodontic’ or flat teat dummy as this will cause less damage to the teeth.
  • Aim to start reducing the dummy at 6 months.
  • Start by reducing the dummy to sleep/ bedtime only.
  • Take out the dummy when your child is trying to babble/ talk.
  • Never be tempted to dip the dummy in sugary food or drinks.
  • Choose a suitable time to get rid of the dummy, not a stressful time.
  • If your child is older, talk to them about giving up their dummy – that they are a ‘big boy/ girl’ and are able to do so much. Involve them in helping to gather up all their dummies to put in a bag to give away.  Make sure there are none hiding anywhere!
  • Once you have taken the dummy away, do not give it back.
  • Comfort your child at night with a bedtime story and cuddly toy.

Starting to Potty Train?

Using a potty is a new skill for your child to learn. It’s best to take it slowly and go at your child’s pace. Most parents start thinking about potty training when their child is between 2 and 2 and a half, but there’s no perfect time. Our Facebook post lists the 5 top signs they might be ready.

Preparation is key!

  • Talk about wees and poos! Even letting them come into the toilet with you and watch what you do can really help
  • Get them involved, let them pick the potty/toilet seat/step. Let them pick the hand soap they’d like, they more involved they are the better!
  • Remember to be consistent; make sitting on the potty part of everyday life
  • Keep the potty in the bathroom (upstairs and downstairs)
  • Having toys or books to play with can help your child to sit still
  • Avoid tight clothes or ones with lots of buttons to make it easier for them
  • Buy floor cleaner and washing powder- accidents will happen!
  • Stay calm and be patient- children pick up on your emotions.

Let’s get started!

  • Encourage your child to sit on the potty after meals
  • Use the potty to wee, this will help them build their confidence
  • Make sure your child washes their hands
  • It’s good to teach girls to wipe from front to back
  • Don’t limit their drinks to help them stay dry as it doesn’t work. The bladder needs to be filled and emptied properly to keep it working well
  • Accidents; they will not feel anxious or worried if it happens again if you remain calm.

We got this!

  • Praise goes a long way! Your child will be delighted when they succeed, so let them know they have done well.
  • Avoid using sweets as a reward, try a sticker chart instead
  • Don’t be surprised if you get a spell of a few good days and then BANG…just keep trying.

There is more information on the NHS website about:

  • Pants and Pull ups
  • Night-Time Training

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/pregnancy-and-baby/potty-training-tips

Admin Assistant (Maternity Cover)

We are recruiting for a Admin Assistant (maternity cover). This role is a To provide administrative support to the Sure Start team, including data entry and reception duties.

  • Salary – NJC Pt 14 / £18,795 (pro rata)
  • Hours – 30 hours per week

Closing Date Wednesday 11th March at 12.00 noon

with Interviews to be held Week Beginning 23rd March 2020

For a full set of criteria and an application form:

Email: suzanne@colerainesurestart.org.uk or write to Recruitment at Coleraine Sure Start Partnership, 34c Society Street, Coleraine BT52 1LA or CLICK LINK BELOW.

Please note that CVs are not acceptable.

International Mother Language Day

Today, 21.02.19, is ‘International Mother Language Day’ – It is very important that parents use the language they know best and feel most comfortable using. A child who develops good use of their ‘Mother Tongue’, is more likely to develop good English when they start pre-school or school.

Bilingual Advice Info Sheet