Programme Assistant- Scoil Chearbhaill Ui Dhalaigh-Leixlip (Irish speaker)

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Programme Assistant - Scoil Chearbhaill Ui Dhalaigh

Company: Junior Adventures Group (Sherpa Kids)

Location: Leixlip, County Kildare, Ireland

Job Type: Part-time

Category: Childcare & Education Operations

Date Posted: September 1, 2026

Experience Level: 0-2 Years

Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

• This role is integral to the daily operations of an after-school and holiday club programme, focusing on direct engagement with primary school-aged children.

• The Programme Assistant will be responsible for facilitating a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for children under the care of Sherpa Kids.

• A key aspect of this position is the requirement for fluent Irish language proficiency, directly supporting the company's commitment to local community engagement.

• The role demands a proactive approach to activity planning and implementation, ensuring children's holistic development through structured and free-play opportunities.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is within the childcare and education sector, specifically focusing on out-of-school hours programs. While not a traditional "Revenue Operations" or "Sales Operations" role, the operational aspects involve managing daily schedules, ensuring safety protocols, and facilitating activities, which are core to operational efficiency in this environment. The "Programme Assistant" title implies a supportive function within a larger operational framework.

📈 Primary Responsibilities

• Supervise children effectively during structured activities, free play, and transitions to ensure their safety and well-being.

• Actively engage with children in a variety of planned activities, including games, arts and crafts, and group exercises, both indoors and outdoors.

• Provide academic support and homework assistance to children, fostering a positive learning environment.

• Maintain a safe, clean, and inclusive physical environment for all children attending the programme.

• Assist in the preparation and setup of materials and spaces for daily activities and programmes.

• Communicate effectively with children, parents/guardians, and fellow staff members regarding daily activities and child progress.

• Adhere to all Sherpa Kids policies and procedures, including safeguarding and health and safety regulations.

• Support the overall operational efficiency of the club by contributing to daily task completion and problem-solving.

📝 Enhancement Note: The responsibilities listed are typical for an assistant role in an operational setting focused on service delivery. For this specific role, emphasis is placed on direct child interaction and activity facilitation, which are the core "operations" of an after-school program.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: While no specific formal education level is mandated, a background or interest in early childhood education, child development, or related fields would be beneficial.

Experience: A minimum of 1 year of experience working directly with school-aged children is required.

Required Skills:

• Fluent Irish speaker (essential).

• Proficiency in English, both verbal and written.

• Demonstrated experience in supervising children.

• Basic knowledge of child development principles.

• Ability to plan and lead engaging activities for children.

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills for interacting with children and adults.

• Patience, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for working with children.

• Ability to pass Garda vetting (criminal background check).

• Valid work permit or VISA for employment in Ireland.

• Capacity to provide at least two written references. Preferred Skills:

• Certification in First Aid or Child Protection.

• Experience in arts, crafts, sports, or other specific activity facilitation.

• Familiarity with the Irish school system and curriculum.

• Previous experience in an after-school or holiday club setting.

📝 Enhancement Note: The requirement for fluent Irish is a critical, non-negotiable skill for this role, indicating a strong focus on community integration and potentially supporting children's bilingual development within the school setting.

📊 Process & Systems Portfolio Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

• Documented examples of successful engagement with school-aged children in previous roles.

• Evidence of activity planning and implementation, showcasing creativity and age-appropriateness.

• Records or testimonials demonstrating ability to create a safe and inclusive environment.

• Examples of communication with parents or guardians regarding child progress or daily activities. Process Documentation:

• Candidates should be prepared to discuss their understanding of daily operational processes in a childcare setting, such as sign-in/sign-out procedures, activity scheduling, and safety checks.

• Familiarity with maintaining a clean and organized program space.

• Understanding of emergency procedures and safeguarding protocols.

📝 Enhancement Note: While a formal "portfolio" in the traditional sense of a business operations professional might not be expected, candidates should be prepared to articulate their experience and approach to the operational aspects of childcare through examples and discussion, particularly regarding safety, engagement, and communication processes.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: EUR 15.00 - EUR 15.75 per hour.

Benefits:

• Paid Garda vetting process.

• Opportunity to work within a supportive and growing global organization (Sherpa Kids).

• Engaging work environment with direct impact on children's lives.

• Potential for professional development within the childcare sector.

• Contribution to a community-focused service.

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM. This amounts to approximately 3.5 hours per day, totaling 17.5 hours per week.

📝 Enhancement Note: The hourly rate is competitive for part-time childcare roles in Ireland. The benefits focus on the nature of the work and organizational support rather than extensive traditional corporate benefits, which is typical for part-time roles in this sector. The provided working hours are specific and predictable.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry: Childcare Services / Education Support. Sherpa Kids operates within the global education support sector, focusing on supplemental care for primary school children.

Company Size: The global organization has approximately 265 schools worldwide, with over 60 services in Ireland. This indicates a significant, established presence with a localized operational model.

Founded: Sherpa Kids has been operating in Ireland since 2014, demonstrating a solid track record and growth in the Irish market.

Team Structure:

• The Programme Assistant will work as part of a local club team, likely reporting to a Club Manager or Coordinator.

• Collaboration will be essential with other Programme Assistants and potentially school staff.

• The team structure is designed to ensure adequate supervision and program delivery for all children. Methodology:

• Sherpa Kids emphasizes structured yet fun and engaging daily activities tailored to national-aged children.

• The operational methodology prioritizes safety, child development, and community integration.

• A key aspect of their approach is operating on-site within schools, leveraging existing community infrastructure.

Company Website: https://junioradventuresgroup.com/ (Note: The provided URL is for Junior Adventures Group, which appears to be the parent/franchisor organization for Sherpa Kids in Ireland).

📝 Enhancement Note: The company culture likely balances a structured approach to childcare operations with a focus on creating a fun and supportive environment for children. The emphasis on community and local presence suggests a culture that values connection and responsiveness.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Operations Career Level: This is an entry-level to early-career position within the childcare operations field. It provides foundational experience in direct service delivery and program execution.

Reporting Structure: The Programme Assistant will report to a Programme Coordinator or Club Manager, who oversees the daily operations of the specific school club.

Operations Impact: The role directly impacts the daily experience of primary school children, contributing to their safety, development, and enjoyment outside of regular school hours. This operational role is crucial for supporting families and the school community.

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement to Programme Coordinator or Club Manager roles within Sherpa Kids.

• Development of specialized skills in activity planning, child behaviour management, and safeguarding.

• Potential to transition into broader operational or management roles within the wider Junior Adventures Group, depending on individual aptitude and organizational needs.

• Gaining extensive experience in a growing sector with continuous learning opportunities related to child development and operational best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: Growth in this sector often involves gaining experience, certifications (e.g., First Aid, Child Protection), and demonstrating leadership potential. The role offers a clear pathway within the Sherpa Kids operational framework.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: The work environment is on-site within Scoil Chearbhaill Ui Dhalaigh, a primary school in Leixlip. This means the workspace is a school setting, utilizing classrooms, playgrounds, and potentially school hall facilities.

Office Location(s): Leixlip, County Kildare, Ireland.

Workspace Context:

• The environment is dynamic, requiring adaptability to school schedules and the needs of children.

• Access to school facilities for games, crafts, and supervised free play.

• Opportunities for collaboration with other Programme Assistants and potentially school staff, fostering a community-oriented atmosphere.

• The role requires active participation and movement, rather than a sedentary desk-based role.

Work Schedule: The schedule is fixed part-time, Monday to Friday from 2:30 PM to 6:00 PM, providing predictable working hours that complement school hours.

📝 Enhancement Note: Working within a school environment requires adherence to school policies and a collaborative spirit with school administration and teachers. The on-site nature means candidates must be comfortable working within an educational institution.

📄 Application & Portfolio Review Process

Interview Process:

• Initial Application: Submit CV and cover letter detailing relevant experience and Irish language fluency.

• Screening: Review of qualifications, experience, and Irish language proficiency.

• Interview: Likely involves behavioural questions assessing experience with children, problem-solving skills, and suitability for the role. A practical demonstration or discussion of activity ideas may be included.

• Reference Checks: Verification of at least two written references.

• Garda Vetting: Mandatory background check completed by the employer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

• While a formal portfolio isn't explicitly required, candidates should prepare to discuss specific examples of:

  • How they have engaged and supervised children in past roles.
  • Ideas for fun, educational, and age-appropriate activities for primary school children.
  • Their approach to ensuring child safety and creating an inclusive environment.
  • Examples of communicating effectively with parents/guardians.

• Be ready to articulate your Irish language proficiency and how you would use it in the role. Challenge Preparation:

• Be prepared for scenario-based questions: "What would you do if...?" (e.g., a child is upset, a conflict arises between children, a child refuses to participate).

• Think about how you would manage a group of children with varying needs and energy levels.

• Consider how you would contribute to the smooth operational flow of the after-school club.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process emphasizes practical experience with children, safety awareness, and communication skills, with a critical component being the assessment of Irish language fluency and the ability to integrate into a school and community setting.

🛠 Tools & Technology Stack

Primary Tools:

• Activity Supplies: Arts and crafts materials, sports equipment, educational games, books.

• Communication Tools: Phone, email, potentially a dedicated club management app for parent communication.

• Safety Equipment: First aid kit, emergency contact lists.

• Basic Office Supplies: Pens, paper, etc., for administrative tasks.

Analytics & Reporting:

• While not data-intensive, there may be simple record-keeping for attendance, incident reports, or parent communication logs. CRM & Automation:

• Unlikely to be heavily involved in complex CRM or automation systems. Focus is on direct service delivery.

📝 Enhancement Note: The technology stack is basic and focused on the direct delivery of childcare services, with an emphasis on physical materials and essential communication tools rather than advanced software.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Operations Values:

• Child-Centricity: Prioritizing the well-being, development, and happiness of every child.

• Safety & Security: Maintaining a secure and safe environment through vigilant supervision and adherence to protocols.

• Inclusivity: Ensuring all children feel welcome, respected, and supported, regardless of background.

• Community Engagement: Fostering positive relationships with children, parents, and the school community, with a strong emphasis on the Irish language.

• Enthusiasm & Energy: Bringing a positive and energetic attitude to daily activities.

Collaboration Style:

• Teamwork: Working collaboratively with fellow Programme Assistants and management to ensure seamless program delivery.

• Communication: Open and clear communication with colleagues regarding children's needs, activities, and any operational issues.

• Supportive: Offering and receiving support from team members to create a positive and effective working environment.

• Respectful: Maintaining respectful interactions with children, parents, colleagues, and school staff.

📝 Enhancement Note: The core values align with best practices in childcare, with a specific emphasis on bilingualism and community integration through the Irish language requirement.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Challenges:

• Managing a diverse group of children with varying needs, personalities, and energy levels.

• Ensuring consistent engagement and participation from all children.

• Balancing structured activities with free play and downtime effectively.

• Handling minor conflicts or behavioural issues among children calmly and effectively.

• Adapting to the dynamic environment of a school setting. Learning & Development Opportunities:

• Gaining practical experience in childcare and child development.

• Developing skills in activity planning, group facilitation, and behaviour management.

• Enhancing proficiency in using the Irish language in a professional setting.

• Potential for First Aid and Child Protection training.

• Learning operational best practices in after-school program management.

📝 Enhancement Note: The challenges are inherent to working with children, and the growth opportunities are focused on building a career within the childcare and education support sector.

💡 Interview Preparation

Strategy Questions:

• "Describe a time you successfully managed a group of children. What strategies did you use?"

• "How would you handle a situation where two children are arguing over a toy?"

• "What are your favourite types of activities to run with primary school-aged children, and why?"

• "How would you ensure a child who is shy or new to the program feels included?"

• "Can you describe your experience with the Irish language and how you would use it in this role?" Company & Culture Questions:

• "What do you know about Sherpa Kids and our mission?"

• "Why are you interested in working with children in an after-school setting?"

• "How do you stay updated on best practices in child development and care?"

• "How do you contribute to a positive and inclusive team environment?" Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

• Be prepared to verbally "walk through" examples of activities you might plan.

• Have a few specific, creative ideas for indoor and outdoor games, crafts, or educational activities.

• Discuss how you would ensure safety during these activities.

• Be ready to articulate your understanding of child development and how your activities support it.

📝 Enhancement Note: Interview preparation should focus on demonstrating practical experience, a positive attitude towards working with children, strong communication skills, and, critically, a high level of fluency and comfort in using the Irish language.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this operations position:

• Submit your application through the provided application link on SmartRecruiters.

• Prepare your CV: Highlight any experience working with school-aged children, your Irish language fluency, and any relevant certifications or training.

• Craft a cover letter: Clearly state your interest in the Programme Assistant role, your Irish language proficiency, and why you are a good fit for Sherpa Kids' mission.

• Practice your interview responses: Be ready to discuss your experience with children, your approach to safety and engagement, and your proficiency in Irish.

• Research Sherpa Kids: Understand their approach to after-school care and their values.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and operations industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.