Join Our Team!

Join the Smart Steps Team!

At Smart Steps, we are proud to be supported by a team of over 40 dedicated childcare professionals who are committed to providing safe, engaging and child-centred school-age care.

While we may not always have permanent vacancies available, we are continually interested in hearing from passionate, reliable individuals who share our values and commitment to quality.

Why Work With Smart Steps?

At Smart Steps, we value professionalism, teamwork and a shared commitment to child-centred practice. Our team works within a recognised playwork approach that respects children’s independence and voice.

We provide:

Clear safeguarding procedures

Structured induction training

Ongoing support from experienced leadership

A collaborative and respectful working environment

We believe that when staff feel supported and valued, children benefit most.

Current Permanent Vacancies:

School Age Childcare Practitioner - Positions Available in Raphoe

Smart Steps St. Eunans Raphoe / Smart Steps Raphoe Central

Smart Steps Limited is currently recruiting School Age Childcare Practitioners for our Raphoe settings for commencement in August / September 2026

This role would suit someone who is caring, reliable and enthusiastic, with a genuine interest in supporting children in a school-age childcare setting.

The successful candidates will help provide a safe, welcoming and engaging environment for children attending our breakfast club and/or afterschool service.

Location: St. Eunans N.S. Raphoe & Raphoe Central N.S.

Role: School Age Childcare Practitioner

Contract: Year-round position, with part-time hours during school term and increased hours possible during school closures and out-of-term provision.

Start date: To be confirmed

Interview date: Saturday 8th August 2026

Applicants should be warm, professional and dependable, with good communication skills and a positive approach to working with children.

A relevant childcare qualification is desirable, although applicants with experience in childcare, education, youth work, sports coaching, special needs support or similar child-focused roles are also welcome to apply.

What We Offer

• Ongoing training, mentoring and support

• Career development and progression opportunities

• Free childcare spaces for staff children, subject to age suitability

• Paid lunch breaks

• Dedicated HR support

• A relaxed, friendly and welcoming working environment

Closing date: Friday 31st July 2026

Join our Relief Panel

We regularly recruit for our Relief Panel to support our services across school communities when required.

Relief roles offer flexible working opportunities within a supportive and professional environment.

Relief roles may include:

Covering staff leave

Supporting busy periods

Assisting during school holiday programmes

All Relief Panel applicants must:

Hold (or be working towards) a relevant childcare / playwork / youthwork qualification

Demonstrate experience working with primary school-age children

Provide two written references (including most recent employer)

Complete Garda Vetting

Attend a Smart Steps induction training session (1.5 days duration)

Summer & Student Opportunities

During school holiday periods, we welcome expressions of interest from:

• Childcare students

• Sports coaching students

• Art / creative arts students

• Education and teaching students

These roles offer valuable practical experience working within a specialist, child-centred school-age childcare setting.

All applicants must:

• Be over 18 years of age

• Provide references

• Complete Garda Vetting prior to commencement

• Attend a Smart Steps induction training session (1.5 days duration)

© 2026 Smart Steps Limited. All rights reserved.

Smart Steps® is a registered trademark of Rebecca Fleury.

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