Session Facilitator – Leeston Playcentre

Playcentre; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Part time

Job summary

An early childhood education provider in Canterbury is seeking a Session Facilitator to engage with children and guide them through learning activities. The role involves fostering relationships, promoting inclusive learning, and supporting a child-led play environment. The ideal candidate will have relevant early childhood qualifications and be passionate about education. This permanent position is term-time only, with hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Apply before 12 January 2026.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with children and adults.
• Strong knowledge of Te Whāriki and ECE regulations.
• Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
• Passionate about Playcentre philosophy.

Responsibilities

• Engage children in playful and stimulating experiences.
• Foster strong, responsive relationships with children.
• Promote inclusive learning and positive dispositions.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Engagement with children

Relationship building

Education

Playcentre Course 3 or higher

Level 4+ Early Childhood qualification

Tools

Technology for learning

Job description

About us:

Formed in 1941, Te Whānau Tupu Ngātahi o Aotearoa – Playcentre Aotearoa is a licenced early childhood education provider and charitable trust. With a philosophy of empowering ‘parents as first educators’, Playcentre seeks to empower whānau and tamariki to work, play, learn and grow together, and today has over 400 centres nationwide.

About the role:

The Session Facilitator works alongside our members and tamariki to guide session activities, facilitate learning using child‑led play and positive guidance, support planning and assessment for learning and positively support the Playcentre education programme.

• Engage children in playful, stimulating, and imaginative experiences that encourage exploration, problem‑solving, and independence.
• Foster strong, responsive relationships with tamariki, recognising their individual strengths, interests, and cultural diversity.
• Promote inclusive learning by encouraging communication, expression, and the development of positive learning dispositions.

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Position details:

• Commencing 27 January 2026
• Tuesday 9:30 - 2:30pm and Thursday 9:30 to 2:00pm includes 30min unpaid break for both days, 8.5 hours per week
• This is a permanent position during school term‑time only.

Click here to view or to download the full Position Description

About you:

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills with both tamariki and adults, and demonstrate:

• Playcentre Course 3 or higher, or a Level (4+) Early Childhood qualification
• Strong knowledge of Te Whāriki, ECE regulations, and a commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi
• Passion for Playcentre philosophy and empowering whānau to feel included and engaged
• Confidence using technology to support learning and administration
• NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa

How to apply:

We encourage interested applicants to apply via the form below as we will be reviewing applications as we receive them. This ad will close 12 January 2026.

If you have any questions or would like more information about the role, please contact us at [e-mail], using “USI SF Leeston” in the subject line.