Kildare Library Service in association with County Kildare Leader Partnership (CKLP) seeks to award a contract for services for a project specific Creative Writer in Residence for Children. Reading and literacy is at the heart of the public library service in Kildare and the public library strategy The Library is the Place: Information, Recreation, Inspiration

 

Kildare Library Service is committed to developing the role of the library as a centre for culture and learning, with programmes and projects that meet individual and community needs. The Creative Writer in Residence will deliver a programme of creative writing designed to promote literacy and confidence with reading and writing in primary school based children aged 8-12. The programme will be delivered to small groups of children assisted by volunteer parents and community members.

The residency will be for a period of 12 weeks from March to June 2024.

The fee for this 12-week period will be €6,000 based on an average of 20 hours in an average week during school hours. It is anticipated this will amount to 5 hours student contact time per week and also includes time spent on development, research, preparation of events, attendance at meetings, reporting, and administration.

The standard method of payment is via Electronic Funds Transfer.

The programme will be delivered at selected primary schools in Kildare based in Athy, Kildare, Newbridge, Naas and Celbridge.

The residency will involve engagement with children aged 8-12 assisted by volunteer parents and community members as part of an ongoing literacy programme. The residency will provide opportunities for the children to explore creative writing and storytelling with a view to producing a small legacy publication.

The resident will develop a programme of activities to be delivered over the course of the residency period, which will result in agreed outcomes. The resident will furnish regular activity reports and a comprehensive report at the end of the residency period. This vital evaluation piece will help to inform the direction of any future residency programmes in Kildare Library Service. Furthermore, the resident will provide timely updates, and contribute to reports as required, by Kildare Library Service and CKLP.

 

The resident will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, experience of working with children and families and an ability to think creatively. A clear appreciation of the role books and reading play in the development of children and the enrichment of families is also essential.

The resident should have an excellent knowledge of children’s literature, recommending books to children and reader development. The resident should have experience in organising training programmes and facilitating workshops in the areas of storytelling and creative writing for children.

As the locations for the residency are in primary schools across the county, it is expected that the resident will have access to their own transport.

 

Applications will only be accepted via the online application form.

Applications must be submitted before the deadline Monday 29^th January 4.30pm

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.

Please also include:

·      An up-to-date CV, including the names and contact details of two professional references.

·      A written submission of interest which outlines workshop ideas and approaches to the residency (1,000 words maximum) to include examples of previous similar and relevant work experience in the area of creative writing for children. Please also refer to and include information as per selection criteria as listed below.

 

 

The successful applicant:

•         Must be able to demonstrate suitable skills and competencies and must provide evidence of relevant achievement. Previous relevant work experience which involved facilitation and engagement with children at workshops and other events.

•         Should have experience and provide examples of programmes and facilitating workshops in storytelling and creative writing.

•         Must have knowledge of children’s literature and libraries, of books, authors and services to children and reader development.

•         Must have a creative and innovative approach to the delivery of the Creative Writer in Residence programme.

 

    

All parties will be informed of the outcome of their proposals following evaluation and any necessary clarifications.

The successful applicant will be expected to take up this project with effect from Monday 4^th March 2024 and will finish on Friday 7^th June: a period of 12 weeks, with 2 weeks exception for school Easter holidays, 25^th March – 5^th April inclusive.

The appointment shall be for the services described in this brief only. Kildare Library Service reserves the right to engage with other service providers for additional services in connection with the project and shall be under no obligation to extend the contract.

 

 DEADLINES AND SHORTLISTING

Closing date for receipt of proposals is Monday 29^th January 2024 before 4.30pm. Applications received after this time will not be accepted.

 

 

 Any offer made under the Creative Writer in Residence for Children is for a 12 week period.

The contracted Creative Writer in Residence for Children will be considered as self-employed.

No award will be issued without proof of tax clearance, and/or VAT registration number

where applicable.

 Garda vetting is mandatory for the successful applicant and must be cleared by the National Vetting Bureau before the work can commence.

A copy of the Kildare County Council Child Protection Policy must be read and signed by the successful applicant and returned to Kildare County Council Library Service. All aspects of this policy must be adhered to for the duration of the contract.

All publications, reports, digital content, and other outputs generated as part of the project will be the property of Kildare Library Service, which will own copyright in such publications,

reports, digital content, and other outputs generated. Works published after the duration of the project by the Creative Writer in Residence for Children which uses research undertaken as part of the residency, must acknowledge Kildare Library Service and include the Kildare County Council logo.

 

Confidentiality

The distribution of these documents is for the sole purpose of obtaining offers and proposals. The distribution does not grant permission or licence to use the documents for any other purpose. Applicants are required to treat the details of all documents supplied in connection with the quotation process as private and confidential.

 

Freedom of Information

Kildare County Council operates under the Freedom of Information Acts 1997-2003 and all information held by them may be subject to requests under this Act.

It is essential that you reply to the signature verification email which will issue once your form has been submitted as your application will not be processed otherwise (please check all mailboxes as it may go to you junk/spam/promotions folders).

For assistance, please email amyler@kildarecoco.ie