At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Playworker, where you'll play and support children with diverse needs every day!
- Company: ELHAP is a unique adventure playground for disabled children, creating magical experiences for over 48 years.
- Benefits: Earn £13.15 an hour, enjoy flexible scheduling, and receive free training to boost your skills.
- Why this job: Experience the joy of making a difference in children's lives while having fun and being part of a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Must be 17+, with at least one year of experience supporting disabled children in a professional setting.
- Other info: Work a minimum of 6 days each term, with the flexibility to choose your schedule!
We need Playworkers on Saturdays and School Holidays!
Salary: £13.15 an hour or £23,933 FTE
Work With Us!
We are on the search for passionate and enthusiastic playworkers to join the wonderful staff team at ELHAP! As a playworker, you can expect to play all day and ensure that our children and young people with very diverse care and support needs have the best possible day! Where else can you get paid to play all day with some of the most incredible and inspiring children you'll ever meet?
About us
ELHAP is one of only eight adventure playgrounds for disabled children and young people. For over 48 years we have provided fantastic adventure play opportunities to many thousands of disabled children from across North East London and Essex. We are a truly unique and magical setting!
This is what our staff say about working at ELHAP:
- The most rewarding job I've ever had!
- Every day is an adventure.
- I love the team and how friendly, welcoming and helpful everyone is.
- In 14 years working at ELHAP from the first day to today I still feel I am fulfilling and enhancing children's lives.
FREE Training!
We offer lots of free training courses from Play Skills to Medication Administration to Behaviour Management. This helps you feel supported and confident whilst helping to deliver the awesome (and messy) activities that we provide! Play workers will always be supported by experienced team leaders.
Your Commitment!
We need staff that are available to work a minimum of 6 days each term as follows:
- Fortnightly Saturdays in term-time at our Saturday Club.
- Monday to Fridays in school holidays at our Playschemes.
We are flexible about which days you work - you choose! You can book into as many Saturday Clubs and Playscheme days as you want to (as long as you can do 6 or above each term).
What you need...
- You need to be aged 17 years and over (this is an OFSTED requirement to work with children).
- Experience supporting disabled children and young people in a professional setting (e.g. a minimum of one year working in a nursery, school, after school club etc).
- Willingness to work outdoors, get messy and have fun!
Further Information
For further information, including how to apply, job description etc, please go to elhap.org.uk/casual-playworker
Closing Date: 5:00pm on Friday 4th July 2025
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974; the successful applicants will be expected to undertake satisfactory DBS Enhanced Disclosures. ELHAP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. ELHAP is an equal opportunities employer.
Contact Detail:
Elhap Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Playworker
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for working with children by sharing personal experiences during the interview. Talk about any relevant activities or volunteer work you've done that demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment to supporting disabled children.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with ELHAP's mission and values. Understanding their unique approach to adventure play will help you align your answers with their ethos, making you a more appealing candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific strategies you would use to engage children with diverse needs. Think of creative ideas for activities that promote inclusion and fun, as this will showcase your ability to think on your feet.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former staff members if possible. They can provide insights into the work culture at ELHAP and may even offer tips on what the hiring team is looking for in a playworker.
We think you need these skills to ace Playworker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand what ELHAP is looking for in a Playworker. Highlight your passion for working with children and any relevant experience you have in supporting disabled children.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your experience and skills that are relevant to the role. Include specific examples of how you've supported children in previous roles, especially in outdoor or play settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the position. Mention why you want to work at ELHAP and how your values align with their mission of providing adventure play opportunities for disabled children.
Highlight Your Availability: Clearly state your availability in your application. Since the role requires a minimum commitment of 6 days each term, make sure to specify which Saturdays and school holiday dates you can work.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elhap
✨Show Your Passion for Play
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and the joy of play. Share personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for engaging with kids, especially those with diverse needs.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss your previous experience supporting disabled children in professional settings. Be specific about your roles and responsibilities, and how they relate to the playworker position at ELHAP.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Team Spirit
ELHAP values teamwork and flexibility. Be prepared to discuss how you can adapt to different situations and work collaboratively with others to create a fun and safe environment for the children.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think of examples where you've successfully managed difficult behaviours or created engaging activities for children.