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- Tasks: Host fun parties for kids at our vibrant soft play centre.
- Company: Join Barnardo's, a leading charity focused on children's development and well-being.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, full training, and ongoing development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while having fun in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed, but experience with children is a plus.
- Other info: Interviews are rolling, so apply soon to secure your spot!
Barnardo's have a fun and exciting opportunity to join our brilliant team of Play Workers hosting parties at our purpose-built soft play centre in Crystal Palace. At Barnardo's we know that play is a critical element of a child's social, emotional and physical development; it improves self-esteem and resilience. We are therefore seeking Play Workers who can bring their energy, motivation and commitment to providing a high level of customer service to the children and families accessing the soft play centre, ensuring children are able to enjoy the facilities safely.
Being able to engage with children and do it with a warm and caring approach, and a smile on your face, is key. Organisation, communication and customer-facing skills are required for this role, along with a willingness to be flexible. Full training will be provided and no formal childcare or early years qualifications are required for this role, though some relevant training or experience in child care is a requirement - this can be in a voluntary, professional, or personal capacity. This role is subject to a Disclosure Barring Service check for children and adults.
About the Play Worker role:
- Location: This role is based at Triangle Soft Play Centre, Coxwell Road, Crystal Palace.
- Hours: Sessional working hours will be offered against party/event bookings. Party times are from 09:30 to 12:30, and from 13:00 to 16:30, Saturdays and Sundays only.
Duties:
- Play Workers will facilitate the soft play parties for children, monitoring the safety and safe use of soft frame and equipment, in line with risk assessments.
- There will be light cleaning duties, setting out and putting away of play equipment and safety checks of a 4 storey soft play frame involved in this role. Therefore, it is a requirement that candidates are able to meet the physical demands of the role.
- Successful candidates will be required to undertake Paediatric First Aid Training, Safeguarding Training, and a Barnardo's Induction - provided by Barnardo's.
- Ongoing training and development opportunities are available through Barnardo's training platform, at no cost to staff. Regular supervision and support will be provided to staff.
Additional Information:
Please note that there are a number of vacancies for this role and as such interviews will be held on various dates and on a rolling basis. Barnardo's reserve the right to end the vacancy early. Previous applicants need not apply. When completing your application please refer to your skills, knowledge, and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description, and Additional Information document (if applicable). This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.
Play Worker (Party Host) employer: Barnardo's
Contact Detail:
Barnardo's Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Worker (Party Host)
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for working with children! When you get the chance to speak with us, share specific experiences where you've engaged with kids, whether through volunteering or personal activities. This will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your customer service skills during any interactions. Since this role involves engaging with families, be ready to discuss how you've successfully handled customer queries or complaints in the past, showcasing your communication abilities.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared to discuss your flexibility and adaptability. We value Play Workers who can adjust to different situations, so think of examples where you've had to change plans on the fly or manage unexpected challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the importance of play in child development. Being able to articulate why play is essential will not only impress us but also show that you understand the core values of our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Worker (Party Host)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and requirements of the Play Worker position. Highlight your relevant experience in childcare, even if it's voluntary or personal.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your skills and experiences that align with the role. Emphasise any customer service experience, communication skills, and your ability to engage with children.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and your understanding of the importance of play in their development. Mention specific examples of how you've demonstrated energy, motivation, and a caring approach in previous roles.
Refer to the Person Specification: When completing your application, refer directly to the Person Specification and Job Description. Clearly outline how your skills and experiences meet the criteria, showing that you understand the context of the service provided by Barnardo's.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barnardo's
✨Show Your Passion for Play
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and the importance of play in their development. Share any personal experiences or stories that highlight your love for engaging with kids.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves interacting with children and families, be prepared to showcase your communication skills. You might want to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, especially in customer-facing situations.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Even if you don't have formal qualifications, discuss any relevant experience you have in childcare, whether it's voluntary, professional, or personal. This could include babysitting, coaching, or any activities where you've worked with children.
✨Prepare for Safety and Organisation Questions
Given the responsibilities of monitoring safety and managing play equipment, be ready to answer questions about how you would ensure a safe environment for children. Think about your organisational skills and how you can apply them in this role.
