About this Role
Birch Wood School
Where a Love of Learning Grows
Play Leader - 2 positions available
Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School)
Salary: Grade 5 Pay Point 7-8 (£26,022 - £26,436 per annum, approximate starting salary of £8,814.99 per annum)
Hours: 15 Hours per week, 39 Weeks per year (Term-time only)
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Monday to Friday 11:00 - 14:00
About the Role
Arewarding lunchtime role helping children and young people to play, connect andthrive. We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic andreliable Play Worker to join our supportive team.
Why Choose Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School)?
Joining Birch Wood means becoming part of a warm, committed and highly collaborative community where staff are supported to thrive professionally and personally.
Why Work With Us?
- A caring, nurturing and ambitious culture with no limits placed on pupil potential.
- Small class sizes, strong staffing ratios, and a multi-disciplinary approach.
- Access to in-house specialists and a wide range of therapies.
- High-quality professional development and opportunities across all phases (4-19)
- A creative and outward looking school that works closely with families, external agencies and its local community.
"Staff are proud to work at the school. They benefit from highly effective training opportunities. They appreciate the school's efforts to support their workload and promote their well-being." - OFSTED
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare, set out and clear away suitable indoor and outdoor playresources.
- Encourage inclusive, engaging and age-appropriate play, adaptingopportunities to individual needs.
- Supervisepupils carefully, promoting positive interactions, independence, choice andemotional wellbeing.
- Respond calmly to incidents, accidents or concerns and report thempromptly.
- Followschool policies for safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality, equalityand professional conduct.
What We Are Looking For
- Warm, patient, energetic, playful andcommitted to helping pupils feel safe, included and valued.
- Able to build positive relationships and communicate clearly withpupils and colleagues.
- Reliable, observant and able to work effectively as part of a team.
- Willing to learn about SEND, communication approaches and safeworking practices.
- Comfortable supporting active play indoors and outdoors andundertaking appropriate physical tasks.
- Experienced with children or young people where possible, althoughthis is not essential as training will be provided.
Professional Growth & Support
- Ongoing professional development opportunities.
- Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
- Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits
- Flexible working options.
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
- Defined benefit pension scheme.
Additional Perks
- Free parking, cycle-to-work scheme, and gym discounts.
- Eyecare vouchers, dental support, and retail discounts.
- Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.
Equal Opportunities & Diversity
We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents
About Discovery Schools Trust
Discovery Schools Trust is committed to improving learning by fostering a culture of excellence. We prioritise children's needs, teacher development, and innovative school improvement to ensure success across all our schools.
Safeguarding Commitment
Discovery is dedicated to safeguarding pupils. The successful applicant must complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provide references.
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Play Leader (BIR054BC) at Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School) in Melton Mowbray employer: Birch Wood School
Birch Wood School is an excellent employer, fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises professional growth and supportive leadership. As a member of our dedicated team, you will play a crucial role in creating a caring environment for students while enjoying opportunities for personal development and collaboration with like-minded colleagues.
