Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in running fun and inclusive play sessions for children aged 5-14.
- Company: Join Calderdale Council, dedicated to empowering young people and promoting diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, rewarding experiences, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Digital interviews may be used; applications are anonymised to promote fairness.
- Why this job: Perfect for those passionate about working with kids and making a difference in their lives.
- Qualifications: Confidence, good communication skills, and a passion for child development are essential.
Play Services deliver play sessions to young people aged 5-14 years through various programmes. You will assist in running Open Access Play sessions through the Short Breaks programme in a variety of locations across Calderdale. The programme runs after school and during holiday sessions.
Included is additional support for young people with SEND aged between 5 to 16 years. We also support children with multiple and complex needs as part of our keywork programme. Optional term time keywork may be developed for the right candidate.
The job of the Play Worker is to support the Lead staff to facilitate and run inclusive, empowering play sessions, delivering a wide variety of fun activities. You will interact with young people in a safe and structured environment and report on sessions.
The ideal candidate will be passionate about working with children and young people. They will understand the benefits of play work and how it can help young people advance. A level of confidence and good communication skills are required. This is an exciting and rewarding role that may suit anyone wishing to pursue a career in working with children and young people or in children services.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. Applicants to posts that are exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act will require a DBS from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.
Closing Date: 30th June 2025
Interviews to be held week commencing 14th July. We may utilise digital interview methods.
Calderdale Council embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and we are committed to providing an environment that is inclusive. We encourage applications from people who share our commitment to challenge inequality and promote diversity across Calderdale. We particularly welcome applications from communities that are currently under-represented in our organisation. All applications are anonymised before being seen by the selection panel.
Casual Play Development Worker employer: Calderdale Council
Contact Detail:
Calderdale Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Casual Play Development Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of play work and how it benefits children and young people. Understanding these concepts will help you articulate your passion and knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain some experience working with children, especially those with SEND or complex needs. Volunteering at local youth clubs or community centres can provide valuable insights and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific activities you would implement in play sessions. Think creatively about how to engage children in fun and inclusive ways, as this will showcase your initiative and enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Calderdale Council's initiatives on diversity and inclusion. Being able to speak about their commitment to these values will show that you align with their mission and are a good fit for their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Casual Play Development Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of a Casual Play Development Worker. Familiarise yourself with the importance of play work and how it benefits young people, especially those with SEND.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in your CV, particularly any work with children or young people. Emphasise your communication skills and any previous roles that involved facilitating activities or supporting diverse groups.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and young people. Mention specific examples of how you've engaged with young people in the past and how you can contribute to creating inclusive play sessions.
Prepare for Interviews: If selected for an interview, be ready to discuss your understanding of safeguarding and promoting welfare. Think about scenarios where you've had to communicate effectively or adapt activities for different needs, as these will likely come up during the interview.
How to prepare for a job interview at Calderdale Council
✨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 relevant experiences that highlight your passion and understanding of how play can empower young people.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since good communication is key in this role, prepare to showcase your ability to interact effectively with both children and colleagues. You might want to provide examples of how you've successfully communicated in past roles or situations.
✨Understand Inclusivity
Familiarise yourself with the principles of inclusive play and how to support children with SEND and complex needs. Be ready to discuss strategies you would use to ensure all children feel included and valued during play sessions.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Think about potential scenarios you might face as a Play Development Worker and how you would respond to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for the children.