At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fun, engaging afternoons for Pre-School and Reception children at our afterschool club.
- Company: Join a family-run childcare provider passionate about high-quality care.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, 75% childcare discount, paid training, and 28 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while enjoying a supportive work environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in childcare and leadership; passion for early years education.
- Other info: Flexible hours with opportunities for extra work during holiday clubs.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 18 £ per hour.
Lead the afternoons. Champion early years. Make afterschool feel special.
Do you love working with younger children and leading a team in a warm, playful environment? We’re looking for a Playscheme Manager to lead our afterschool provision for Pre-School and Reception children at Long Ditton Infant & Nursery School. This is a hands-on leadership role, perfect for someone who thrives in early years settings and enjoys shaping calm, engaging afternoons after a busy school day. You’ll work alongside another Playscheme Manager, who leads the Year 1 & 2 cohort, with shared responsibility for creating a safe, happy, and inspiring club.
At Clubland, we’re a small, family-run childcare provider passionate about high-quality wraparound care. Our managers are central to everything we do – trusted leaders who bring warmth, structure, and creativity to each session.
The Role
- Lead the early years experience – Plan and oversee child-led play, creative activities, quiet zones, outdoor play, and routines suited to Pre-School and Reception children.
- Support and inspire your team – Lead and support Playworkers working with younger children, setting the tone for a nurturing, engaging, and well-organised environment.
- Keep it safe & well-run – Take responsibility for safeguarding, health & safety, risk assessments, ratios, and smooth daily operations within your cohort.
- Build strong relationships – Work closely with parents, carers, school staff, and your fellow Playscheme Manager to ensure consistent, high-quality care.
- Stay organised – Support with staff rotas, stock checks, and light administrative tasks (around 1 hour per week, paid as overtime).
About You
- Warm, calm, and confident working with Pre-School & Reception children.
- An experienced childcare professional with leadership skills.
- Organised, reliable, and able to run sessions independently.
- A strong communicator with staff, parents, and school teams.
- Passionate about safeguarding and high-quality early years care.
Desirable (but not essential):
- Paediatric First Aid.
- Safeguarding or Food Hygiene training.
- Experience with EYFS and early years settings.
(Full training provided if needed)
The Practical Bits
- Location: Long Ditton Infant & Nursery School, Surbiton, Surrey.
- Hours: Afterschool Club 14:30–18:15, Monday‑Friday (term time only). Option of extra work in holiday clubs. Job share available.
- Contract: Permanent, fixed hours.
- Pay: £15.80/hr starting rate, plus 12.07% holiday pay uplift (total £17.70/hr). Pay increases with training and years of service.
- Training: First Aid and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead training included and paid for.
We know this role is demanding but also hugely rewarding. That’s why we look after our staff with:
- 75% discount on childcare for your dependants (10% for wider family).
- 28 days paid annual leave.
- Free uniform, DBS, and training.
- Employee Assistance Programme via Health Assured.
- Refer-a-Friend bonus.
- Discounted gym membership.
- A supportive, friendly, family-run environment where your ideas matter.
We are committed to safeguarding children and expect all staff to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check.
Ready to lead calm, happy afternoons for our youngest children? Apply now and become a key part of a supportive leadership team at Clubland.
Four of our settings are currently graded ‘Good’. For OFSTED inspection grades at specific settings please see individual location pages.
Playscheme Manager - Long Ditton in London employer: Clubland Playscheme Ltd.
Contact Detail:
Clubland Playscheme Ltd. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Playscheme Manager - Long Ditton in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, try to connect with current staff or even parents if possible. This will give you insights into the culture and help you tailor your approach to fit right in.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for early years! During your interview, share specific examples of how you've created engaging environments for children. We want to see that spark in you!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss safeguarding! It’s a big deal for us at Clubland. Brush up on your knowledge and be prepared to talk about how you would ensure a safe and nurturing space for the kids.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Playscheme Manager - Long Ditton in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your love for working with younger children shine through in your application. We want to see how you can make afterschool feel special and engaging for the little ones!
Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Playscheme Manager, you'll be leading a team, so make sure to showcase any previous leadership experience. Tell us how you've inspired and supported others in a childcare setting.
Be Organised: Mention your organisational skills and how you manage daily operations. We appreciate candidates who can keep things running smoothly while ensuring a safe environment for the kids.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Clubland Playscheme Ltd.
✨Know Your Early Years Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of early years education and the EYFS framework. Be ready to discuss how you would create engaging, child-led activities that cater to Pre-School and Reception children. Show them you understand what makes playtime special!
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led a team in a childcare setting. Think about times when you inspired your colleagues or created a nurturing environment. They want to see that you can support and motivate your team while keeping everything organised.
✨Communicate with Confidence
Practice how you'll communicate with parents, staff, and children. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation or build relationships with families. Being a strong communicator is key, so think about your approach and be ready to share your ideas.
✨Safety First!
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding policies and health & safety regulations. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure a safe environment for the children. They’ll want to know you take these responsibilities seriously, so have some examples ready to demonstrate your commitment.