At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Playworker, where you'll play and support children with diverse needs every Saturday and during school holidays.
- Company: ELHAP is a unique adventure playground for disabled children, providing 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: Get paid to play and make a real difference in children's lives while working in a friendly team.
- Qualifications: Must be 17+, with experience supporting disabled children in a professional setting, and a love for outdoor fun.
- Other info: Flexible workdays available; commit to at least 6 days each term.
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!
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.
Playworker employer: Elhap
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 your interactions. Whether it's through volunteering or informal babysitting, highlight moments where you've made a positive impact on a child's life.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with ELHAP's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to providing adventure play opportunities for disabled children will help you align your responses in interviews and demonstrate your enthusiasm for their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former staff members at ELHAP if possible. They can provide insights into the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to discuss your experience with outdoor activities and how you can contribute to creating fun and engaging play experiences. Think of specific examples that showcase your creativity and ability to adapt to different situations.
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 messy 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 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 your love for play. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with children in a fun and supportive way, as this role is all about creating joyful experiences.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Discuss your previous experience supporting disabled children or working in similar environments. Be prepared to talk about the skills you've developed and how they will help you succeed as a Playworker at ELHAP.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Team Spirit
ELHAP values teamwork and flexibility. Be ready to discuss how you can adapt to different situations and work collaboratively with others. Share examples of how you've worked well in a team setting in the past.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations with children. Think about scenarios where you had to manage behaviour or create engaging activities, and be ready to explain your thought process and actions.