At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting play activities and create a safe, fun environment for children.
- Company: Join Hackney's award-winning adventure play team dedicated to inclusive play.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, supportive team, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Work outdoors year-round and enjoy a dynamic, engaging role.
- Why this job: Be a champion for children's play and help them thrive in a creative space.
- Qualifications: Experience in playwork and a passion for inclusive practices.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Are you passionate about using the Play Principles and play methodologies to deliver better outcomes for children, young people and families? Are you a skilled professional committed to the adventure playground ethos of playworkers being a resource for children rather than leading or directing their play? Do you have experience of design, construction, modification and maintenance of adventure playground structures and features, to ensure that the playground can evolve and change in response to the children’s wishes? Are you a champion for anti oppressive, anti racist and inclusive practice? We are looking for an experienced professional to join our award winning adventure play team at Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground – a unique form of open access adventure play provision where children can enjoy their childhood by engaging in the full possibilities of play.
Purpose of the Job
The Senior Playworker will be responsible for supporting the planning, delivery, evaluation and promotion of high quality, open access adventure play activities. You will:
- Support the Play Manager with the development and delivery of term-time and holiday adventure play provision that promotes the development of physical and emotional well-being in accordance with the Playwork Principles.
- Support the Play Manager in the day to day running of the playground, including oversight of staff, resources, building and site; health and safety and safeguarding arrangements.
- Deputise for the Play Manager in their absence, ensuring service delivery.
- Support the creation and maintenance of a safe, creative, and stimulating play environment.
- Work with the Play Manager to ensure all legal health and safety requirements are met, including the undertaking of maintenance and repair of play structures and the playground site.
- Work with the Play Manager to ensure equality of opportunity for all young people and actively challenge discrimination, including racism, sexism and all other forms of oppression and unjust attitudes, behavior and practice.
- Deliver all types of play activities, including fire and water play, structure building, arts and crafts, sport activities, creative and imaginative play, gardening and nature based activities, and support day trips and residential activities.
- Perform daily and quarterly inspections of play structures and the playground space, and carry out remedial repairs and ongoing maintenance to ensure the safety of young people attending the playground.
- Be predominantly based outdoors, all year round and in all weather conditions.
Hours and Availability
36 hours per week. You need to be available for service delivery at the following times:
- Winter Term time: Tuesday to Friday – 10:45am – 7:30pm, Saturday: 10:45am to 4:15pm
- Summer Term Time: Tuesday to Friday 11am – 7:45pm, Saturday: 10:45am to 4:15pm
- School Holidays: Monday to Friday 9:30am to 5:45pm
An Enhanced DBS Check is required for this role.
EEO Statement
Hackney Council works to eradicate discrimination on the basis of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. We also recognise that people can be disadvantaged by their social and economic circumstances, so we will also work to eliminate discrimination and disadvantage caused by social class. We also welcome those interested in flexible working. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, as this group is currently under represented in our workforce.
Senior Playworker – Young Hackney employer: Hackney Borough Council
Join our award-winning adventure play team at Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground, where we prioritise the well-being and development of children through inclusive and engaging play experiences. As a Senior Playworker, you will thrive in a supportive work culture that champions anti-oppressive practices and offers opportunities for professional growth while working outdoors in a vibrant community setting. Enjoy the unique advantage of being part of a dynamic team dedicated to creating a safe and stimulating environment for children to explore their creativity and independence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Playworker – Young Hackney
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the playground! Before your interview, visit Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground if you can. Familiarise yourself with the space, the activities offered, and the vibe. This will help you speak confidently about how you can contribute to the team.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for play! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've used play methodologies in your past roles. Talk about how you’ve supported children’s development through play and how you can bring that experience to our adventure playground.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss inclusivity! Since we’re all about anti-oppressive practices, come prepared with examples of how you’ve championed inclusivity in your previous work. This shows us you’re aligned with our values and ready to make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our award-winning team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Playworker – Young Hackney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Play:Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the Play Principles and how they guide your work. We want to see your commitment to creating a fun and safe environment for children, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your passion!
Highlight Your Experience:When detailing your background, focus on your hands-on experience with adventure playgrounds. We love to hear about your skills in design, construction, and maintenance of play structures, so don’t hold back on those details!
Emphasise Inclusivity:As champions of anti-oppressive practices, it’s crucial to showcase your commitment to inclusivity. Share examples of how you've actively challenged discrimination and promoted equality in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with our award-winning team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hackney Borough Council
✨Know Your Play Principles
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Play Principles and methodologies. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these in your previous roles, and think of specific examples where you’ve supported children’s play without directing it.
✨Showcase Your Adventure Playground Experience
Prepare to talk about your hands-on experience with adventure playground structures. Highlight any design, construction, or maintenance work you've done, and be ready to explain how you adapt these features based on children's feedback.
✨Champion Inclusivity
Demonstrate your commitment to anti-oppressive and inclusive practices. Think of instances where you’ve actively challenged discrimination or promoted equality in your work, and be prepared to share these stories during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect to discuss real-life scenarios related to health and safety, safeguarding, and play activities. Prepare some examples of how you’ve handled challenges in these areas, especially in outdoor settings, as this role is predominantly based outside.
