At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver engaging play activities for children aged 4-11 in a nurturing environment.
- Company: A well-established children's charity dedicated to supporting families and young people.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £36,000 per annum and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and help children thrive through play and development.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Playwork or related field and experience with children.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 36000 £ per year.
Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a well-established children’s charity in London in their search for a Deputy Play Manager. The charity has been supporting children, young people and families for over 25 years through a range of play, family support and youth programmes. Their Ofsted-registered after-school and holiday play schemes provide children aged 4–11 with safe, engaging and nurturing environments to explore, grow and thrive.
As Deputy Play Manager, you’ll play a key leadership role within the play service, helping to design, deliver and evaluate a high-quality programme of activities. You’ll support the Play Manager in day-to-day operations (including managing enquiries/collection of fees), team management and ensuring compliance with all safeguarding, health and safety, and Ofsted standards. This is a hands-on role combining leadership, planning, and active delivery — you’ll work directly with children and families to create safe, inclusive, and stimulating play environments.
About You
- Level 3 qualification (or above) in Playwork, Early Years, or a related field.
- Minimum of three years’ experience working directly with children aged 4–11.
- Strong understanding of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
- Experience planning and delivering engaging, age-appropriate play activities.
- Confident leading active, outdoor or adventure-based play.
- Sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
- Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
- Strong organisational and IT skills.
Desirable:
- Experience supporting children with additional needs or from diverse backgrounds.
- Experience supervising others or managing volunteers.
- Knowledge of current issues affecting children and families.
- Relevant training such as paediatric first aid or food hygiene.
Play is at the heart of what they do — the organisation believes that every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy a happy, fulfilling childhood through both free and guided play experiences. If you’re passionate about play, child development and helping young people thrive, we’d love to hear from you.
For more information, please submit your CV. Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.
As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.
Deputy Manager- Term Time Only employer: Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists
As a Deputy Play Manager with this esteemed children's charity in London, you will be part of a dedicated team that has been enriching the lives of children and families for over 25 years. The organisation fosters a supportive and inclusive work culture, offering opportunities for professional growth and development while ensuring compliance with safeguarding and Ofsted standards. With a focus on play and child development, this role provides a meaningful chance to make a positive impact in the community, all within a vibrant and engaging environment.
Contact Details:
Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager- Term Time Only
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who work with children. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for play! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, share your experiences and ideas about engaging children in play. Let them see your enthusiasm and creativity!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to child development and safeguarding. We recommend role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨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 are proactive and eager to join our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager- Term Time Only
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your Level 3 qualification and any relevant experience working with children aged 4-11. We want to see how you fit into our play-focused environment!
Show Your Passion for Play:In your application, let us know why you’re passionate about play and child development. Share any specific experiences that demonstrate your commitment to creating engaging and nurturing environments for children. We love hearing about your enthusiasm!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to your qualifications and experiences.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harris Hill Charity Recruitment Specialists
✨Know Your Playwork Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of playwork principles and the EYFS framework. Be ready to discuss how you’ve applied these in your previous roles, especially when planning engaging activities for children aged 4–11.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in team management and leadership. Think about times when you’ve successfully led a team or managed volunteers, and be ready to share how you ensured compliance with safeguarding and health and safety standards.
✨Engage with the Charity's Mission
Familiarise yourself with the charity’s values and mission. During the interview, express your passion for play and child development, and how you can contribute to creating safe and stimulating environments for children and families.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could include inquiries about their current programmes, how they measure success in their play schemes, or how they support staff development. It shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged!
