At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fun and engaging play sessions for children before and after school.
- Company: A welcoming Catholic primary school with a strong community spirit.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, employee discounts, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a friendly team and enjoy a fulfilling role in a vibrant school community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while working in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with school-age children and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 14668 - 15136 £ per year.
Permanent, Part Time, 24.75 hours per week, Term Time Only plus 1 additional day.
Salary NJC Grade B1, Scale Points 4 - 6, £26,016 - £26,846 per annum (Monday to Thursday) 7:30am - 8:45am and 2:00pm - 6:00pm (Friday) 7:30am - 8:45am and 2:00pm - 5:00pm. Actual Salary £14,668 - £15,136 per annum. Required September 2026.
The Governors are seeking a creative and enthusiastic Senior Playworker to join our Catholic primary school. The successful candidate will bring energy and imagination to every session, fostering a safe, engaging, and stimulating environment where children can learn, play, and flourish.
This role offers the opportunity to lead a small, friendly team of Playworkers, planning and delivering activities that inspire play, encourage participation, and support children in building positive friendships. The primary responsibility of this position is to oversee the day-to-day running of the Out of School Club, while creating a welcoming atmosphere that instils confidence in parents and excitement in children.
We are looking for a Senior Playworker who will provide an entertaining and engaging weekday before and after school sessions for children, and is:
- Experienced in working with school age children
- Flexible and adaptable in their approach
- Able to communicate effectively with pupils and staff
- Warm, friendly and empathetic
- Understanding of how individual children learn to ensure development
- Committed to supporting the expected high standards of behaviour
- Professional, responsible and aware of the need to maintain confidentiality
- Supportive of the Catholic ethos of the school
What we can offer you:
- a strong Catholic ethos
- a friendly, happy school that lives by its vision statement, ‘Live, love and learn with the Lord’
- happy children with exemplary standards of behaviour
- a welcoming and caring environment where everyone is valued
- supportive parents, Academy Council and parish community
- a strong commitment to continuous professional development
- Employee discount scheme (offering cycle to work scheme, gym membership, money saving offers across hundreds of the UK’s favourite high‑street and online retailers, home and electrical items)
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (Education Support)
- Generous pension contribution managed by the West Yorkshire Pension Fund
- The support and guidance of governors, Diocese of Leeds and the Bishop Wheeler Catholic Academy Trust
This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK—either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. We value diversity and seek a workforce that reflects the communities we serve. Our school is committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of all children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Senior Playworker in Leeds employer: Holy Name Catholic Voluntary Academy
Join our vibrant Catholic primary school as a Senior Playworker, where you will be part of a supportive and friendly community dedicated to fostering a nurturing environment for children. We offer a strong commitment to professional development, a welcoming atmosphere, and the opportunity to inspire young minds while enjoying benefits such as an employee discount scheme and generous pension contributions. With a focus on high standards and a collaborative spirit, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children.
Contact Details:
Holy Name Catholic Voluntary Academy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Playworker in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, take some time to research the school's ethos and values. This will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their community.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! As a Senior Playworker, you'll need to bring energy and imagination to your sessions. Prepare some fun activity ideas to share during your interview, so they can see how you'd inspire play and engagement among the children.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about your experience! Think of specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully worked with children or led a team. This will help demonstrate your ability to create a safe and stimulating environment for the kids.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Playworker in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through in your application. We want to see how you can bring energy and imagination to the role, so share any relevant experiences that highlight your creativity and commitment.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Senior Playworker position. Mention your experience with school-age children and how you can foster a safe and engaging environment, as this is key for us.
Highlight Team Leadership Skills:Since you'll be leading a small team of Playworkers, it's important to showcase your leadership abilities. Talk about any previous roles where you've successfully managed a team or planned activities that inspired participation.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at Holy Name Catholic Voluntary Academy
✨Know Your Playwork Principles
Familiarise yourself with the key principles of playwork, especially how they relate to fostering a safe and engaging environment for children. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your understanding and application of these principles.
✨Showcase Your Creativity
Prepare to share ideas for activities that inspire play and encourage participation. Think about how you can adapt these activities to suit different age groups and interests, and be ready to explain how they support children's development and friendships.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since effective communication with both children and staff is crucial, consider role-playing scenarios where you might need to resolve conflicts or engage with parents about their child's progress.
✨Emphasise Your Flexibility
Be prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changing situations in previous roles. Highlight your ability to remain calm and resourceful, especially in a dynamic school environment where plans may need to change quickly.
