At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire child-initiated play, creating a fun and safe environment.
- Company: Join Ambler Primary School, a diverse and inclusive community.
- Benefits: Part-time role with potential for extension and a supportive team.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to shape play experiences and foster creativity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through the power of play.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a passion for play is essential.
The predicted salary is between 10556 - 11066 £ per year.
Contract: 11 hours per week, Term Time only. Fixed term until 31/08/27, with the possibility of extension.
Salary Range: NJC Scale 6 Actual Salary: £10,556 - £11,066 per annum
Required for: October 2026
Do you believe that play matters? We are looking for a passionate, enthusiastic and experienced Play Coordinator to join our team and help us provide meaningful, productive and inclusive child-initiated play opportunities for all our children. The successful candidate will understand the essential role that play has in children's lives and who can turn that passion, experience and knowledge into outstanding playwork practice across our school. The successful candidate will support and facilitate high-quality child-initiated play, in line with our OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) principles. You will take a leading role in supporting and developing our Play Team, working alongside staff and pupils to create a welcoming, safe and stimulating environment where children can play, explore, take appropriate risks, develop relationships and have fun.
We are looking for someone who:
- Has previous experience working with children in an educational or playwork setting.
- Is a strong advocate for children and understands the difference that high-quality play can make to children's development.
- Can build positive relationships with children and adults.
- Is confident supporting and developing colleagues.
- Is confident using digital communication and recording systems.
- Can organise resources and activities effectively.
- Has relevant qualifications or experience working with children.
Most importantly, we want someone who is enthusiastic about play and able to inspire children and adults to see the possibilities that play can offer.
Why work with us? This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in developing our school's approach to play and to make a tangible difference to children's experience of break and lunchtime. If you are passionate about children's play, enjoy being creative and practical, and want to help create an environment where every child has the opportunity to play, explore, socialise and thrive, we would love to hear from you. Help us make play at Ambler extraordinary!
At Ambler, we promote equality, challenge discrimination and recognise the positive value that comes from having a truly diverse workforce. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds who reflect the diverse community of our school.
Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 4 October 2026 Short-listing: Week beginning 5 October 2026 Interviews: Week beginning 12 October 2026 Please apply online at https://jobs.islington.gov.uk/ If you need any assistance, please email office@ambler.islington.sch.uk quoting reference: AMB2606.
Ambler Primary School and Children's Centre is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, a barred list check, and satisfactory pre-employment references. An online search will be conducted on shortlisted candidates.
OPAL Play Coordinator in London employer: Islington Council
Islington Council is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in the housing sector. With a strong commitment to employee development and a hybrid working model, staff enjoy the flexibility of remote work while engaging directly with the community. The council prioritises ambitious delivery and effective governance, providing employees with meaningful opportunities to impact local housing initiatives positively.
