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- Tasks: Engage with children, lead creative play activities, and ensure a safe environment.
- Company: Portsmouth City Council, dedicated to making a positive impact in the community.
- Benefits: Gain a Level 2 Playworker qualification while earning and learning.
- Why this job: Make a difference in children's lives through fun and imaginative play.
- Qualifications: Enthusiasm for working with children and good communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible hours, dynamic work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 800 - 1000 £ per month.
Fixed Term Contract for 18 months. Completing Level 2 Playworker qualification with JACE Training. 30 hours per week on an annualised hours contract usually working between 18 and 37 hours per week including weekends and evenings. Peak demand for service is during school holidays with no more than an equivalent of 5 days leave to be taken in the summer holidays and no more than an equivalent of 10 days leave to be taken in school holidays per leave year.
The Play and Youth Service boasts 6 unique Adventure Playgrounds in Portsmouth which are wild gems tucked away in the corners of the city. They are places for children to test themselves, be loud, be messy, be silly, be creative… all the stuff that children excel in. Our Adventure Playgrounds have huge climbing structures designed to challenge agility, balance and imagination, and many have been co‑designed and painted by the children themselves. There’s a whole host of exciting things for children to become involved in, including a variety of indoor and outdoor activities such as inventive games, sports, arts and crafts, creative and imaginative play, designed to challenge, delight and inspire. Our playgrounds are staffed by playworkers and are free of charge, free for children to come and go as they please and free for children to direct their own play experience.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, fun and friendly person who has the ability to engage with children and their families, is able to be proactive and meet the needs of the children on an adventure playground. You will be supporting activities for children aged 6‑13 at council‑run Adventure Playgrounds in the Portsmouth area. Activities include Arts & Crafts, Sports and other creative activities. You will be engaging and communicating with children from varying backgrounds as well as interacting with their parents and your own colleagues. You will also be responsible for ensuring the sites are a safe environment for children to play in and report any potential dangers.
What you’ll do at work:
- Assist with planning, preparing and delivering quality play opportunities within a safe and caring environment
- Helping to set up and lead a variety of play activities
- Consulting with children and involving them in planning activities
- Helping with administration, where necessary
- Undertaking appropriate and relevant training
- Keeping the work environment healthy, safe and secure
- Building positive, caring relationships with children
- Ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing at all times
- Learning from experienced practitioners while completing your apprenticeship training
Who is the person?
- Demonstrate an understanding for Safeguarding children in this role
- Be committed to active learning to support positive play opportunities for children
- Embed the play ethos and theory into daily practice, for gaining the L2 in Playwork
- Be self‑motivated and have enthusiasm to support creative activities for children
- Be able to relate to younger people
- Have good communication skills. You will be talking to a wide range of people including children, parents, and colleagues
- Be a team player who can work in small teams effectively
- Be flexible enough to be based in any of the play provisions throughout Portsmouth and the surrounding area
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
Playwork Apprentice – Portsmouth City Council employer: Jancett Childcare & JACE Training Limited
Contact Detail:
Jancett Childcare & JACE Training Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Playwork Apprentice – Portsmouth City Council
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the playgrounds! Visit the Adventure Playgrounds in Portsmouth and soak up the vibe. This will help you understand what makes them special and how you can contribute to the fun.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Kids love a good story, so think of creative ways to engage them during play sessions. This will show your enthusiasm and ability to connect with children.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to showcase your problem-solving skills! Think of examples where you've resolved conflicts or kept things fun and safe. This will come in handy when answering those tricky questions in your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Portsmouth City Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Playwork Apprentice – Portsmouth City Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Personal and Engaging: When answering the questions in your cover letter, make sure to share personal stories that highlight your experiences with children. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to be a bit creative and fun!
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills: For the second question about handling conflicts, think about how you can keep the play session going smoothly. We love to see candidates who can think on their feet, so share your ideas on how to resolve disputes while keeping everyone happy!
Highlight Your Team Spirit: Since this role involves working closely with others, mention any teamwork experiences you have. We’re looking for someone who can collaborate well with colleagues and engage positively with children and their families.
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 this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jancett Childcare & JACE Training Limited
✨Know Your Playwork Basics
Before the interview, brush up on the fundamentals of playwork. Understand the importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment for children. Be ready to discuss how you would apply these principles in real-life scenarios, especially when answering questions about handling conflicts or planning activities.
✨Share Your Experiences
When responding to the application questions, use specific examples from your past experiences. Whether it's helping friends with a creative project or managing a group activity, highlight how you ensured everyone felt included and safe. This will show your understanding of the role and your ability to engage with children.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in this role. During the interview, practice clear and friendly communication. Show that you can engage with both children and adults. You might even want to prepare a few questions to ask the interviewer about their approach to playwork, which demonstrates your interest and enthusiasm.
✨Emphasise Teamwork and Flexibility
The role requires working in small teams and being flexible across different playgrounds. Be prepared to discuss your experiences working in teams and how you adapt to new environments. Highlight any relevant experiences where you’ve had to be proactive and supportive of your colleagues and the children.
