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- Tasks: Lead a passionate team to deliver high-quality play services for children in Camden.
- Company: Join PACE, a local charity dedicated to inclusive play services for kids aged 2-18.
- Benefits: Enjoy the London Living Wage, flexible leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on children's health and well-being while fostering a supportive team culture.
- Qualifications: Must have a Level 3 qualification in early years, childcare, or playwork and management experience.
- Other info: This role promotes from within and values diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for an outstanding Senior Playcentre Manager to join the team at our Camden Square Playcentre in the heart of Camden Town.
The Senior Playcentre Manager will contribute to the day-to-day operations of Out of School Childcare & Play services at Camden Square Playcentre. Your responsibilities will be to create and retain a happy and committed staff team, lead them in delivering high quality play services that promote the children’s health and well-being, and assist in development of new projects and services. As an experienced playwork manager you will work effectively with stakeholders and develop positive relationships with parents/carers.
In return, we are offering the following package to the right candidate:
Reporting to: Head of Operational Development
Direct Reports: Deputy/SENCo, Playworkers, sessional staff, volunteers, interns and placement workers
Hours: 35 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
The Person We Are Looking For:
The Play Centre Manager will take full responsibility for the operations at PACE’s Camden Square Play Centre. They will ensure that all services are delivered in a safe way in accordance with all legal and regulatory requirements and support the delivery of the PACE policies. Their responsibilities will be to create and retain a happy and committed staff team, lead them in delivering high quality play services that promote the children’s health and well-being, and assist in development of new projects and services. As an experienced playwork manager you will work effectively with stakeholders and develop positive relationships with parents/carers.
To succeed in this role, you will have an appropriate early years, childcare, education or playwork qualification at Level 3 or above. You will also have experience managing staff and leading teams in delivering high-quality, inclusive play or childcare services.
You will be a team player with strong leadership and communication skills and be able to build positive relationships with people from all backgrounds, including service users, parents, staff and delivery partners. Additionally, you will be able to show us your knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, EYFS, Ofsted standards and relevant current legislation, as well as approaches for supporting children and young people with disabilities.
The Person We Are Looking For:
The Play Centre Manager will take full responsibility for the operations at PACE’s Camden Square Play Centre. They will ensure that all services are delivered in a safe way in accordance with all legal and regulatory requirements and support the delivery of the PACE policies. Their responsibilities will be to create and retain a happy and committed staff team, lead them in delivering high quality play services that promote the children’s health and well-being, and assist in development of new projects and services. As an experienced playwork manager you will work effectively with stakeholders and develop positive relationships with parents/carers.
To succeed in this role, you will have an appropriate early years, childcare, education or playwork qualification at Level 3 or above. You will also have experience managing staff and leading teams in delivering high-quality, inclusive play or childcare services.
You will be a team player with strong leadership and communication skills and be able to build positive relationships with people from all backgrounds, including service users, parents, staff and delivery partners. Additionally, you will be able to show us your knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, EYFS, Ofsted standards and relevant current legislation, as well as approaches for supporting children and young people with disabilities.
About PACE:
We are a local, grass-roots charity providing high quality, inclusive play services in Camden to children aged 2 -18 years.
Our team is what makes our work possible, and we look for passionate, experienced team members to ensure we deliver exceptional services to our community. In return, we offer our team an extensive package of benefits including:
- The London Living Wage
- 5% contribution to your pension
- flexible leave arrangements,
- ongoing professional development and training,
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Employee assistance programme.
Because our team is our most valuable asset, we like to have our staff grow with us and promote from within.
We are committed to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, and recruit team members in line with our policy statement on Equal Opportunities and Human Rights.
How to Apply
Send completed applications to
For more information or an informal discussion about the post call 020 7183 5120. Please note this post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service and satisfactory references.
PACE
020 7183 5120 Mary Terrace Mary Terrace , London , NW1 7LR
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Playcentre Manager PACE Deadline: 27 Jul 2025 employer: Kensington & Chelsea YPF
Contact Detail:
Kensington & Chelsea YPF Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Playcentre Manager PACE Deadline: 27 Jul 2025
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs and values of PACE. Understanding their commitment to high-quality, inclusive play services will help you align your experience and vision with theirs during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of PACE if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to manage a diverse team. Highlighting your successes in creating a positive work environment will resonate well with the hiring team.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current legislation and best practices in early years and childcare. Being able to discuss recent developments in safeguarding and EYFS standards will show your commitment to professional growth and the welfare of children.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Playcentre Manager PACE Deadline: 27 Jul 2025
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in playwork management, staff leadership, and delivering high-quality childcare services. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in creating a positive environment for both staff and children.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for working with children and your commitment to promoting their health and well-being. Mention your understanding of safeguarding, EYFS, and Ofsted standards, and how these relate to the role.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Provide examples of how you have successfully led teams in previous roles. Highlight your ability to build relationships with stakeholders, parents, and staff, as well as any initiatives you've implemented that improved service delivery.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a managerial role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kensington & Chelsea YPF
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Playcentre Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on how you motivated staff and created a positive work environment.
✨Understand Safeguarding and EYFS Standards
Make sure you're well-versed in safeguarding policies and the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) standards. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in your role and ensure compliance with Ofsted regulations.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
The role requires effective collaboration with parents, staff, and other stakeholders. Think of specific instances where you've built positive relationships and how that benefited your previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in a childcare setting. Practice responding to situations involving children’s health and well-being, as well as managing staff conflicts.
