At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fun activities and support children in a vibrant play environment.
- Company: Join Kids, a passionate organisation transforming lives for over 50 years.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and valuable training opportunities.
- Other info: Work in a supportive team and enjoy a variety of engaging play activities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact this summer while having fun and creating memories.
- Qualifications: Empathy, creativity, and a positive attitude; experience with children is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 16 £ per hour.
This summer, we’re looking for energetic, compassionate, and adaptable individuals to join our Wandsworth & Chelsea team as Sessional Play Workers — helping deliver unforgettable experiences for children and young people at our exciting setting. Make a difference. Create memories. Have a summer that matters.
About Us
For over 50 years, Kids has been transforming the lives of disabled children and young people. We’re passionate about creating inclusive spaces where every child can thrive, have fun, and be themselves.
Your Summer Role
As a Summer Sessional Play Worker, no two days are the same. You’ll play a vital role in helping children and young people:
- Build confidence and independence
- Form friendships and social skills
- Enjoy safe, inclusive, and exciting activities
What You’ll Be Doing
- Inspire Play & Adventure
- Lead fun, creative, and engaging activities
- Adapt play to suit individual needs and abilities
- Encourage imagination, confidence, and participation
- Create Safe, Inclusive Spaces
- Follow safeguarding and health & safety procedures
- Support risk assessments and safe practice
- Build a welcoming and respectful environment
- Provide Care & Support
- Offer personal care with dignity and sensitivity
- Help with snacks and mealtimes
- Support day-to-day needs with kindness and professionalism
- Be Part of a Great Team
- Work collaboratively and contribute to a remarkable team
- Communicate appropriately and effectively with service users and colleagues
- Take part in training and development opportunities
What We’re Looking For
You don’t need to know everything—we’ll support you—but you should bring:
- Empathy & Patience – A calm, caring approach
- Adaptability – Ready for anything a busy play setting brings
- Creativity & Energy – Ideas to make every day fun
- Positive Sense of Humour – bringing warmth and fun to Play sessions
- Resilience and Strong Work Ethic - reliability, and emotional resilience
- Non-Judgmental and Sensitive Approach – Respectful and compassionate
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Awareness – Commitment to Inclusive Practice
- Communication Skills – Friendly, clear, and supportive
- Team Spirit – Positive and collaborative
- Professionalism – Committed to safeguarding and best practice
- Effective Time Management and Working Under Pressure – Prioritise and responsive
- Over 18, with some experience working with children or young people
Bonus (but not essential)
- Experience working with children/young people with disabilities/additional needs and their families
- Understanding of play and child development
Why You’ll Love This Role
- Flexible Hours – Perfect for summer work, students, or alongside other commitments
- Make a Real Impact – Every day you’ll change lives for the better
- Training & Development – Build valuable skills for your future career
- Supportive Team – Work with people who genuinely care
- Variety & Fun – From Arts & Crafts to Den building to Bikes, you’ll experience all sorts of play
Further details
- Location: Lady Allen Adventure Playground, Chivalry Road, Wandsworth, London, SW11 1HT and Chelsea Adventure Playground, Royal Hospital, Royal Hospital Road, London SW3 4SR
- Contract: Sessional
- Salary: £14.80 / £16.59 (inc holiday pay)
- Dates: 20th July - 29th August. Applications may close early if we receive a high volume of responses, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Interviews are planned to take place during May and June at the Playgrounds.
Summer Play Worker - Wandsworth & Chelsea in London employer: Kids
Kids in Basingstoke is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and well-being of its staff while nurturing the development of young children. With a strong emphasis on play-based learning, our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and creativity, providing Early Years Practitioners with ample opportunities for professional development and meaningful engagement with families. Located in a vibrant community, we offer a competitive salary package along with bonuses, making it a rewarding place to build your career in early childhood education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Summer Play Worker - Wandsworth & Chelsea in London
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Kids, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Summer Play Worker - Wandsworth & Chelsea in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Kids. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Kids. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kids
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Kids.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Summer Play Worker - Wandsworth & Chelsea role at Kids, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Kids that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
