At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fun activities and support children in a vibrant play environment.
- Company: Kids, transforming lives of disabled children for over 50 years.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, impactful work, training opportunities, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Join us from 21st July to 29th August in Hackney.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while having fun this summer.
- Qualifications: Empathy, creativity, and experience with children or young people.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 16 £ per hour.
About Us
For over 50 years, Kids has been transforming the lives of disabled children and young people by 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, form friendships, and enjoy safe, inclusive, and exciting activities.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead fun, creative, and engaging activities.
- Adapt play to suit individual needs and abilities.
- Encourage imagination, confidence, and participation.
- Follow safeguarding and health & safety procedures.
- Support risk assessments and safe practice.
- Build a welcoming and respectful environment.
- Offer personal care with dignity and sensitivity.
- Help with snacks and mealtimes.
- Support day‑to‑day needs with kindness and professionalism.
- Work collaboratively with the team.
- Communicate effectively with service users and colleagues.
- Take part in training and development opportunities.
Qualifications & Skills
- Empathy & Patience – calm, caring approach.
- Adaptability – ready for anything a busy play setting brings.
- Creativity & Energy – ideas to make every day fun.
- Positive Sense of Humour – brings 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.
Benefits
- 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 – arts & crafts, den building, bike activities, and more.
Location & Contract
Kids Adventure Playground, Spring Lane, Big Hill, Hackney, London E5 9HQ
Contract: Sessional
Dates: 21st July – 29th August (including 2 mandatory training days the week of 21st July)
Minimum days: 15, maximum: 28 over the play scheme.
Hours and pay: £14.80 – £16.59 per hour (seasonal, part‑time).
Summer Sessional Play Worker - Hackney in London employer: Kids
At Kids, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming the lives of disabled children and young people. Our inclusive work culture fosters creativity and collaboration, allowing you to make a real impact while developing valuable skills in a supportive environment. With flexible hours and a focus on personal growth, working at our Hackney location offers a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful activities that bring joy and confidence to every child.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Summer Sessional Play Worker - Hackney in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Kids and their mission to transform the lives of disabled children. This will help you connect your passion for inclusive play with their values during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your creativity! Think of fun, engaging activities you could lead and be ready to share them. This will demonstrate your adaptability and energy, which are key for a Summer Sessional Play Worker.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Role-play common scenarios you might face while working with children. Being friendly and clear is essential, so show us you can handle it with a positive sense of humour.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Summer Sessional Play Worker - Hackney in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let us see your enthusiasm for working with children and young people! Share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight your empathy, creativity, and energy. We want to know why you’re excited about this role!
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the key responsibilities and skills mentioned in the job description. Highlight your adaptability and teamwork spirit, as these are crucial for a Summer Sessional Play Worker.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use friendly language and avoid jargon. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and experiences.
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kids
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Summer Sessional Play Worker. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and think about how your skills in empathy, creativity, and teamwork can shine through. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences working with children or young people. Highlight any situations where you adapted activities to meet individual needs or created engaging play sessions. This will demonstrate your adaptability and creativity, which are crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Team Spirit
Since collaboration is key in this role, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or contributed to a positive environment. This will show that you value teamwork and can help create a welcoming space for everyone.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the types of activities you might lead or how the team supports each other. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if the environment aligns with your values.