At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire play and adventure while creating safe, inclusive spaces for children.
- Company: Join Kids, a passionate organisation transforming lives for over 50 years.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, training opportunities, and a supportive team.
- Other info: Enjoy a variety of activities from arts & crafts to outdoor play.
- Why this job: Make a real impact this summer by helping children thrive and have fun.
- Qualifications: Empathy, creativity, and some experience with children or young people.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 16 £ per hour.
This summer, we’re looking for energetic, compassionate, and adaptable individuals to join our Hayward 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: Kids Adventure Playground, Market Road, Islington, London N7 9PL
- Contract: Sessional
- Salary: £14.80 / £16.59 (inc holiday pay)
- Dates: 20th July - 29th August. (including Mandatory Training wk. of 20th July)
- Interviews are planned to take place during May and June at the Playgrounds.
Summer Sessional Play Worker - Islington 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 Sessional Play Worker - Islington in London
✨Get Involved in Local Community Events
Dive into your local community! Attend social work fairs, community service events, or workshops that can help you connect with potential employers like Kids. This is a fantastic way to meet people in the field and get your foot in the door.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're a student or recent grad, hit up your university's career services to unlock seasonal internship opportunities in social work. They often have special listings or connections that could lead you directly to roles like the one at Kids.
✨Tap into Social Work Networks
Join social work groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. These communities often share job leads, seasonal opportunities, and even advice from experienced pros. You’d be surprised how much support you can get from people who’ve been in your shoes!
✨Highlight Seasonal Availability
When reaching out to hiring managers or applying for roles like Summer Sessional Play Worker - Islington at Kids, don’t forget to highlight your seasonal availability. Let them know you’re ready to jump in during peak times, as this can set you apart from other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace Summer Sessional Play Worker - Islington in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Compassionate Side:In social work, empathy and compassion are key. Your CV should reflect experiences where you've helped others, whether through volunteering, internships, or relevant coursework. Make sure to include any specific instances that demonstrate your ability to connect with people in challenging situations.
Show Off Your Relevant Qualifications:If you have certifications, training, or coursework related to social work, flaunt them! A seasonal role might require you to hit the ground running, so showcasing your qualifications can really set you apart. Don’t just list them; briefly mention how they’ve prepared you for practical situations.
Keep Your Intentions Clear:In your cover letter, make it crystal clear why you're excited about this seasonal role at Kids. Express your passion for social work and the impact you hope to make this season. This not only shows your motivation but also lets us see your fit with our mission and values.
Bring Your Unique Experience:Mention any unique experiences or perspectives you bring to the table—maybe you’ve worked with a specific community or tackled particular social issues. Tailoring your application to show how your grassroots experience aligns with what Kids values can make a big difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kids
✨Get Familiar with the Challenges
In social work, it's all about understanding the community you're serving. Brush up on current social issues and think of how they might come up in your interview. Be prepared to discuss real-world scenarios you might face in the role with examples of how you would handle them.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, you'll want to demonstrate your understanding of empathy and active listening. Consider sharing personal experiences that highlight your ability to connect with clients, especially in seasonal roles where you might be working with diverse populations in need of support.
✨Speak to Seasonal Considerations
Since this is a seasonal position, be ready to discuss your availability and how you can adapt quickly to the fluctuating needs of your community. Employers want to know you can jump in at peak times and remain resilient, so come prepared to talk about your flexibility and commitment.
✨Prepare Your Collaborations
Social work often involves collaborating with other professionals and organisations. Think about your past teamwork experiences and how you can contribute to an interdisciplinary approach. Mention any relevant partnerships or community initiatives you've been part of that could resonate with the team at Kids.
