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: Experience variety in play and work with a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while having fun and building skills.
- Qualifications: Empathy, creativity, and a positive attitude are key.
The predicted salary is between 14 - 16 £ per hour.
We’re looking for energetic, compassionate, and adaptable individuals to join our Hayward team as a Sessional Play Worker—helping deliver unforgettable experiences for children and young people.
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 & 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
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 inclusive of mandatory training week of 20th July
Summer Play Worker: Flexible Hours & Inclusive Fun employer: Kids
At Kids, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that empowers our team to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible hours perfect for students and those seeking summer work, we provide comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that every employee can grow their skills while enjoying a fun and supportive environment. Join us at our Islington location, where creativity and compassion come together to create unforgettable experiences for all.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Summer Play Worker: Flexible Hours & Inclusive Fun
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Kids and their mission. Understanding their values and how they create inclusive spaces will help you connect with them during your chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your personality! When you’re in the interview, let your creativity and energy shine through. Share fun ideas for activities you’d love to lead and how you’d adapt them for different needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to discuss your experiences! Think about times when you’ve shown empathy, patience, or adaptability. Real-life examples will make your application stand out and show you’re the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Show your interest by asking about the team dynamics or training opportunities. It’s a great way to demonstrate your enthusiasm for being part of their supportive environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Summer Play Worker: Flexible Hours & Inclusive Fun
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through in your application. We want to see how much you care about creating fun and inclusive experiences for every child.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description. We love seeing how your unique background fits into our team!
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your writing. We’re looking for energetic and compassionate individuals, so show us who you are and why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to review your details and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Kids
✨Show Your Passion for Play
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and creating fun, inclusive experiences. Share specific examples of how you've engaged kids in activities before, as this will demonstrate your energy and creativity.
✨Highlight Your Adaptability
Since no two days are the same in this role, be ready to discuss how you handle unexpected situations. Think of a time when you had to adapt your approach on the spot and explain how you managed it while keeping the environment positive.
✨Emphasise Team Spirit
This position requires collaboration, so be prepared to talk about your experience working in teams. Share stories that showcase your ability to communicate effectively and support your colleagues, as well as how you contribute to a positive team atmosphere.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Inclusivity
Kids is all about creating inclusive spaces, so show that you understand the importance of equality and diversity. Discuss any relevant experiences you have had working with children from diverse backgrounds or those with additional needs, and how you ensured everyone felt included.
