At a Glance
- Tasks: Support play schemes for children aged 5-18, including arts, crafts, and outdoor activities.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Hounslow, a diverse council dedicated to excellent community services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, creative work environment, and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while working in a fun, inclusive atmosphere.
- Qualifications: Experience with children/young people is essential; understanding of SEND is a plus.
- Other info: Enhanced DBS check required; interviews start week of 7th July 2025.
About Us At Hounslow
We’d love you to join us at the London Borough of Hounslow! Our people are deeply committed to providing excellent services to our residents, doing all we can to make lives as good as they can be.
We are an outstanding council, serving an outstanding borough.
With brilliant, visionary leadership, a dynamic Cabinet and a can-do culture, we’ve built strong partnerships which have transformed how we serve one of London’s most diverse boroughs. Hounslow is the world in one place and full of potential. We are stepping up for our residents like never before.
About Our Commitment To Diversity And Inclusion
We live by five core values: Lead with Heart, Do New, Pass on the Power, Harness the Mix and Be a Rock. All our work has equality, diversity and inclusion at its very heart, best articulated in “Harness the Mix”. It\’s about breaking down barriers between our parts and people and unlocking the problem-solving power of our amazing mix of minds. We serve a diverse community, we have a diverse workforce and we are committed to being an inclusive employer.
We work hard to create representation across our workforce and leadership community, we have thriving employee network groups and our learning and development programmes help us lead, model and breathe ways of working that eliminate inequality, inequity, injustice and bias.
As part of this and under our commitments as a Disability Confident Employer, we make reasonable adjustments to accommodate our candidates. There’s space for you to tell us what you need within our application form.
Our Benefits
About The Role
Hounslow Play Service runs a number of services at Redlees Play Centre in Isleworth and Reflections in Bedfont. These include a One O’Clock Club at Redlees for the under 5s as well as summer play schemes for children and young people aged 5-18, run from both sites.
Our service enables children and young people, including those with disabilities, to participate in arts and crafts, outdoor activities, sports and games and local trips/outings within the community.
We are looking for creative and resourceful sessional play workers who enjoy working with children and young people, to support the running of these schemes. There are opportunities throughout the year.
About The Team You’ll Be Working In
Hounslow Play Service runs play provision for children and young people at Redlees in Isleworth and Reflections in Bedfont. Our schemes are popular with local families and we aim to provide a play environment that is interesting and stimulating for all ages and abilities. Our sessional play workers report to the centre co-ordinator or team leader.
About You
We are looking for individuals who have had previous experience of working with children and/or young people aged 5 – 18. This could be in a paid or voluntary capacity. They must really enjoy working with this age group and the challenges that it can bring. Most of all, we welcome candidates who are able to provide play opportunities that are interesting and engaging to children and young people of all abilities. Given the nature of the role, we would expect candidates to have an understanding of how to keep children and young people safe at all times.
If the points below resonate with you, we’d love you to put in an application:
- Ability to work with children/young people and have an understanding of how to support those with SEND.
- Ability to build relationships with the children/young people and other members of the team.
- Ability to understand when to raise issues of concern with supervisor.
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality with children/young people and your team.
Qualifications
Experience of working with children and young people – paid or unpaid.
Essential For The Role
Enhanced DBS
Read more about the work you’ll be doing in the Role Profile.
When Interviews Will Be Held And Who To Contact
The key information you need about the role should be in the role profile, but if you have any further questions about the role, please contact:
Email:
Interviews for this job will be held during week commencing 7th July 2025.
Email:
Interviews for this job will be held during week commencing 7th July 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Sessional Play Worker employer: London Borough of Hounslow
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Hounslow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sessional Play Worker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Hounslow's core values, especially 'Harness the Mix'. During your interactions, whether in interviews or networking, highlight how your experiences align with these values and demonstrate your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your creativity and resourcefulness by preparing examples of engaging activities you've led or participated in with children and young people. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can contribute positively to the play environment.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Hounslow Play Service. They can provide insights into the team culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when tailoring your approach during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your understanding of safeguarding practices. Given the nature of the role, being able to articulate how you would ensure the safety and well-being of children and young people will demonstrate your readiness for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Sessional Play Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Sessional Play Worker. Highlight your relevant experience with children and young people, especially those with SEND.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect your experience working with children and young people. Include specific examples that demonstrate your ability to create engaging play opportunities and maintain safety.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for working with children and your understanding of their needs. Mention how you align with Hounslow's core values, particularly around diversity and inclusion.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have any qualifications related to child development or safeguarding, make sure to mention them in your application. Also, note your Enhanced DBS status as it is essential for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Hounslow
✨Show Your Passion for Working with Children
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and young people during the interview. Share specific examples of your previous experiences, whether paid or voluntary, that highlight your ability to engage and support this age group.
✨Demonstrate Understanding of Inclusivity
Since Hounslow values diversity and inclusion, be prepared to discuss how you can create an inclusive environment for all children, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Mention any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to inclusivity.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations with children. Think about past experiences where you successfully managed conflicts or supported a child in need, and be ready to share these stories.
✨Highlight Your Teamwork Skills
As a sessional play worker, you'll be part of a team. Emphasise your ability to build relationships with colleagues and collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked well in a team setting, especially in environments focused on child development and safety.