At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in fun and engaging play activities.
- Company: Join Norwood, the oldest Jewish charity in the UK, making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, full training, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and strong communication skills required.
Job Description
Activity Playworker
Location: The Hub, Finchley N3 3ED
Hours: Bank, Zero Hours
Contract: Permanent
Hourly Rate: £13.00 per hour
About the Role
Are you caring, patient, and motivated to make a positive difference for children and young people with additional needs?
Join our friendly Unity team as an Activity Playworker, where you’ll help create safe, inclusive and engaging play experiences for children and young people who attend our school holiday programmes and weekend clubs.
You’ll be part of a vibrant team that brings joy, creativity and care to every day. Helping each child develop confidence, friendships and new skills. You will be provided with full training to help you reach your full potential and gain the skills needed to support the children and young people who attend Unity.
Whether you’ve worked with children with disabilities before or are looking for a new challenge, we look forward to welcoming you into our enthusiastic and dedicated team!
About Our Children & Family Services
Norwood’s Children and Family Services support children and young people who are neurodiverse or have disabilities and their families to live happy, confident and connected lives.
We provide a range of therapeutic, practical and emotional support, including short breaks, family activities, and play schemes like Unity.
Everything we do is shaped around the individual: their interests, needs and potential. Whether it’s through play, care or learning, we believe every child should have the chance to be themselves, have fun, and thrive.
About Norwood
Founded in 1795, Norwood is the oldest Jewish charity in the UK. We support and empower neurodiverse children and their families and people with neurodevelopmental disabilities to live their best lives.
At Norwood, you’ll make a real difference every day. You’ll be part of a supportive and inclusive team, guided by values of kindness, respect, empowerment and belonging. We invest in your growth, care about your wellbeing, and give you the pride of knowing your work changes lives.
Your Day-to-Day
- Support children and young people with have neuro developmental disabilities attending the school holiday schemes and weekend clubs.
- Create a fun, inclusive and engaging environment where children and young people feel safe, valued and free to express themselves through play.
- Use a personalised approach (based on information provided in a care plan) to ensure that their needs are met and they are supported to communicate in their preferred method (Speech, Makaton, Gestures, Symbols, etc.)
- Assist with personal care where required such as toileting, eating, drinking. Some of the children and young people we support have complex medical needs and require additional support to meet their basic needs; full training is provided.
- Ensure all activities meet health and safety standards and safeguarding expectations.
- Work collaboratively with other team members to plan and deliver high-quality experiences.
- Communicate effectively with the Service Manager, colleagues, and parents/carers to share updates or concerns.
- Help set up and tidy activity areas before and after sessions.
- Attend team meetings, debriefs and training sessions to continuously improve practice.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential:
- Experience working with children or young people.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Flexible and creative thinking, willing to adapt quickly to situations and go with the flow.
- Awareness of Health & Safety and safeguarding.
- Must be aged 18 or older.
Desirable:
- Experience supporting children or young people with disabilities.
- Understanding of neurodiversity and neurodevelopmental disabilities or a willingness to learn.
- QCF Level 2 (or equivalent) in childcare or a related subject.
- Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, the Jewish community.
Reward & Benefits
- Be part of a passionate, supportive team making a real difference in children’s lives.
- Flexible, rewarding work that fits around your availability.
- Full induction, supervision, and training provided.
- Opportunities to develop skills in childcare, inclusion, and support work.
- Access to Norwood’s wellbeing and employee support resources.
Activity Playworker (Bank - Zero Hours) in London employer: Norwood
At Norwood, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of neurodiverse children and their families. Our vibrant team culture fosters kindness, respect, and empowerment, ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported. With flexible working hours, comprehensive training, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, joining us as an Activity Playworker means becoming part of a community that truly cares about your wellbeing and development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Activity Playworker (Bank - Zero Hours) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, check out Norwood's website and social media. Understanding their values will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your storytelling skills! Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've made a positive impact on children or young people. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about working at Norwood. They might share valuable insights that can give you an edge in your application process.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you're serious about joining the Unity team and making a real difference in children's lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Activity Playworker (Bank - Zero Hours) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see how motivated you are to make a positive difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially if you've worked with children or young people before. We love seeing how your background aligns with the role of an Activity Playworker.
Be Yourself:Don’t be afraid to let your personality come through in your application. We value authenticity and want to know what makes you unique and how you can contribute to our vibrant team.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Norwood
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Activity Playworker. Familiarise yourself with the needs of children with additional needs and think about how you can create a fun and inclusive environment for them.
✨Show Your Passion
During the interview, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about why you want to work with children and how you can make a positive difference in their lives. Share any relevant experiences that highlight your caring and patient nature.
✨Be Ready to Adapt
Flexibility is key in this role. Prepare examples of times when you've had to think on your feet or adapt to changing situations. This will show that you're ready to go with the flow and meet the diverse needs of the children you'll be working with.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they support staff wellbeing. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
