At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fun and engaging play experiences for children with complex needs.
- Company: Join a supportive school dedicated to inclusive education.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, training opportunities, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Opportunity to grow within a caring community focused on equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of children's development and well-being in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Playwork or relevant experience with children.
The predicted salary is between 21500 - 24500 £ per year.
Oakwood School is a specialist provision for children and young people aged 3-15 years with complex educational needs.
Role Overview
Reporting to the Head of School, the Playworker is responsible for providing self‑directed play experiences across school premises, ensuring children’s secure, inclusive, and stimulating environments.
Key Responsibilities
- Carry out playwork and facilitate free play in lunchtimes, school playgrounds, after‑school sessions and curriculum time outside of lessons.
- Establish, plan, prepare and implement play opportunities based on children’s requests.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships with children, young people and their families.
- Apply safeguarding, health, safety and emergency procedures to protect all participants.
- Support disabled children and young people in the play environment through tailored planning and practice.
- Contribute to the provision of food and drink, and manage administrative tasks including financial transactions and record keeping.
- Support travel and supervision outside the school play environment.
- Reflect on practice and contribute to the wider playwork team’s development.
Qualifications and Skills
- NVQ Level 2 in Playwork or equivalent qualification/experience.
- Experience working with or caring for children in the relevant age groups.
- Familiarity with and commitment to Playwork principles.
- Awareness of equality of opportunity and inclusive practice.
- Ability to promote and support freely chosen, self‑directed play.
- Strong safeguarding, health‑safety and emergency procedures knowledge.
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building with children, families, colleagues.
- Capability to support disabled children and young people.
- Pay range: Grade 3 SCP 4‑6
- Equality and Diversity
The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults, mandating enhanced DBS checks and references for all appointments.
The Trust is also committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion, welcoming applications from all sections of the community.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
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Playworker in Brownhills employer: Oakwood School
Oakwood School is an exceptional employer that values flexibility and work-life balance, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the governance of our educational community. With a supportive work culture and a commitment to professional development, we empower our staff to grow while making a meaningful impact during term-time hours. Join us in Horley, where your organisational skills will be appreciated, and your contributions will help shape the future of our students.
