At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fun and engaging play activities for children during lunchtime.
- Company: Join the supportive community at Pear Tree Community Junior School.
- Benefits: Enjoy a welcoming environment, training opportunities, and a focus on professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values trust, care, and growth.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's play and development every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with children is a plus; passion for play is essential.
The predicted salary is between 7672 - 8309 £ per year.
Pear Tree Community Junior School is seeking to appoint a committed and enthusiastic Play Leader to support high-quality play and positive experiences for pupils during lunchtime. This is a key role in helping to create a safe, engaging and inclusive environment where all children can enjoy and benefit from meaningful play.
Why Pear Tree?
- At Pear Tree, our values are simple but important: Trust. Care. Grow.
- Children are supported to become confident, curious and kind individuals.
- Staff are valued, developed and supported.
- A strong culture of teamwork, collaboration and professional development.
About the Role
As Play Leader, you will:
- Organise and supervise a range of high-quality play activities for pupils during lunchtime.
- Support and facilitate child-initiated play in line with the school’s play policy and OPAL principles.
- Help develop and sustain a vibrant lunchtime ‘Play Team’.
- Ensure a safe, inclusive and stimulating outdoor environment for all children.
- Set up and manage play equipment, including putting out and packing away resources.
- Promote positive behaviour, inclusion and engagement for all pupils.
- Support pupils’ wellbeing, social interaction and enjoyment of play.
- Provide first aid where required (training can be provided).
We are looking for someone who:
- Enjoys working with children and understands the importance of play in development.
- Has experience of supervising or working with children (desirable).
- Can build positive relationships and communicate effectively with pupils and staff.
- Is proactive, organised and able to work both independently and as part of a team.
- Can manage behaviour positively and consistently.
- Is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.
- Is willing to undertake relevant training, including first aid.
In return we offer:
- A welcoming and supportive school community.
- A motivated and professional staff team.
- Training and development opportunities, including OPAL play development.
- A positive and inclusive school environment.
- Opportunities to contribute to whole-school improvement.
Equality and diversity matters to us. If you think you’d be suited to one of our roles we’d love to hear from you regardless of age, disability status, ethnicity, gender, religion or sexuality. We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer and as such anyone who is registered disabled and meets the essential person specification criteria will be shortlisted for interview.
Playleader employer: Pear Tree Community Junior School
Pear Tree Community Junior School is an excellent employer that prioritises trust, care, and growth within a supportive and inclusive environment. As a Play Leader, you will be part of a dedicated team that values professional development and collaboration, ensuring that both staff and pupils thrive. With opportunities for training and a strong commitment to safeguarding and diversity, Pear Tree offers a fulfilling role where you can make a meaningful impact on children's lives during their playtime.
Contact Details:
Pear Tree Community Junior School Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Playleader
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school culture! Before your interview, check out Pear Tree Community Junior School's website and social media. Understanding their values of Trust, Care, and Grow will help you connect with the team and show you're a great fit.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your play activities! Think about how you would organise engaging play for the kids. Maybe even come up with a few fun games or activities to share during your interview. This shows you're proactive and ready to jump in!
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat about teamwork! Since collaboration is key at Pear Tree, prepare examples of how you've worked well with others in the past. Highlighting your ability to build positive relationships will definitely impress them.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the Pear Tree community. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Playleader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Play:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and the importance of play shine through. We want to see how you can contribute to creating a fun and engaging environment at Pear Tree!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in supervising or working with children. We love to see examples of how you've built positive relationships and communicated effectively in past roles.
Be Proactive and Organised:In your application, demonstrate your proactive nature and organisational skills. Share specific examples of how you've managed activities or resources in previous roles, as this will show us you're ready to take on the Play Leader role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Pear Tree Community Junior School
✨Know the Play Policy
Familiarise yourself with the school's play policy and OPAL principles. Understanding these will help you articulate how you can support child-initiated play and create a safe, engaging environment during your interview.
✨Show Your Passion for Play
Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve engaged children in play activities before. Highlight your enthusiasm for working with kids and how you understand the importance of play in their development.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key at Pear Tree, think of instances where you've successfully collaborated with others. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the vibrant lunchtime ‘Play Team’ and support your colleagues.
✨Prepare for Behaviour Management Questions
Expect questions about managing behaviour positively and consistently. Have a few strategies in mind that you've used in the past, and be ready to explain how you would handle various situations that may arise during playtime.
