Play Assistant: Flexible Hours & Training Path in Crieff

Play Assistant: Flexible Hours & Training Path in Crieff

Crieff Part-Time 16025 - 16740 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Perth and Kinross Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children's play and learning through creative activities in a safe environment.
  • Company: Join Perth & Kinross Council, where people are at the heart of everything we do.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, generous leave, and access to professional development.
  • Other info: Flexible working options and supportive management for a healthy work-life balance.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable childcare experience.
  • Qualifications: No prior qualifications needed; just a passion for working with children.

The predicted salary is between 16025 - 16740 £ per year.

Main Purpose of the Role

Working within Perth & Kinross Council is more than a job, it's about being part of an organisation that puts people at the heart of all we do and provides opportunities to make a real difference by enhancing every life we touch.

We currently have the following opportunity:

Play Assistant - PKC13792
£16,025 - £16,740 (18 Hours per week Term-time & 36 Hours per week during School holidays)
St Dominic's RC Primary School Wraparound Care, Crieff

Do you like working with children and want to make a difference? If so, an exciting opportunity has arisen for a Play Assistant at St Dominic's Wraparound Care, after school during term-time and holiday periods. This is an excellent opportunity for an individual to step into the profession and progress a career in childcare, gaining experience while being supported to gain a childcare qualification.

You would assist in the provision of high-quality care and a comprehensive range of appropriate stimulating and creative activities, for example arts and crafts, storytelling, den building, physical play and organising trips and outings appropriate to the needs and interests of the children in the service.

You would be expected to work closely with the Supervisor and as a member of the Wraparound Care Team and wider School Team contributing to children's learning and development within a safe and inclusive environment out with school hours in a registered childcare service.

A flexible approach to working conditions will be required; the contracted hours are 18 hours per week, term-time, between 2.30pm - 6pm and 36 hours on a rota basis during holiday periods.

Please note, we are currently unable to offer sponsorship for this post.

Skills & Experience Required

We are looking for an individual who has a genuine interest and commitment to working with children in a professional capacity within early learning or a childcare environment. The role is child focused which requires sensitivity, patience, and compassion along with a welcoming approach to generate a feeling of trust and safety for children and their family/carers. A genuine interest in the development of children and their wellbeing is essential and the important qualities are kindness, sensitivity, respectfulness, and good manners and to respect confidentiality at all times.

No entry qualifications are required, however you will be required and supported to work towards a recognised qualification listed by the Scottish Social Services Council. As a Play Assistant you will need to demonstrate a commitment to achieving the required qualification within the timescales set by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC). You will be supported to access the appropriate qualification financially.

You will be required to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) for Day Care of Children within 3 months of commencing employment and responsible for maintaining annual membership. The successful candidate will be supported to access further training both award bearing and continued professional development.

Working at Perth & Kinross Council

Our values and behaviours influence our work and support us in the delivery of our key priorities. In your application, and should you be invited to interview, you will be asked to describe situations that support the criteria required in the role and which also demonstrate our values and behaviours. Find out more about Perth & Kinross Council and you could soon be joining our team!

Here's what we can offer you:

  • A generous annual leave package
  • 6 days public holiday and an additional discretionary day
  • Eligibility to join our pension scheme
  • Family friendly and positive work/life balance policies such as Flexible Working, Maternity, Paternity & Adoption leave, time off for volunteering and our Wellbeing Framework
  • Access to a range of benefits
  • Paid SSSC annual membership for relevant positions

We recognise there can be benefits to flexible working and where individual jobs allow, we seek to support this. You are encouraged to discuss potential options with the recruiting manager, if this is of interest to you. A healthy work-life balance is important to us and we provide supportive management and, where possible, flexible working arrangements to help you achieve that balance. You will have access to training and support for continued professional development.

This role requires you to be registered with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC), if you are not yet registered, you can still apply, as long as you are willing to apply for registration within 3 months of starting with us and be registered within 6 months.

Next Steps

We would love to hear from you and would encourage you to get in touch with Elizabeth Hunter, Head Teacher on 01764 657800 or at st-dominics@ to find out more.

Click APPLY NOW

External candidates are required to provide contact details for 2 referees, including email addresses. One of these must be your current or most recent employer.

We welcome applications from everyone and as a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee to interview applicants who declare a disability and meet the essential requirements of the post. Please contact the hiring manager above or the Recruitment Team on (01738) 475555 or recruitment@ to discuss any reasonable adjustments. Appointments are based on evidence supplied during the selection process.

Diversity is important to us and although some of our jobs may be perceived to be traditionally gender specific, we welcome applications from everyone and would encourage you to apply if you meet the job requirements. That includes welcoming applications from former armed forces personnel/reservists. Many of the skills picked up during your military career could be transferred directly into a role with local government.

Working with children and/or protected adults is regarded as a regulated role and under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 you will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG Scheme update check. If you have lived overseas for a period of 12 months or more (continuous or total) within the last 10 years, an Overseas Criminal Record Check will be required. You will be required to provide this check.

A confirmed offer of employment and commencement in the post will be subject to the outcome of the above mentioned mandatory pre-employment checks (including references) and will also include eligibility to work in the UK, qualifications and fitness to undertake the post.

Play Assistant: Flexible Hours & Training Path in Crieff employer: Perth and Kinross Council

Perth & Kinross Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. With flexible working arrangements, generous leave packages, and a commitment to professional development, you will have the opportunity to grow your career in childcare while making a meaningful impact on the lives of children in Crieff. Join us to be part of a team that values kindness, respect, and community engagement.

Perth and Kinross Council

Contact Details:

Perth and Kinross Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Play Assistant: Flexible Hours & Training Path in Crieff

Tip Number 1

Get to know the organisation! Research Perth & Kinross Council and their values. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations and show how you align with their mission during interviews.

Tip Number 2

Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. This can give you insider info about the role and help you make a memorable impression before you even apply.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for the interview by thinking of examples that showcase your skills with children. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your experience effectively.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Perth & Kinross Council.

We think you need these skills to ace Play Assistant: Flexible Hours & Training Path in Crieff

Childcare Knowledge
Communication Skills
Sensitivity
Patience
Compassion
Creativity
Teamwork

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Working with Children:Make sure to highlight your genuine interest in childcare and working with kids. Share any relevant experiences or activities that demonstrate your commitment to creating a safe and fun environment for children.

Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific skills and qualities mentioned in the job description. This shows us that you’ve done your homework and are really interested in the role.

Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use simple language and avoid jargon. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t be afraid to let your enthusiasm show!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do!

How to prepare for a job interview at Perth and Kinross Council

Know Your Stuff

Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Play Assistant and what it entails. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities like providing high-quality care and engaging in creative activities with children. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.

Show Your Passion for Working with Children

During the interview, share specific examples of your experiences with children, whether through previous jobs, volunteering, or personal experiences. Highlight your patience, compassion, and ability to create a safe and welcoming environment. This will demonstrate that you have the right qualities for the role.

Emphasise Your Commitment to Professional Development

Since the role requires you to work towards a childcare qualification, express your eagerness to learn and grow in this field. Mention any relevant training or courses you’re interested in, and reassure them of your commitment to achieving the required qualifications within the set timescales.

Align with Their Values

Perth & Kinross Council values kindness, respect, and inclusivity. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs. Think of situations where you've demonstrated these qualities in your past experiences, as this will show that you're not just a good fit for the role, but also for their team culture.