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- Tasks: Support the Playground Manager and create engaging play opportunities for children and families.
- Company: Join a vibrant team dedicated to enriching children's play experiences.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, rewarding work, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Be a positive role model and help shape the play culture for young people.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for working with children.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 30000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- Support the Playground Manager in the day-to-day running of the playground, including oversight of staff, resources, site, health and safety, and safeguarding.
- Deputise for the Playground Manager in their absence, being the site responsible person, managing staff, attending meetings and ensuring quality service delivery.
- Deliver and engage children, young people and families in rich and varied play opportunities.
- Respond with empathy and perception to the play needs of children and young people.
- Recognise the responsibility of being a positive role model for young people, and the integrity and professionalism required to do that.
- Work respectfully with children and their families, responding positively to diversity and promoting a positive peer culture.
- Recognise the choice that young people make to engage with us, the privileged and unique relationships between young people and playworkers and build on these relationships whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
Skills
- Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt communication consistent with different levels of understanding, culture, background and preferences.
- Have safeguarding knowledge and experience to promote the welfare of children through robust safeguarding procedures with a contextual focus.
- A willingness to bring your own interests, skills, experiences and personality to enrich the play opportunities for children and young people.
- An empathic, inquisitive, and creative approach to engaging and working with children and young people as part of a small team.
- The ability to build positive, respectful relationships with children, young people and their families whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
- The skills to use relational and restorative practice, recognising that children communicate with a range of different behaviours and having an awareness of your own limitations.
- Knowledge and understanding of play and playwork, reflective practice and the importance of risk in play.
- The ability to meet the physical and mental demands of the role, acknowledging that the role can be as challenging as it is rewarding.
- The ability to deliver and engage children, young people and families in rich and varied play opportunities.
- To be approachable and interested in the children and their world, using relational authenticity to support this.
- To be able to work under pressure and manage conflict.
- High level numeracy, literacy and IT skills.
- To be able to work flexibly throughout the week, including on Saturdays and throughout school holidays across the service.
Deputy Playground Manager in England employer: Portsmouth City Council
Contact Detail:
Portsmouth City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Playground Manager in England
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the playground vibe! Spend some time visiting the site and observing how things run. This will help you understand the dynamics and give you a chance to connect with staff and families before your interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your communication skills! During interviews, be ready to share examples of how you've adapted your communication style to different audiences. This is key in engaging with children and their families effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Bring your personality to the table! Think about how your unique interests and experiences can enrich play opportunities. Be prepared to discuss this in your interview to show how you can contribute to the team.
✨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 you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference in the lives of children and young people.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Playground Manager in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Play: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with kids in the past and what play means to you. We want to see your personality and passion!
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. Highlight your communication skills, safeguarding knowledge, and any relevant experiences that demonstrate your ability to create a positive environment for children.
Be Professional Yet Approachable: While we love a friendly tone, remember to maintain professionalism in your written application. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. This shows us that you can balance being approachable with the integrity required for the 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. Plus, it makes the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Playground Responsibilities
Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Deputy Playground Manager. Be ready to discuss how you would support the Playground Manager in daily operations, manage staff, and ensure health and safety protocols are followed. Show that you understand the importance of safeguarding and how it impacts your role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Prepare examples of how you've adapted your communication style to connect with children, young people, and their families. Highlight your ability to build positive relationships while maintaining professional boundaries. This will demonstrate your strong interpersonal skills, which are crucial for this role.
✨Emphasise Your Empathy and Creativity
Think of specific instances where you've engaged children in play or responded to their needs with empathy. Share your creative ideas for play opportunities that cater to diverse backgrounds and interests. This will show that you can bring your personality into the role and enrich the play environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions about how you'd handle challenging situations, such as conflict management or responding to different behaviours from children. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, demonstrating your reflective practice and understanding of relational and restorative approaches.