At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fun activities for kids aged 6-13 at our Adventure Playground.
- Company: Join a vibrant council-run playground dedicated to creativity and community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Other info: Flexible hours across various Adventure Playgrounds in the area.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by creating joyful experiences for children and families every day.
- Qualifications: Must be 16+, with enthusiasm for working with children; experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Working Hours: 30 hours per week on annualised contract with a rota between 18 and 37 hours per week, including weekends and evenings. Peak demand during school holidays. Service open Monday to Saturday.
Location: Any of our 6 Adventure Playgrounds between PO1 - PO6.
Closing Date: 30/06/2026
Job Category: Housing
Region / Division: UK Region
Directorate: Housing, Neighbourhood & Building Services
Job Introduction
Are you passionate about creating unforgettable experiences for children and families? Join our dynamic team at a council‑run Adventure Playground, where each day is packed with creativity, energy, and fun! As a Playground Activity Leader, you’ll organise and deliver a wide range of activities for children aged 6 to 13, from arts and crafts to sports, games, and imaginative play.
You’ll engage with children from diverse backgrounds, build positive relationships with families, and work closely with teammates to create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe play environment. You’ll also support maintenance and report safety hazards, and help develop the playground space to reflect local children’s needs, following PCC policies and procedures.
Responsibilities
Organise and run activities for children aged 6‑13 and families on each Adventure Playground. Communicate with children, parents, and colleagues. Ensure sites remain safe and report hazards. Support the development of play facilities in line with PCC policies.
Qualifications & Requirements
- Age 16 or over.
- Experience or ability to relate to children aged 6‑13; prior work with children is an advantage.
- Self‑motivated with enthusiasm for physical and creative activities.
- Ability to manage conflict and work under pressure.
- Strong communication skills with a wide range of people.
- Accurate spoken English.
- Team player capable of working in small teams.
- Understanding of safeguarding children.
- Knowledge of relevant health and safety regulations.
- Enthusiastic about building play structures, physically capable of associated tasks.
- Qualification in Play Work advantageous (not essential).
- Flexibility to work across all Adventure Playgrounds.
- Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced Level required before offer.
- Right to work in the UK required.
Playworker in Portsmouth employer: Portsmouth City Council
Join our vibrant team at Portsmouth City Council's Adventure Playground, where we prioritise creativity, inclusivity, and the joy of play for children aged 6 to 13. As a Playworker, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that values your contributions, offers opportunities for personal growth, and allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community. With a focus on safety and collaboration, you'll help shape a fun and engaging environment while building lasting relationships with families and colleagues alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Playworker in Portsmouth
✨Tip Number 1
Show your passion for working with children by volunteering at local schools or community centres. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to creating fun and engaging activities.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with other playworkers or professionals in the field. Attend workshops or community events related to child development and playwork, as this can help you gain insights and make valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Familiarise yourself with Portsmouth City Council's policies and procedures regarding child safety and safeguarding. Understanding these guidelines will not only prepare you for the role but also show your potential employers that you take these responsibilities seriously.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your creativity during the interview process. Think of unique activity ideas that you could implement at the Adventure Playground, as this will highlight your enthusiasm and ability to engage children in fun and educational ways.
We think you need these skills to ace Playworker in Portsmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and skills required for the Playworker position. This will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you have previous experience working with children, make sure to emphasise this in your CV and cover letter. Include specific examples of activities you've organised or participated in that relate to the role.
Show Your Passion:Express your enthusiasm for working with children and creating fun experiences in your application. Use engaging language to convey your excitement about the role and how you can contribute to the Adventure Playground.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Show Your Passion for Play
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and creating fun experiences. Share any relevant stories or examples from your past that highlight your creativity and ability to engage kids in activities.
✨Demonstrate Communication Skills
Since you'll be interacting with children, parents, and colleagues, it's crucial to showcase your communication skills. Practice explaining activities clearly and engagingly, as well as how you would handle conversations with parents about their children's experiences.
✨Highlight Teamwork Experience
Being a team player is essential for this role. Prepare examples of how you've successfully worked in teams before, especially in high-pressure situations. This will show that you can collaborate effectively with others to create a safe and enjoyable environment.
✨Understand Safeguarding and Health & Safety
Familiarise yourself with safeguarding principles and health and safety regulations related to working with children. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure a safe play environment and respond to potential hazards during your interview.
