At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children in a fun, safe environment with engaging play activities.
- Company: Join a vibrant after-school club dedicated to children's wellbeing and development.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for additional hours during school holidays.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on children's lives while having fun every day.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a passion for play and learning.
The Play Worker is responsible for supporting the delivery of a safe, stimulating, inclusive, and enjoyable play environment for children and young people attending the after-school club. The postholder will encourage participation in a range of recreational, creative, educational, and physical activities while promoting children's wellbeing, confidence, independence, and social development.
Desirable:
- Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Playwork, Childcare, Early Years, Youth Work, Education, Health & Social Care, or equivalent.
- Paediatric First Aid qualification.
- Safeguarding Children training.
- Experience supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
- Previous experience working in an after-school club, holiday club, school, nursery, or youth setting.
Key Responsibilities:
Childcare and Play Activities:
- Support the planning and delivery of engaging and age-appropriate play activities.
- Encourage children to participate in sports, arts and crafts, games, creative projects, educational activities, and outdoor play.
- Promote positive behaviour and respectful interactions among children.
- Support children in developing confidence, independence, communication, and social skills.
- Ensure activities are inclusive and accessible to all children, including those with SEND.
Safeguarding and Welfare:
- Promote and safeguard the welfare of all children and young people.
- Follow safeguarding policies and procedures at all times.
- Report any concerns regarding a child's welfare to the designated safeguarding lead.
- Maintain professional boundaries and act as a positive role model.
- Assist with recording incidents, accidents, and behavioural concerns where required.
Health and Safety:
- Ensure children's safety and wellbeing at all times.
- Support the implementation of health and safety procedures.
- Assist in carrying out activity risk assessments.
- Ensure play equipment and facilities are used safely.
- Administer basic first aid where trained and appropriate.
Supporting Children:
- Build positive and trusting relationships with children and young people.
- Encourage participation and inclusion for all attendees.
- Provide emotional support and reassurance where needed.
- Assist children with personal care needs where appropriate and in line with policies.
Parent and Carer Engagement:
- Greet parents and carers professionally.
- Communicate relevant information regarding children's attendance, wellbeing, and activities.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times.
Administration:
- Assist with maintaining attendance registers.
- Support the preparation and clearing away of activities and resources.
- Contribute to accurate record keeping where required.
- Ensure compliance with GDPR and confidentiality requirements.
Essential:
- Experience working with children and young people.
- Good understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team.
- Reliable, enthusiastic, and approachable manner.
- Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Ability to engage children in positive play experiences.
Other Requirements:
- Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List check.
- Right to work in the UK.
- Commitment to ongoing training and professional development.
- Flexibility to work additional hours during school holidays where required.
The Play Worker will be expected to carry out any other reasonable duties consistent with the role and the needs of the organisation.
Play Worker (After School Club & Nursery) in Romford employer: Raynet Recruitment
As a Play Worker at our After School Club & Nursery in Romford, you will join a supportive and inclusive team dedicated to creating a safe and engaging environment for children. We offer competitive pay, opportunities for professional development, and a culture that values creativity and collaboration, ensuring that every employee can contribute meaningfully to the wellbeing and growth of our young attendees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Worker (After School Club & Nursery) in Romford
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research their values and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can provide insider tips about the role and the company culture, which can give you an edge during the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to childcare and playwork. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the job description, especially around safeguarding and promoting children's wellbeing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the position. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Play Worker (After School Club & Nursery) in Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to our after-school club!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through! Share specific examples of how you've engaged kids in fun and educational activities, as this is key to the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your experiences and skills, so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
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 get the ball rolling on your journey to joining our fantastic team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Raynet Recruitment
✨Know Your Playwork Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of playwork principles and practices. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities of a Play Worker, especially around creating inclusive and engaging activities for children. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but that you understand what it takes to excel in it.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences working with children, especially in after-school or nursery settings. Highlight any relevant qualifications, like your Level 2 or 3 in Playwork or Childcare, and discuss how you've supported children with SEND. Real-life stories can make a big impact!
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
As a Play Worker, you'll need to communicate effectively with both children and parents. During the interview, practice clear and friendly communication. You might even want to role-play scenarios where you engage with children or handle parent inquiries to showcase your interpersonal skills.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Safeguarding is crucial in this role, so be prepared to discuss your understanding of child protection policies and procedures. If you have any training in safeguarding or first aid, mention it! Showing that you prioritise children's safety and wellbeing will definitely set you apart.
