At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage and support children in fun, educational activities after school.
- Company: Thameside Primary School, dedicated to nurturing young minds.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, hands-on experience, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Perfect for students or anyone needing part-time work during term time.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Passion for working with children and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 8777 - 8777 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
Job details:
- Salary: £8,777 Per year
- Contractual hours: 15
- Basis: Part time
- Region: Term Time Only / Permanent / Part-Time
- Job category/type: Early Years Services, Education, Schools, Youth Work
- 15 Hours per week, Monday to Friday, Term time only
- Start date: September 2026
- Aftercare operates: 3.00pm – 6.00pm (3 hours per day)
We are looking for a passionate and creative Play Assistant to join our school‑run Wraparound Care Service. As a valued member of the Aftercare Team, you will gain hands‑on experience delivering a wide range of engaging, inclusive and participative childcare activities for children aged 4–12. If you are a student at university, this could be the job that suits you. Or, if you need to work between 3–6pm due to other commitments, this role offers a consistent, family‑friendly schedule that may fit perfectly around your day.
Our Play Assistants are enthusiastic, caring and committed to supporting children’s development throughout their time in Aftercare. This is a demanding but highly rewarding role, ideal for someone who enjoys working with children and, ideally, has some relevant experience. You should be self‑motivated, have strong communication skills and be able to engage positively with children of all ages.
Your responsibilities include:
- Plan and deliver safe activities with groups of children from all class ranges
- Engage with children encouraging them to participate in activities to promote learning and social development
- Support children on a 1:1 basis who have complex needs (if required)
- Encourage fair and caring behaviour among the children
- Support with managing behaviour in line with school policies
- Supporting the enactment of Health and Safety requirements as directed
- Encourage independence and self-esteem
- Ensure safety and safeguarding procedures are adhered to ensure children are kept safe
- Assist with food preparation for serving afterschool tea/snacks
- Complete various training courses including Food Hygiene and Child Safeguarding
You can download an application pack from our website: www.thameside.reading.sch.uk (Go to: About Us → Come & Work for Us!) Or email sbm@thameside.reading.sch.uk to request a pack. The school is committed to safeguarding children and is an equal opportunity provider. All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure. Closing date for applications is: 9th July 2026 but interviews will be offered on receipt of strong applications.
After School Club Play Assistant - Thameside Primary School in Reading employer: Reading Borough Council
Thameside Primary School is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and nurturing environment for those passionate about working with children. With a family-friendly schedule and opportunities for personal growth through training in areas like Food Hygiene and Child Safeguarding, our After School Club Play Assistants can make a meaningful impact while enjoying a rewarding work-life balance. Join us in fostering children's development in a vibrant school community that values creativity and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land After School Club Play Assistant - Thameside Primary School in Reading
✨Get Involved in Online Communities
Dive into online forums and communities centred around digital learning and education, like EdTech chats on Twitter or groups on LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions and sharing your insights can help build your visibility and credibility in the sector.
✨Attend EdTech Meetups and Workshops
Look for local meetups or workshops focused on digital education trends. Not only do they enable us to learn about the latest in the field, but they’re also great networking opportunities to meet potential employers like Reading Borough Council or other educators who might know about upcoming part-time roles.
✨Leverage Your University’s Resources
If you’re currently studying, make sure to tap into your university's career services. They often have connections with local businesses in the education space, plus they can help us uncover part-time job openings that aren't widely advertised.
✨Showcase Your Skills through Projects
Create a portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or experiences in digital learning. Whether it's designing a learning module or contributing to an e-learning platform, having tangible examples will catch the eye of hiring managers at Reading Borough Council.
We think you need these skills to ace After School Club Play Assistant - Thameside Primary School in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Experience in Digital Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning like the After School Club Play Assistant - Thameside Primary School at Reading Borough Council, make sure to showcase any prior experience you have in creating or managing online learning materials. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles, so don’t shy away from providing specific examples or projects you’ve worked on.
Showcase Relevant Skills and Tools:Mention any specific platforms or tools you’ve used in the digital learning space. For instance, if you're familiar with LMS (Learning Management Systems) or any authoring tools, include these in your CV. This demonstrates you’re not only passionate but also ready to hit the ground running at Reading Borough Council.
Express Your Passion for Education:In your cover letter, we really want to feel your enthusiasm for digital learning. Talk about your motivations for joining Reading Borough Council and how you hope to contribute to shaping the future of education. This is a part-time role, so highlighting your commitment and drive will go a long way!
Tailor Your CV to Stand Out:Adapt your CV specifically for the After School Club Play Assistant - Thameside Primary School role by aligning your experiences and skills directly with the job description. Use strong action verbs and bullet points, focusing on your contributions in previous roles. We appreciate a clear, concise format that makes it easy for us at Reading Borough Council to see why you’re a perfect fit.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Showcase Your Digital Savvy
In the digital learning and education space, being tech-savvy is crucial. Make sure to highlight any experience you have with e-learning platforms, learning management systems, or educational software during your interview. Think about specific examples of how you’ve used these tools to enhance learning experiences – this will show Reading Borough Council you’re already familiar with the landscape!
✨Prepare to Discuss Educational Theories
Expect questions related to educational methodologies or theories that underpin digital learning. Brush up on concepts like constructivism or blended learning and be ready to discuss how these can apply to real-world scenarios. The interviewers at Reading Borough Council will appreciate your understanding of the educational principles that drive effective learning.
✨Flexibility & Adaptability are Key
As this is a part-time role, demonstrate how you can manage your time effectively and adapt to the dynamic demands of the position. Share examples from past experiences where you successfully balanced multiple tasks while contributing to team projects. This will reassure Reading Borough Council that you’re not just a candidate but a reliable team member who can juggle responsibilities.
✨Portfolio and Samples Matter
Even for a part-time gig, having a portfolio of your work can really set you apart. If you've designed any e-learning modules, created educational content, or implemented any successful teaching strategies, make sure you can present those. Being ready with tangible examples from your past work will help you make a stronger case to Reading Borough Council about what you bring to the table.
