1 Year Fixed Term Contract
(Extension subject to funding)
Rugby Borough Council is dedicated to both Community and Colleague growth. With a focus on wellbeing and personal development, we offer a range of career opportunities where you can take pride in the positive changes you help create. Join an organisation committed to the success of one of the Country’s fastest-growing boroughs and the people who make it thrive.
About the role
This role is part time 28 hours per week on a 1 year Fixed Term Contract.
Motivated and passionate about improving children’s health, wellbeing, and resilience, you will take a lead role within the Play Ranger team to develop and deliver engaging play opportunities for children and young people across Rugby Borough, in line with the Borough Play Strategy and the Council’s Corporate Strategy.
Reporting to and working closely with the Play Development Officer, you will help shape and develop the Play Ranger service, bringing forward ideas from the wider Play Ranger team and supporting the development of new initiatives and projects. You will take responsibility for planning and developing the daily play activity programme across schools, Activity Dens, Outreach sessions, holiday provision and borough-wide events, including the continued development of the Playhem model of activity.
Play sessions are delivered throughout term time and holiday periods within parks, green spaces, schools, woodland settings, and community venues, including after-school provision and evening youth clubs. You will provide strong on-the-ground leadership during sessions, directing staff where they are needed, supporting colleagues in their practice and ensuring play opportunities are safe, inclusive, engaging in both Play Ranger led workshops and child-led play focussed sessions.
You will also contribute to the ongoing improvement of the service by identifying opportunities for new provision and supporting the Play Development Officer with monitoring, evaluation and reporting. The role includes creating activities, completing administrative tasks such as risk assessments, communicating with schools, partners and participants, maintaining accurate participation records, supporting report content, and helping to manage activity resources with an understanding of the Play Development budget.
Within this programme you will also support our Woodland Wanderers provision both in schools and during holiday periods. Taking place in woodland spaces, school grounds and parks, an understanding of Forest School principles, a Forest school leader qualification and/or experience with outdoor explorative play would be desirable.
About youYou will have experience of working with children and a good understanding of child-led play, with the ability to develop and adapt activities to meet the needs and interests of different age groups and communities.You’ll have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to lead and support a team during live play sessions, clearly directing staff and helping colleagues develop their practice. You will also be able to build positive relationships with children, young people, schools, families, community groups and partner organisations.You will be creative, resourceful and able to turn ideas into engaging play opportunities, while being confident contributing to the development of new projects and initiatives. You will understand the importance of listening to children, communities and colleagues and using their ideas and feedback to help shape the future of the service.Alongside this you’ll be organised and able to balance practical delivery with planning, administration, risk assessments, communication, monitoring and resource management. You will have a good understanding of safeguarding and child protection and be committed to creating safe, inclusive and enriching play environments.An understanding of Forest School principles and outdoor play would be desirable.Your own transport, with the ability to carry equipment to various locations is essential.This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure under the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Benefits
- 35 days annual leave (including 8 Bank Holidays and 3 extra days normally applied at Christmas) - Pro rata
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
- Annual leave purchase scheme
- Structured Induction Program
- Learning and Development opportunities including Future Leaders programmes
- Payment of a professional subscription for approved professionals
- Family Friendly Policies
- Independent Support for your health & wellbeing
- Generous compassionate leave
- Extra Benefits including Retail Discounts, Cycle to Work scheme and more
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Lead Play Practitioner – Play Ranger Team
Company: Rugby Borough Council Salary: £26,847 to £29,071 a year, pro rata Hours: Part-time Location: Rugby, CV21 2RR Working pattern: On-site Job type: Contract Posting date: 12 Nov 2026 Closing date: 29 Nov 2026
Summary
Lead Play Practitioner – Play Ranger Team
£26,847 - £29,071 (£20,316 - £21,999 pro rata)
Part Time 28 hrs per week
1 Year Fixed Term Contract
(Extension subject to funding)
Rugby Borough Council is dedicated to both Community and Colleague growth. With a focus on wellbeing and personal development, we offer a range of career opportunities where you can take pride in the positive changes you help create. Join an organisation committed to the success of one of the Country’s fastest-growing boroughs and the people who make it thrive.
About the role
This role is part time 28 hours per week on a 1 year Fixed Term Contract.
Motivated and passionate about improving children’s health, wellbeing, and resilience, you will take a lead role within the Play Ranger team to develop and deliver engaging play opportunities for children and young people across Rugby Borough, in line with the Borough Play Strategy and the Council’s Corporate Strategy.
Reporting to and working closely with the Play Development Officer, you will help shape and develop the Play Ranger service, bringing forward ideas from the wider Play Ranger team and supporting the development of new initiatives and projects. You will take responsibility for planning and developing the daily play activity programme across schools, Activity Dens, Outreach sessions, holiday provision and borough-wide events, including the continued development of the Playhem model of activity.
Play sessions are delivered throughout term time and holiday periods within parks, green spaces, schools, woodland settings, and community venues, including after-school provision and evening youth clubs. You will provide strong on-the-ground leadership during sessions, directing staff where they are needed, supporting colleagues in their practice and ensuring play opportunities are safe, inclusive, engaging in both Play Ranger led workshops and child-led play focussed sessions.
You will also contribute to the ongoing improvement of the service by identifying opportunities for new provision and supporting the Play Development Officer with monitoring, evaluation and reporting. The role includes creating activities, completing administrative tasks such as risk assessments, communicating with schools, partners and participants, maintaining accurate participation records, supporting report content, and helping to manage activity resources with an understanding of the Play Development budget.
Within this programme you will also support our Woodland Wanderers provision both in schools and during holiday periods. Taking place in woodland spaces, school grounds and parks, an understanding of Forest School principles, a Forest school leader qualification and/or experience with outdoor explorative play would be desirable.
Essential requirements
About youYou will have experience of working with children and a good understanding of child-led play, with the ability to develop and adapt activities to meet the needs and interests of different age groups and communities.You’ll have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to lead and support a team during live play sessions, clearly directing staff and helping colleagues develop their practice. You will also be able to build positive relationships with children, young people, schools, families, community groups and partner organisations.You will be creative, resourceful and able to turn ideas into engaging play opportunities, while being confident contributing to the development of new projects and initiatives. You will understand the importance of listening to children, communities and colleagues and using their ideas and feedback to help shape the future of the service.Alongside this you’ll be organised and able to balance practical delivery with planning, administration, risk assessments, communication, monitoring and resource management. You will have a good understanding of safeguarding and child protection and be committed to creating safe, inclusive and enriching play environments.An understanding of Forest School principles and outdoor play would be desirable.Your own transport, with the ability to carry equipment to various locations is essential.This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure under the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Benefits
- 35 days annual leave (including 8 Bank Holidays and 3 extra days normally applied at Christmas) - Pro rata
- Generous Local Government Pension Scheme
- Annual leave purchase scheme
- Structured Induction Program
- Learning and Development opportunities including Future Leaders programmes
- Payment of a professional subscription for approved professionals
- Family Friendly Policies
- Independent Support for your health & wellbeing
- Generous compassionate leave
- Extra Benefits including Retail Discounts, Cycle to Work scheme and more
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
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Lead Play Practitioner – Play Ranger Team in Rugby employer: Rugby Borough Council
Rugby Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises both community impact and employee wellbeing. With a strong commitment to personal development, we offer extensive career opportunities, hybrid working options, and a supportive work culture that fosters growth and collaboration. Join us in making a meaningful difference in one of the UK's fastest-growing boroughs while enjoying generous benefits such as 35 days of leave, learning programmes, and family-friendly policies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Play Practitioner – Play Ranger Team in Rugby
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Rugby Borough Council often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rugby Borough Council
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Rugby Borough Council. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Rugby Borough Council.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Rugby Borough Council.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Rugby Borough Council.
