At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with children, delivering fun and inclusive play activities in a safe environment.
- Company: Southwark Council, dedicated to enriching children's lives through play.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible hours, and the chance to make a real community impact.
- Why this job: Be a key player in shaping positive experiences for young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Passion for play, understanding of safeguarding, and ability to connect with diverse youth.
- Other info: Dynamic outdoor settings with opportunities for personal growth and community involvement.
The predicted salary is between 13 - 16 £ per hour.
Contract: Initial 3 months
Hours: 22 hours per week
Rate: £21 per hour (umbrella) (£16 PAYE an hour)
Location: Adventure Playgrounds across the London Borough of Southwark
About the Role
Southwark Council is seeking an enthusiastic and committed Play Worker to support the delivery of high-quality, inclusive play opportunities for children and young people aged 8–15 years (and up to 25 years for young people with SEND) across our Adventure Playgrounds.
You will play a key role in the day-to-day running of open-access play facilities, delivering engaging play opportunities across all Play Types, and supporting children and young people’s personal, social and emotional development in a safe, welcoming environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Work directly with children and young people to support their personal development through appropriate programmes of activities, services and facilities.
- Support the day-to-day operation of an open-access play facility, ensuring high-quality play opportunities are delivered safely and effectively.
- Plan, develop and deliver positive, enjoyable and stimulating activities that meet the needs and interests of children and young people.
- Support events and activities and supervise children and young people using play facilities.
- Actively involve children and young people through consultation, ensuring their voices inform programmes and service delivery.
- Maintain accurate records including registers, contacts, accident books, risk assessments, financial transactions, output data and basic reports.
- Organise and/or carry out basic maintenance tasks and support repairs and maintenance works, including the upkeep of adventure play structures in line with health and safety standards.
- Support fundraising and income-generation initiatives.
- Promote the play service and activities within the local community.
- Support and work alongside volunteers and trainees.
- Ensure council policies are followed in relation to equality, confidentiality, data protection, risk assessment and health and safety.
- Safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, following Southwark Safeguarding Children’s Board procedures.
- Participate in training and professional development as required.
- Undertake any additional duties appropriate to the role as requested by management.
About You
You will be passionate about play and child-centred practice, with the ability to engage positively with children and young people from diverse backgrounds. You will have a good understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and inclusive practice, and be confident working in an open-access play setting.
Why Join Us?
This is a great opportunity to make a real difference in your local community, working in dynamic outdoor play environments that support creativity, risk-taking and positive development for children and young people.
Play Worker in London employer: Service Care Solutions
Contact Detail:
Service Care Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Worker in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local community! Spend some time at the Adventure Playgrounds, chat with staff and families, and understand what makes these spaces special. This will help you connect with the role and show your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion for play! When you’re in interviews or networking, share stories about your experiences working with children and how you’ve created engaging activities. This will highlight your enthusiasm and commitment to child-centred practice.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to ask questions! When you get the chance, inquire about the specific challenges the team faces or how they involve children in planning activities. This shows you’re thinking critically about the role and are eager to contribute.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and keep track of your progress. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on any new opportunities that pop up in the future.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Worker in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Play: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for play and child-centred practice shine through. Share any relevant experiences or activities that demonstrate your commitment to creating engaging play opportunities for children and young people.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Play Worker role. Highlight your understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and inclusive practices, as these are key to the position.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically so that we can easily see how your skills and experiences align with what we're looking for.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. This ensures that your application is received directly by us and allows you to easily track your application status. Plus, it’s super simple!
How to prepare for a job interview at Service Care Solutions
✨Know Your Play Types
Familiarise yourself with the different play types and how they contribute to children's development. Be ready to discuss how you would implement these in your role as a Play Worker.
✨Show Your Passion for Play
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for child-centred practice during the interview. Share personal experiences or examples of how you've engaged with children in play settings, highlighting your commitment to their development.
✨Understand Safeguarding Procedures
Brush up on safeguarding policies and health and safety regulations relevant to working with children. Be prepared to answer questions about how you would ensure a safe environment for all children and young people.
✨Engage with the Community
Think about ways to promote play services within the local community. Be ready to share ideas on how you would involve children and young people in planning activities, ensuring their voices are heard.