At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with children during playtime, ensuring safety and promoting creativity.
- Company: Join a supportive multi-academy trust dedicated to excellent education.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, professional development, and access to employee assistance programmes.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through fun and stimulating play activities.
- Qualifications: Passion for education and ability to work well in a team.
The predicted salary is between 24796 - 24796 £ per year.
Stocksfield Avenue Primary School St Cuthbert’s Road Fenham Newcastle upon Tyne NE5 2DQ
2 Posts
- £24,796 per annum pro rata. Actual Salary £3,994
- Hours: 7.5 hours per week, term time only, Hours varying between 11:50am - 13:30pm - daily.
- Contract Type: 1st September 2026 until 31 August 2027
OR
- £25,185 per annum (pro rata). Actual salary £4,280 per annum plus Living Wage supplement
- Hours: 7.5 hours per week, term time only, Hours varying between 11:50am - 13:30pm - daily.
- Contract Type: Fixed Term 1st September 2026 until 31 August 2027
At Smart Multi Academy Trust we provide a high quality, bespoke education full of the best opportunities and experiences to help every child learn, be happy and ultimately successful in life. We are a family of 11 primary schools in Newcastle upon Tyne, North Tyneside and Gateshead who have formed a Multi Academy Trust because we share a collective vision for excellence in education. We believe passionately that the children within our communities deserve nothing less than the very best of opportunities and experiences to become successful citizens and lifelong learners able to lead happy, fulfilling and healthy lives. We live by our vision and values every day in all aspects of what we do and it’s important anyone joining the Trust does as well.
Smart are recruiting for an Opal Play worker at Stocksfield Avenue Primary School. Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) is a program focused on enhancing the quality of playtime for children. It's a structured approach to transforming school playtimes by utilising both natural and man-made resources to encourage creativity, exploration, and physical activity. The program aims to ensure that every child has an amazing playtime every day.
Are you able to keep children safe whilst providing fun and stimulating activities with them? We are looking for staff who will get involved with play and encourage children’s creativity and imagination.
What we can offer you:
- Enthusiastic children who are curious, independent learners
- Excellent personal and professional development opportunities
- OPAL training
- A rewarding role helping children build confidence, creativity and independence through play
- An experienced and talented team of staff with supportive Trustees and wider School/community
- The opportunity to be involved in the wider life of our Trust
- Attractive salaries
- Access to the membership of Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) and other attractive benefits
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which offers a range of services such as Counselling and Physiotherapy.
- Attractive annual leave allowance including the potential to work term time only
- Opportunity for flexible working, where appropriate.
- Salary sacrifice schemes including childcare vouchers, cycle to work and car leasing
- Learning and development tailored to your role
The ideal candidate would have:
- Commitment to the ethos of the school
- The ability to demonstrate excellence in teaching and learning
- The ability to work as part of a team effectively
- The ability to establish excellent relationships with children and parents, promoting aspirational achievement and progress for all groups of pupils including children with Special Educational Needs
The successful candidate will be subject to an online search in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2024) legislation. Your principal place of work will be Stocksfield Avenue Primary School but you may be required to work at other Trust sites within Smart Multi Academy Trust within reason.
Please apply by completing the application form on the following Microsoft Forms link: Application Form. Closing date Friday 26th June 2026 at 9am. Interview date is likely to be: W/C 6th July 2026. Applications should be returned to: EPM. Please note EPM ltd are managing the vacancy on behalf of Smart Multi Academy Trust. Please also note that in all cases written references may be taken up and made available to interviewers BEFORE the final selection stage, even if you indicate otherwise.
OPAL Play Workers in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: SMART Multi Academy Trust
At Smart Multi Academy Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a nurturing and supportive environment for our staff. As an OPAL Play Worker at Stocksfield Avenue Primary School, you will enjoy the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on children's lives while benefiting from excellent professional development, a collaborative team atmosphere, and attractive salary packages, including access to the Local Government Pension Scheme. Join us in our mission to provide every child with the best opportunities for success and happiness.
