OPAL Play Workers

Stocksfield Avenue Primary School is seeking to recruit two OPAL Play Workers. The positions are for 7.5 hours per week, term time only, with hours varying between 11:50am and 13:30pm daily.

Contract Type: Fixed Term from 1st September 2026 until 31st August 2027.

Salary:

• £24,796 per annum pro rata (Actual Salary £3,994)
• £25,185 per annum pro rata (Actual salary £4,280 per annum plus Living Wage supplement)

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 share a collective vision for excellence in education.

Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) is a programme focused on enhancing the quality of playtime for children. It aims to ensure that every child has an amazing playtime every day by utilising both natural and man-made resources to encourage creativity, exploration, and physical activity.

We are looking for staff who can keep children safe while providing fun and stimulating activities. 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 effectively as part of a team
• The ability to establish excellent relationships with children and parents, promoting aspirational achievement and progress for all groups of pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs

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) offering 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 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 reason.

Please apply by completing the application form on the provided Microsoft Forms link. Closing date for applications is Friday 26th June 2026 at 9am, with interviews likely to take place during the week commencing 6th July 2026.

Applications should be returned to EPM. Please note that EPM Ltd are managing the vacancy on behalf of Smart Multi Academy Trust. Written references may be taken up and made available to interviewers before the final selection stage.