Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and deliver fun activities for children in a refuge setting.
- Company: Join Solace Women's Aid, an intersectional feminist organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a focus on personal development.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact while working in a supportive and empowering environment.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and a minimum NVQ Level 2 in relevant fields is desirable.
- Other info: This role is exclusively for female applicants as per the Equality Act.
The predicted salary is between 5221 - 5399 £ per year.
Location: Islington
Salary: £5,221.35 - £5,398.64 (Pro-rated based on 7.25 hours per week/FTE salary of £27,007 - £27,924 (LLW) per annum)
Hours: 7.25 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term Contract (Until 31st March 2026)
Closing Date: 11th July 2025
Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as a Sessional Playworker at Solace Women's Aid. You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.
Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.
About the Service
Islington Refuge Service provides emergency accommodation to women and children fleeing domestic abuse and sexual violence. Sessional play workers deliver high quality safe fun activities that include a combination of enrichment activities, physical games and sports and nutritional education to children up to the age of 14.
About the Role
As a Sessional Play Worker you will be involved in the planning and delivery of a variety of sessions and activities for children and young people at the refuge. This includes listening to children’s ideas to design services around their needs, choices, and aspirations. You will support and involve children in activities which are playful, stimulating, and enjoyable, while promoting their wellbeing and encouraging them to take an active role during the play sessions.
You will work alongside the Family Support Worker, encouraging all children to take part and have as much fun as possible whilst helping to develop children's learning, well-being, and social skills. To be an effective member of our wonderful team the successful applicant will possess excellent communication skills, be enthusiastic and creative.
About You
We are looking for individuals with experience of working with children and who are passionate about play and dedicated to providing a welcoming and safe space for all children - supervising the children and ensuring their safety at all times. The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of domestic abuse and its impact on children as well as practical experience of working with children and within a team. You will also need to demonstrate a proven ability to work on your own initiative and under supervision. A minimum NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in childcare/play/youthwork/sports/coaching or creative arts is desirable. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff to share this commitment.
In return, we offer great employee benefits including three per cent employer pension contribution, generous holiday entitlement and a focus on learning and development.
What we can offer you
- Flexible working
- Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
- Generous holiday entitlement
- Employer pension contribution
- Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
- Access to Inclusion Networks
- Daily clinical debriefing
- Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
- Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
- Flow & Restore yoga classes
- Meditation sessions
- Cycle to Work Scheme
How to apply
When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document: Values, Behaviours & Competencies Knowledge, Experience and Skills.
Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.
We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.
This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.
Sessional Playworker employer: Solace Womens Aid
Contact Detail:
Solace Womens Aid Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Sessional Playworker
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the core values of Solace Women’s Aid, especially their commitment to feminism and intersectionality. When you engage with the team or during interviews, reference how these values resonate with your own beliefs and experiences.
✨Tip Number 2
Gain insights into the specific needs of children affected by domestic abuse. Research common challenges they face and think about how you can create a safe and engaging environment for them. This knowledge will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of child welfare and domestic abuse support. Attend relevant workshops or community events where you can meet people who work in similar roles. This can provide you with valuable connections and insights that may benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your practical experience working with children in a playful and educational context. Think of specific examples where you’ve successfully engaged children in activities that promote their well-being and development, as this will demonstrate your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Sessional Playworker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Sessional Playworker. Make notes on how your experience aligns with the specific duties mentioned.
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: In your Supporting Statement, clearly highlight how your values, knowledge, transferable skills, and experience align with the sections outlined in the Job Profile Document. Be specific and provide examples where possible.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Emphasise any previous experience working with children, particularly in settings related to domestic abuse or trauma-informed care. Mention any relevant qualifications, such as NVQ Level 2 in childcare or related fields.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Solace Womens Aid
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the core values of Solace Women’s Aid. They prioritise feminism, intersectionality, and a survivor-led approach. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Children
Highlight any relevant experience you have working with children, especially in a play or educational setting. Be ready to share specific examples of activities you've planned or led that demonstrate your ability to create a safe and engaging environment.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Domestic Abuse
Since this role involves working with children affected by domestic abuse, it's crucial to show your understanding of its impact. Prepare to discuss how you would support children in this context and any relevant training or knowledge you possess.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Prepare thoughtful queries about the team dynamics, the types of activities you might lead, or how they measure the success of their programmes. This shows your genuine interest in the role.
