Family Activity Worker

Family Activity Worker

Ipswich Full-Time 30000 - 42000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support families with young children through engaging group activities and promote early childhood development.
  • Company: Join Suffolk County Council, a team dedicated to improving lives in diverse communities.
  • Benefits: Enjoy up to 29 days leave, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on families and help build a brighter future for children.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Early Years or equivalent experience with children and families.
  • Other info: Be part of a passionate team that values diversity and empowers everyone.

The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.

Overview

At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. We’re not just a local authority; we’re a team of dedicated individuals working together to improve lives across our diverse communities. As a Family Activity Worker, you’ll have the unique opportunity to see the direct impact of your work on the people and places that make Suffolk special. Your contributions will help build a brighter future for all. If you’re passionate about making a real, tangible difference, it’s time to reimagine your career with us. Join Suffolk County Council and turn your passion for positive change into action.

Reimagine the possibilities.

Role and Responsibilities

This role is central to supporting families with children aged 0 – 5 through engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate group activities.

You will be part of a service that empowers families, strengthens community connections, and promotes early childhood development through universal and targeted group work.

  • Plan and deliver creative, play-based group sessions for families with young children. (You will be based in a Family Hub but will deliver across further Family Hubs and outreach areas)
  • Support parents in developing strong bonds with their children and understanding their role as their child’s first educator
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues and other professionals to deliver holistic support to families
  • Record attendance and gather feedback to help improve service delivery
  • Identify safeguarding concerns and escalate appropriately
  • Promote school readiness and signpost families to relevant services.

You will need

  • a suitable practitioner level qualification at Level 3 in Early Years or equivalent experience in a relevant area of work
  • Experience working directly with children and families in a professional or voluntary capacity
  • Knowledge of early childhood development, attachment, and play
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage with vulnerable families
  • The ability to plan and deliver group activities with support from senior colleagues
  • A full driving licence and access to transport to deliver sessions across multiple venues.

The team

You will join a passionate and supportive team within Suffolk’s Health (0 – 19) and Children’s Centres. The team works to reduce social isolation, promote wellbeing, and support families through early intervention and prevention.

You’ll be line managed by a Grade 6 Health and Children Centre Coordinator and work alongside Healthy Child Practitioners and other Family Activity Workers to deliver high-quality, inclusive services that make a real difference in the lives of children and their families.

Empowering Everyone

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.

For more information

Please contact Jenny Carter (she/her) for a casual conversation. You can reach her by calling 01473 260467 or emailing jenny.carter@suffolk.gov.uk.

How To Apply

  1. Read the Job and Person Profile (Word).
  2. Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
  3. Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions (no more than 400 words per question). Use the Supporting Statement template.
  4. Question 1 – What skills and experience do you have which would make you a good fit for this role?
  5. Question 2 – What is your greatest achievement and why?
  6. Question 3 – How can you evidence that you are committed to listen, support, and motivate children, young people and their families?
  7. Question 4 – Describe a situation where you have been an effective team worker and what you specifically did that was effective?
  8. Question 5 – Please can you advise which vacancy you are interested in.

Please note: Without a supporting statement, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format. We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We ask you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

Closing date: 11.30pm, 9 October 2025.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

About Us

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

  • up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
  • membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
  • travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
  • performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
  • training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
  • a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
  • diverse and active staff networks
  • flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).

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Family Activity Worker employer: Suffolk Jobs Direct

Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating positive change within the community. As a Family Activity Worker, you will be part of a supportive team that values diversity and empowers families, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Enjoy a flexible working environment, generous annual leave, and a commitment to your wellbeing, all while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and their families across Suffolk.
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Contact Detail:

Suffolk Jobs Direct Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Family Activity Worker

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the team at Suffolk County Council! Reach out for a casual chat with someone like Jenny Carter. It’s a great way to show your enthusiasm and get insider info about the role.

✨Tip Number 2

When you’re preparing for interviews, think about real-life examples that showcase your skills in working with families and children. We want to hear about your experiences and how they align with the role!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t forget to highlight your passion for community work! Show us how you’ve made a difference in previous roles or volunteer positions. It’s all about that positive change vibe!

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and making an impact.

We think you need these skills to ace Family Activity Worker

Level 3 qualification in Early Years or equivalent experience
Experience working with children and families
Knowledge of early childhood development
Understanding of attachment and play
Strong communication skills
Interpersonal skills
Ability to engage with vulnerable families
Planning and delivering group activities
Collaboration with colleagues and professionals
Safeguarding awareness
Record-keeping and feedback gathering
Full driving licence and access to transport

Some tips for your application 🫡

Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, give the job description a good read. It’s packed with clues about what Suffolk County Council is looking for in a Family Activity Worker. Make sure you understand the role and responsibilities so you can tailor your application accordingly.

Craft Your Supporting Statement Thoughtfully: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Answer each question clearly and provide specific examples from your experience. Remember, we want to see how your skills and achievements align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your passion for making a difference.

Be Authentic and Personal: We value genuine applications, so let your personality come through in your writing. Share your real experiences and insights, and avoid using generic phrases. This is your opportunity to connect with us and show why you’re the perfect fit for the team!

Submit Through Our Website: Once you’ve polished your application, make sure to submit it through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll be part of a streamlined process that helps us get to know you better!

How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk Jobs Direct

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on early childhood development and attachment theories. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of families with children aged 0-5, as this will show your genuine interest in the role and help you answer questions confidently.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare examples from your past work or volunteer experiences that highlight your skills in engaging with families and children. Think about times when you've successfully planned and delivered group activities, as well as how you've supported parents in their roles.

✨Be a Team Player

Since collaboration is key in this role, be ready to discuss your experiences working in teams. Share specific instances where you contributed effectively, perhaps by supporting colleagues or working alongside other professionals to deliver holistic support.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team dynamics or the types of activities you might be involved in. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.

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