At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead play-based initiatives that foster wellbeing, creativity, and community connection for children and families.
- Company: Join a vibrant organisation dedicated to creating child-friendly neighbourhoods.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, community impact, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through play and community engagement.
- Qualifications: Experience in playwork or youth engagement, with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Play Program Responsibilities
- Champion and embed a play-based approach across the Child Friendly Neighbourhood programme, ensuring play supports wellbeing, belonging, creativity and community connection.
- Lead quality, inclusive and child-led play opportunities for primary-aged children and families across term-time, holiday and community provision.
- Support colleagues across youth, creative and wider Springfield Project provision to incorporate playful, relationship-based approaches within delivery.
- Contribute to the development of Sparkhill as a playful, welcoming and child-friendly neighbourhood aligned to the CFN vision and Springfield Project values.
Programme Development
- Lead the development and delivery of a neighbourhood-wide play offer, including playschemes, Playstreets, outdoor play and enrichment activities.
- Facilitate self-directed play, enabling children and young people to explore their own interests, ideas and relationships.
- Promote understanding of the importance of play for wellbeing, belonging and community connection.
- Support the development of playful environments, events and opportunities across Sparkhill.
- Continuously review and improve provision based on participation, feedback and learning.
Participation and Community Engagement
- Ensure the voices and experiences of children, young people and families shape provision, environments and activities.
- Build positive relationships with children, young people, families and community partners.
- Encourage participation, co-production and family involvement in activities and neighbourhood initiatives.
- Promote play as an important part of healthy communities, relationships and belonging.
Leadership & Team Working
- Lead and support a team of sessional playworkers and volunteers.
- Model and champion high-quality play work practice across the wider CFN programme.
- Support staff development through mentoring, supervision and reflective practice.
- Contribute to a positive team culture and organisational values.
Safeguarding & Inclusion
- Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) for the service area.
- Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed at all times.
- Promote the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children.
- Create an inclusive environment where diversity is respected and celebrated.
- Challenge discriminatory behaviour appropriately.
Quality, Monitoring & Evaluation
- Maintain accurate records in line with data protection and confidentiality requirements.
- Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes.
- Support service reviews and continuous improvement.
Partnerships & Strategic Contribution
- Work with partners to enhance opportunities for children and families.
- Contribute to the ongoing development of the Child Friendly Neighbourhood programme.
- Participate in meetings, including Steering Group where required.
General Responsibilities
- Follow organisational policies and procedures.
- Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, including evenings and up to 2 Saturdays per month.
- Participate in supervision, appraisal and training.
- Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role.
Play Development Lead employer: THE SPRINGFIELD PROJECT
As a Play Development Lead, you will thrive in a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing and creativity of children and families in Sparkhill. Our organisation champions professional growth through mentorship and collaborative opportunities, ensuring that your contributions directly shape a child-friendly neighbourhood. With a commitment to safeguarding and community engagement, we offer a rewarding environment where your passion for play can flourish and make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Play Development Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with others who share your passion for play development. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your experience in leading play opportunities and community engagement. Use visuals and stories to demonstrate how you've made a difference in children's lives through play.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Be ready to discuss how your approach aligns with their vision for a child-friendly neighbourhood and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our mission to create playful, inclusive environments.
We think you need these skills to ace Play Development Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Play:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for play-based approaches shine through. We want to see how you believe play can enhance wellbeing and community connection, so share your thoughts and experiences!
Be Specific About Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in leading play opportunities or working with children and families. We love details, so include examples of how you've championed inclusive and child-led initiatives in the past.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to align your skills and experiences with the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. We’re looking for candidates who understand our vision and values.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SPRINGFIELD PROJECT
✨Know Your Play-Based Approach
Make sure you understand the principles of a play-based approach and how it supports wellbeing and community connection. Be ready to share examples from your past experiences where you've successfully implemented such strategies.
✨Engage with Community Voices
Demonstrate your ability to listen to and incorporate the voices of children, young people, and families in your work. Prepare to discuss how you've previously engaged communities in shaping programmes or activities.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Be prepared to talk about your experience leading teams and mentoring others. Highlight specific instances where you've modelled high-quality playwork practice and contributed to a positive team culture.
✨Emphasise Safeguarding and Inclusion
Understand the importance of safeguarding and creating inclusive environments. Be ready to discuss how you've ensured safety and promoted diversity in your previous roles, as well as how you would approach these responsibilities in this position.
