Lunchtime Playworker (2 positions)
Lunchtime Playworker (2 positions)

Lunchtime Playworker (2 positions)

Part-Time 12 - 15 £ / hour (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support children during lunchtime with fun activities like den building and sensory play.
  • Company: Grove Street Primary School, a welcoming and inclusive environment.
  • Benefits: Friendly atmosphere, professional development support, and a chance to make a real difference.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career growth and a supportive leadership team.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team and help children thrive in a unique play-based setting.
  • Qualifications: Energetic personality, good interpersonal skills, and a commitment to making a difference.

The predicted salary is between 12 - 15 £ per hour.

Two positions available:

  • Part time: 5 hours per week, 38 weeks per year
  • Part time: 10 hours per week, 38 weeks per year

Supporting children in our Social Communication bases. Due to expanding our playworker team, we have an exciting opportunity for a person who enjoys working with children to join our friendly and welcoming school from June 2026. There are two playworker positions available, one in our mainstream and one in our social communication bases as many of our fabulous playworkers train to become TAs within our school.

As an OPAL platinum school, we have a different approach to lunchtimes (OPAL) which involves children being supported by playworkers to get involved in various activities such as loose parts, den building, climbing, trolley dollies, lego, sensory, and physical activities. We are open to ideas from the children and you!

About Grove Street Primary School:

Grove Street Primary is a Centre of Excellence for Inclusion, a Therapeutic School, a Centre of Excellence for Oracy (Voice 21), and an OPAL Platinum School. We are fully committed to ensuring every child has a champion, meeting their emotional, social, and academic needs with the utmost care and support. Our inclusive approach means all children are valued, respected, and empowered to reach their full potential. As a local Family Hub, we support children from birth, with Early Years Provision starting at age 2. We are a 2-form entry in mainstream classes, along with LA resourced provision bases for 60 children with ASC/social communication needs and nurture.

We are looking for the following personal qualities:

  • A warm personality and lots of energy!
  • Able to stay calm under pressure
  • Demonstrate good interpersonal skills with children and adults
  • Able to gain the confidence of and build relationships with children
  • Commitment to make a difference to families and children in the Grove Street Primary School community

We can provide:

  • A friendly and supportive working environment
  • A commitment to support your professional development
  • A Headteacher and school leadership team who truly listen to everyone and are committed to developing and growing our staff
  • A proactive and supportive Governing Body who focus on making a difference for the whole school community

Visits to our school are very welcome. Please apply by application form (with personal statement) to the Headteacher, Mrs Lisa Walsh and submit your application to schooloffice@grovestreet.wirral.sch.uk

Closing Date: Wednesday 20th May 2026

Interviews are to be held on Thursday 4th June 2026.

The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will be subject to receipt of an enhanced disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). All applicants will be considered on the basis of suitability for the post regardless of sex, race or disability.

Lunchtime Playworker (2 positions) employer: Wirral Schools

Grove Street Primary School is an exceptional employer, offering a warm and supportive environment where playworkers can thrive while making a meaningful impact on children's lives. With a strong commitment to professional development and a leadership team that values every staff member's input, you will find ample opportunities for growth within our inclusive community. Join us in fostering creativity and confidence in children as part of our innovative OPAL Platinum approach to lunchtimes.
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Contact Detail:

Wirral Schools Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lunchtime Playworker (2 positions)

✨Tip Number 1

Get to know the school! Before your interview, take a stroll around Grove Street Primary's website and social media. Familiarise yourself with their values and approach, especially the OPAL method. This will help you connect your experiences with what they’re all about.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice makes perfect! Grab a friend or family member and do a mock interview. Focus on how you can demonstrate your warm personality and energy, as these are key qualities they're looking for. Plus, it’ll help you feel more confident when the real deal comes around.

✨Tip Number 3

Show off your creativity! Think of fun activities you could introduce during lunchtimes that align with their playworker role. Whether it’s den building or sensory play, having a few ideas up your sleeve will show you’re proactive and ready to engage with the kids.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch that shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their community. And remember, apply through our website for a smoother process!

We think you need these skills to ace Lunchtime Playworker (2 positions)

Interpersonal Skills
Ability to Build Relationships
Calmness Under Pressure
Energy and Enthusiasm
Commitment to Inclusion
Creativity in Activity Planning
Supportive Attitude
Understanding of Child Development
Teamwork
Communication Skills
Adaptability
Empathy
Problem-Solving Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Working with Children: Let us see your enthusiasm for supporting kids in your application! Share any relevant experiences or activities that highlight your love for working with children, especially in a playful and engaging environment.

Tailor Your Personal Statement: Make sure your personal statement is tailored to the role of Lunchtime Playworker. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you can contribute to our unique OPAL approach. We want to know how you can bring fun and creativity to lunchtime!

Be Yourself!: We’re looking for a warm personality, so don’t be afraid to let your true self shine through in your application. Share your ideas and how you can connect with children, as building relationships is key to this role.

Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our friendly Grove Street Primary community!

How to prepare for a job interview at Wirral Schools

✨Know Your Play!

Familiarise yourself with the OPAL approach and the types of activities that children engage in during lunchtimes. Think about how you can contribute ideas for new games or activities that align with the school's ethos. This shows your enthusiasm and readiness to be part of their unique environment.

✨Show Your Warmth

Since the role requires a warm personality, practice conveying your energy and friendliness during the interview. Use examples from past experiences where you've successfully built relationships with children or worked in a team. This will help demonstrate your interpersonal skills.

✨Stay Calm Under Pressure

Prepare for potential scenarios where you might need to stay calm, such as managing conflicts between children or handling unexpected situations. Think of specific instances where you've successfully navigated challenges, and be ready to share these stories.

✨Commitment to Inclusion

Grove Street Primary values inclusion, so be prepared to discuss your understanding of this concept. Share your thoughts on how you can support children with diverse needs and how you would contribute to creating an inclusive environment. This will resonate well with the school's mission.

Lunchtime Playworker (2 positions)
Wirral Schools

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