At a Glance
- Tasks: Create fun and safe play experiences for children with complex needs.
- Company: Walsall Oakwood School, a nurturing environment for young learners.
- Benefits: Health plan, discounts, cycle-to-work scheme, and CPD opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through play and support.
- Qualifications: NVQ Level 2 in Playwork or equivalent experience required.
The predicted salary is between 32002 - 39114 £ per year.
About this Role
Oakwood School is a specialist provision for children and young people aged 3‑15 years with complex educational needs.
The school is commissioned for 267 places (September 2025).
We pride ourselves on creating a safe, stimulating and nurturing learning environment that supports our pupils with bespoke and innovative learning experiences.
- Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Carry out playwork and provide free play opportunities within various school settings (lunchtime, playground, after‑school, curriculum time).
- Establish and facilitate play spaces for children and young people.
- Plan, prepare and implement specific play opportunities at children’s or young people’s request.
- Develop and maintain positive relationships within the play environment, supporting interactions among children, young people, parents, carers and staff.
- Follow safeguarding, health‑and‑safety, emergency and welfare procedures.
- Support disabled children and young people in play through appropriate planning.
- Manage safety, security and welfare, including responding to emergencies.
- Contribute to provision of food and drink in the play environment.
- Build effective relationships with parents and carers and provide information as appropriate.
- Support community playwork opportunities, maintaining links with external organisations.
- Assist with administration, including processing financial transactions and keeping records.
- Assist with arrival, departure and travel of children outside the play environment.
- Reflect on and improve personal playwork practice and contribute to the wider playwork team.
Qualifications and Skills
- NVQ Level 2 in Playwork or an equivalent qualification or experience.
- Experience caring for children of a relevant age range.
- Familiarity with and commitment to the Playwork Principles.
- Awareness of and commitment to equality of opportunity.
- Ability to support children and young people in freely chosen, self‑directed play.
- Ability to follow safeguarding, health‑and‑safety and emergency procedures.
- Ability to build positive relationships with children, young people, parents, carers and colleagues.
- Ability to contribute to inclusive play opportunities, including support for disabled children and young people.
- Pay range
- Grade 3 SCP 4‑6
Benefits
- Financial, health and lifestyle benefits: discounts on everyday purchases (Eden Red), comprehensive free health plan (UK Health Care), cycle‑to‑work scheme via Halfords, access to the Blue Light Card.
- Education sector CPD opportunities.
- Equality, Diversity and Safeguarding
The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults.
All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.
The Mercian Trust is committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.
We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
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Playworker in Walsall employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Playworker in Walsall
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at WMJobs.
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Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like WMJobs, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at WMJobs or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Playworker in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to WMJobs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to WMJobs! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
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In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
