Play Worker

Sandringham Primary School

Play worker
11:30-1:30  Monday - Friday 

Job Description

Closing date and short listing: 10th July 9am

Interview dates: This will depend on the number of applicants 
Start Date: September 2026
Job Title: Play Worker
Scale: 2
Days and times: Monday - Friday 11:30-1:30 (Term time only) 

 

Job Purpose:

To support the delivery of a safe, inclusive, stimulating and enjoyable play environment for primary-aged children. The Play Worker will engage positively with children through a range of play opportunities, encouraging creativity, independence, social interaction and well-being. The role involves setting up and facilitating activities, supporting children's development through play, and ensuring the safety and welfare of all children attending the provision. 

Duties:

Supporting Children

• Act as a positive and engaging play partner, actively participating in children's play and learning experiences.
• Build positive, respectful and supportive relationships with children.
• Encourage children to make choices, develop independence and engage confidently in a variety of play opportunities.
• Support children's social, emotional, physical and creative development through play.
• Promote positive behaviour and support children in developing friendships, cooperation and respect for others.
• Ensure all children feel welcomed, included and valued within the setting.
• Support children's health and well-being, including encouraging healthy lifestyles and positive social interactions.
• Respond appropriately to children's individual needs, ensuring their safety and welfare at all times.

Supporting Play Provision

• Assist in planning, preparing and setting up a range of engaging indoor and outdoor play activities.
• Encourage child-led play while providing support and guidance where appropriate.
• Help maintain a safe, stimulating and organised play environment.
• Ensure equipment and resources are used safely and are returned and stored appropriately at the end of each session.
• Support the preparation and serving of healthy snacks in accordance with food hygiene and health and safety requirements.
• Contribute ideas for new activities and play opportunities that enhance children's experiences.

Supporting the Team

• Work collaboratively with the Midday Leader and Pastoral Team to deliver high-quality childcare and play provision.
• Follow agreed routines, procedures and expectations to ensure the smooth running of sessions.
• Participate in team meetings, training and professional development opportunities as required.
• Share information appropriately with colleagues to support children's well-being and development.

Safeguarding, Health and Safety

• Maintain a safe environment and supervise children effectively during all activities.
• Follow all safeguarding, child protection, health and safety, behaviour management and data protection policies and procedures.
• Report any concerns regarding the welfare, safety or well-being of a child to the designated safeguarding lead or appropriate member of staff.
• Assist with children's pastoral care, including supporting children who may be unwell, distressed or unsettled.
• Ensure the safe collection and handover of children to parents and carers at the end of each session.

Professional Responsibilities

• Uphold the school's values, policies and staff code of conduct.
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Reflect on and develop personal practice to improve the quality of provision and outcomes for children.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as reasonably requested by the Senior Midday Leader or School Leadership Team.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS

The criteria listed in this Person Specification are all essential to the job.  Where the Method of Assessment is stated to be the Application Form, your application needs to demonstrate clearly and concisely how you meet each of the criteria, even if other methods of assessment are also shown.  If you do not address these criteria fully, or if we do not consider that you meet them, you will not be shortlisted.  Please give specific examples wherever possible. 

 

CRITERIA

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT

 KNOWLEDGE:

Knowledge of child learning processes and development stages.

 

Awareness of the Equal Opportunities Policy and its implications for Educational practice.

 

 

Application Form/ Interview /Test

 

 

 

Application Form/ Interview /Test

 

 

 

 

EXPERIENCE: 

Experience of working with children, in either a voluntary or paid capacity, in an educational or similar setting.

 

 Application Form/ Interview

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Ability to recognise children’s needs and problems, to be able to help in the development of literacy skills for under 5’s.

 

Ability to communicate with, and relate well to children, 

Ability to communicate with parents/ carers

Ability to be a creative play facilitator/ partner for children of primary school age 

 

Ability to organise activities/to work as part of a team

First aid- ideally this person will have first aid experience  or be happy to engage in training in preparation for this role.

 

  

Interview

 

 

Interview

 

 Interview 

 Interview 

 Interview 

 Interview 

PERSONAL STYLE AND BEHAVIOUR:

 

 

Application Form/ Interview/ Certificate/Test (delete as applicable)

OTHER SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

 

Please state on your application form qualification held with details of relevant work placements.  The successful candidate will also be expected to provide a copy of their certificate before confirmation of appointment.

 

 

Application Form

Safeguarding Statement

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and post holders to share this commitment. We follow the safer recruitment processes and the most up to date Keeping Children Safe in Education DFE guidance which involves us carrying online candidate searches, requesting references, DBS and barring checks.

Equality Statement

The London Borough of Newham has a strong commitment to achieving equality of opportunity in both services to the community and the employment of people and expects all employees to understand and promote its policies in their work. Sandringham Primary School is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and strongly encourages people of all different backgrounds to apply to our inclusive and dynamic school. We aim to be a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit.