After School Club Play Assistant - Thameside Primary School

Reading Borough Council; Reading; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 15,000; Part time

Job summary

Thameside Primary School in Reading is seeking an enthusiastic After School Club Play Assistant to join our wraparound care team. You will help run safe, engaging activities for children aged 4-12 from 3.00pm to 6.00pm, Monday to Thursday, term-time only, starting October 2026 (or as soon as possible).

The role involves planning activities, promoting learning and social development, and supporting children with additional needs in a friendly, inclusive environment while adhering to school

Qualifications

• Experience with children aged 4-12 preferred.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to engage children.
• Self-motivated and able to work with diverse class groups.

Responsibilities

• Plan and deliver safe activities with groups of children from all class ranges.
• Engage with children encouraging them to participate in activities to promote learning and social development.
• Support children on a 1:1 basis who have complex needs (if required).
• Encourage fair and caring behaviour among the children.
• Support with managing behaviour in line with school policies.
• Supporting the enactment of Health and Safety requirements as directed.
• Encourage independence and self-esteem
• Ensure safety and safeguarding procedures are adhered to ensure children are kept safe
• Assist with food preparation for serving afterschool tea/snacks
• Complete various training courses including Food Hygiene and Child Safeguarding.

Job description

After School Club Play Assistant - Thameside Primary School

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

Up to 12 hours per week, Monday to Thursday - Term time only - Start date: October 2026 (or as soon as possible) - After school club operates from 3.00pm - 6.00pm (3 hours per day)

We are looking for a passionate and creative Play Assistant to join our school‑run Wraparound Care Service. As a valued member of the Aftercare Team, you will gain hands‑on experience delivering a wide range of engaging, inclusive and participative childcare activities for children aged 4-12.

If you are a student at university, this could be the job that suits you. Or, if you need to work between 3-6pm due to other commitments, this role offers a consistent, family‑friendly schedule that may fit perfectly around your day.

Our Play Assistants are enthusiastic, caring and committed to supporting children’s development throughout their time in Aftercare. This is a demanding but highly rewarding role, ideal for someone who enjoys working with children and, ideally, has some relevant experience.

You should be self‑motivated, have strong communication skills and be able to engage positively with children of all ages.

Your responsibilities include:

• Plan and deliver safe activities with groups of children from all class ranges
• Engage with children encouraging them to participate in activities to promote learning and social development
• Support children on a 1:1 basis who have complex needs (if required)
• Encourage fair and caring behaviour among the children
• Support with managing behaviour in line with school policies.
• Supporting the enactment of Health and Safety requirements as directed.
• Encourage independence and self-esteem
• Ensure safety and safeguarding procedures are adhered to ensure children are kept safe
• Assist with food preparation for serving afterschool tea/snacks
• Complete various training courses including Food Hygiene and Child Safeguarding.

Closing date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026 but interviews will be offered on receipt of strong applications.

The school is committed to safeguarding children and is an equal opportunity provider. All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.