After School Club Play Assistant – Thameside Primary School

Local Government South East; Reading; On-site; GBP 7,000 - 7,100; Part time

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is seeking a friendly Play Assistant to join our school‑run Wraparound Care Service. This part‑time, term‑time role runs from 3.00pm to 6.00pm, Monday to Thursday, with a start date in October 2026.

You will help plan and deliver engaging activities for children aged 4–12, support 1:1 needs if required, and assist with safeguarding and food preparation for afterschool tea.

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

Reading Borough Council

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).

• Part Time
• Permanent
• Term Time only
• Reading
• £7,021 to £7,040 Per year
• Closes: 23 September 2026

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.