Casual Activity Ranger

Reading Borough Council; Reading; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 17,000; Full time

Job summary

Reading Borough Council seeks enthusiastic Casual Activity Rangers to join the Educational Play & Support Service at Active Reading, Prospect Park. The role focuses on delivering a wide range of activities to enhance social, emotional and physical wellbeing for children and young people, with strong SEND support and community engagement.

Based mainly at Prospect Park, you may also work in schools, community settings and outreach venues, including holidays, after‑school sessions, evenings and

Qualifications

• Experience or passion for working with children and young people, including those with SEND.
• Understanding of child development and play principles.
• Ability to communicate, be creative and work with families and professionals.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and promote a wide variety of activities to improve wellbeing of children and young people.
• Work predominantly at Prospect Park and in schools/communities to create safe, fun, inclusive opportunities.
• Support children with SEND, including respite care, one-to-one sessions, sports coaching and structured play.
• Collaborate with families, schools and partner organisations to ensure accessible experiences.
• Lead activities, plan holidays, and help deliver community events as required.

Skills

Outdoor play

Activity planning

SEN experience

Safeguarding

Organisational skills

Flexibility across settings

Communication

Driving licence (UK)

Job description

We are looking for enthusiastic and energetic casual Activity Rangers to join our Educational Play & Support Service at Active Reading, based at Prospect Park.

This rewarding role involves supporting children and young people through play-based activities, SEND provision, respite opportunities, educational support, alternative provision programmes, sports, outdoor learning, and holiday activities in Reading.

As a casual member of the team, this is an opportunity to work flexibly and support our programmes when you are available.

There may be opportunities to work term time, during school holidays, after‑school sessions, evenings and some weekends subject to your preference and availability, depending on service requirements. Flexible casual hours to fit around your studies, work or other commitments.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

About The Role:

As a Casual Activity Ranger, you'll deliver and promote a wide variety of activities designed to improve the social, emotional and physical wellbeing of children and young people.

Working predominantly at Prospect park, but also in schools, community settings and outreach venues, you'll help create safe, fun and inclusive opportunities that encourage young people to get active and enjoy outdoor play.

A key part of the role involves supporting children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), including respite care programmes, one‑to‑one sessions, sports coaching and structured play activities. You'll work closely with families, schools and partner organisations to ensure every child can access enjoyable and meaningful experiences.

No two days are the same. One day you may be leading games in a local park, the next supporting a child in a school setting, planning holiday activities, or helping deliver a community event.

Are you passionate about helping children and young people thrive, have fun and develop their confidence? Do you enjoy being active, creative and working outdoors?, You will have experience or be passionate to be working with children and young people, including children with special educational needs, ideally within community, playwork or similar settings.

You will understand child development, the principles of play and the importance of listening to and consulting with children and families.

You will be a confident communicator who can build positive relationships with children, young people and adults. You will also be creative, adaptable and able to use your initiative to deliver engaging activities with limited supervision.

We are particularly looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about outdoor play, sport and activities for children and young people
• Can create fun, safe and inclusive indoor activities
• Has experience supporting children and young people with SEN
• Can respond positively and constructively to challenging situations
• Has good organisational and project-planning skills
• Can work flexibly across different settings
• Is committed to safeguarding, health and safety and equality
• Holds a current, clean UK driving licence.