Casual Activity Ranger – Educational Play and Support Service, Active Reading

Local Government South East; Reading; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Reading Borough Council is seeking enthusiastic Casual Activity Rangers to deliver play, sport and outdoor learning activities for children and young people at Prospect Park and across Reading. The role focuses on inclusive, safe, and engaging experiences, including SEND support, respite care and holiday activities.

It offers flexible casual hours to fit around studies, work, or other commitments. Based mainly at Prospect Park and sometimes in schools or outreach venues, this post emphasizes

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 confidently and build relationships with children, families and colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Deliver and promote a wide range of activities to improve social, emotional and physical wellbeing of children and young people.
• Work predominantly at Prospect Park, and in schools and community settings to ensure safe, inclusive opportunities.
• Support children with SEN, including respite care, one-to-one sessions, and structured play activities.
• Collaborate with families, schools and partner organisations to ensure access to meaningful experiences.
• Lead engaging activities and support holiday programs and community events.

Skills

Outdoor play

SEN support

Communication

Organisational skills

Flexible/work across settings

Safeguarding

Job description

Reading Borough Council

Make a difference through play, sport and outdoor adventure!

Key Details

• Casual
• Part Time
• Reading
• Posted 3 days ago
• £13.70 Per hour £ / Year
• Closes: 18 October 2026

Overview

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?

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.

About You

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.

Benefits

• Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:
• Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
• Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
• Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
• Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.

Contact & Job Details

For more information on this position please contact Daniel Peters, Reading Education Play and Support Service Manager at [e-mail]

Closing Date: Sunday 18th October 2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Interview Setup: In person at Prospect Park Pavilion, Liebenrood Road, Reading, RG30 2ND