Deputy Play Manager

HARRIS HILL; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's charity in London is seeking a Deputy Play Manager to design and deliver engaging activities for children aged 4–11. This full-time position includes managing operations and ensuring compliance with safeguarding standards. The ideal candidate will have a Level 3 qualification in Playwork or related field and experience working directly with children. If you are passionate about play and child development, we would love to hear from you. The salary for this role is £34,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification (or above) in Playwork, Early Years, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working with children aged 4–11.
• Strong understanding of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Experience planning and delivering age-appropriate activities.
• Confident leading outdoor or adventure-based play.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Strong organisational and IT skills.

Responsibilities

• Design, deliver and evaluate high-quality activities.
• Support the Play Manager in daily operations.
• Manage enquiries and fee collection.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding and health standards.
• Create safe, inclusive, and stimulating play environments.

Skills

Level 3 qualification in Playwork or related field

Experience working directly with children aged 4–11

Understanding of EYFS and Ofsted requirements

Experience planning and delivering play activities

Confident in active, outdoor play

Understanding of safeguarding and child protection

Communication and team leadership skills

Organisational and IT skills

Job description

Overview

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a well-established children’s charity in London in their search for a Deputy Play Manager.

Full-time | £34,000 per annum

The charity has been supporting children, young people and families for over 25 years through a range of play, family support and youth programmes. Their Ofsted-registered after-school and holiday play schemes provide children aged 4–11 with safe, engaging and nurturing environments to explore, grow and thrive.

As Deputy Play Manager, you’ll play a key leadership role within the play service, helping to design, deliver and evaluate a high-quality programme of activities. You’ll support the Play Manager in day-to-day operations (including managing enquiries/collection of fees), team management and ensuring compliance with all safeguarding, health and safety, and Ofsted standards.

This is a hands-on role combining leadership, planning, and active delivery — you’ll work directly with children and families to create safe, inclusive, and stimulating play environments.

About You

Essential skills and experience:

• Level 3 qualification (or above) in Playwork, Early Years, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working directly with children aged 4–11.
• Strong understanding of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Experience planning and delivering engaging, age-appropriate play activities.
• Confident leading active, outdoor or adventure-based play.
• Sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
• Strong organisational and IT skills.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting children with additional needs or from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience supervising others or managing volunteers.
• Knowledge of current issues affecting children and families.
• Relevant training such as paediatric first aid or food hygiene.

Play is at the heart of what they do — the organisation believes that every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy a happy, fulfilling childhood through both free and guided play experiences.

If you’re passionate about play, child development and helping young people thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information, please submit your CV to [e-mail]

Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.