Deputy Play Manager

HARRIS HILL; Greater London; On-site; GBP 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established children’s charity in London is seeking a Deputy Play Manager to take on a critical leadership role. You will design and deliver engaging play activities for children aged 4-11, ensuring safety and compliance with Ofsted standards. The position requires strong leadership and communication skills, alongside a Level 3 qualification in Playwork or a related field. The ideal candidate should have a passion for child development and be ready to work directly with children in a nurturing environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience working directly with children aged 4–11.
• Strong understanding of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Experience planning and delivering engaging play activities.

Responsibilities

• Design, deliver, and evaluate high-quality activities for children.
• Support the Play Manager in day-to-day operations.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding and Ofsted standards.

Skills

Playwork

Team leadership

Safeguarding

Communication

Organisational skills

IT skills

Education

Level 3 qualification in Playwork or related field

Job description

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.