Inclusive Play Practitioner

Thurrock Council; Thurrock; Hybrid; GBP 21,000 - 25,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave entitlement

Flexible and hybrid working

Ongoing training and professional dev.

Employee assistance programme and well

Staff discounts and local offers

Supportive and inclusive working env

Job summary

Thurrock Council is seeking an Inclusive Play Practitioner to join the Disabled Children's Short Breaks and Outreach Service in Thurrock. You will support children aged 4-18, promote inclusion, and work in a flexible, safeguarding-conscious environment.

The role involves direct care, activity delivery, medication administration (training provided) and collaboration with colleagues to create a safe, engaging space for children and families.

Qualifications

• Genuine passion for supporting children and young people with disabilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a team and independently when required.
• Commitment to inclusion, independence and positive outcomes for children and young people.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support to children and young people aged 4-18 attending the service.
• Assist in preparation, delivery and maintenance of resources, equipment and activities.
• Help maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment that promotes learning, play and development.
• Develop positive relationships with the children and young people.
• Support children to make choices, express their views and engage in meaningful activities.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to provide a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment.
• Support with the safe administration of medication where required (full training provided).
• Complete relevant training to ensure high quality support and effective advocacy for children and young people where appropriate.
• Follow safeguarding procedures and report any concerns relating to welfare of children and young people.
• Promote independence and life skills development through positive engagement and support.
• Maintain accurate records, reports and required documentation.
• Demonstrate professional, effective and respectful communication with colleagues, children, young people and their families.

Skills

Passion for supporting children with a

Excellent communication

Teamwork and independence

Inclusion and positive outcomes

Job description

Working Hours: Flexible hours available including after school sessions, Saturdays and school holidays.

About the Department

We are looking for an enthusiastic, compassionate and dedicated individual to join our team as an Inclusive Play Practitioner within the Disabled Children's Short Breaks and Outreach Service.

This is a rewarding and varied role that offers the opportunity to make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people with disabilities. You will support the delivery of safe, inclusive and engaging activities that promote fun, social interaction, confidence and personal development for children and young people aged 4-18 across Thurrock.

About the Role

Successful applicants will be required to:'

• - Provide direct support to children and young people aged 4-18 attending the Disabled Children's Short Breaks and Outreach Service.
• - Assist in the preparation, delivery and maintenance of resources, equipment and activities.
• - Help maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment that promotes learning, play and development.
• - Develop positive relationships with the children and young people.
• - Support children to make choices, express their views and engage in meaningful activities.
• - Work collaboratively with colleagues to provide a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment
• - Support with the safe administration of medication where required (full training is provided)
• - Complete relevant training to ensure high quality support and effective advocacy for children and young people where appropriate
• - Follow safeguarding procedures and report any concerns relating to the welfare of children and young people.
• - Promote independence and life skills development through positive engagement and support.
• - Maintain accurate records, reports and required documentation.
• - Demonstrate professional, effective and respectful communication with colleagues, children, young people and their families.

What We're Looking For

Qualifications and Experience

• - A genuine passion for supporting children and young people with disabilities.
• - Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• - Ability to work effectively as part of a team and independently when required.
• - Commitment to promoting inclusion, independence and positive outcomes for children and young people

Desirable (but not essential)

• - Previous experience working with disabled children and young people
• - Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and inclusive practice

We welcome applications from individuals who may not meet all of the desirable criteria but can demonstrate values, enthusiasm and commitment required for the role.

DBS Check: Enhanced DBS Check with Children's Barred List is required for this role.

Benefits of Working with Us

• - Generous annual leave entitlement
• - Flexible and hybrid working opportunities (where applicable)
• - Ongoing training and professional development
• - Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support
• - Staff discounts and local offers
• - A supportive and inclusive working environment

Closing Date (Redeployment Only): 15th October 2026

Closing Date (Internal & External): 25th October 2026

Interview Date: To Be Confirmed

Additional Information

For an informal discussion about these posts, please contact Lauren Riddick, Centre Manager or Laura Hayden or Jackie Harper Deputy Manager's on 01375 652200.

To view the Job Profile and Person Specification, please follow the link below:

Download Job Profile (PDF Document)