Lunchtime Play Leader

Whipman Woods Flying High Academy; Bassetlaw; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 21,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Training & development

Wellbeing support

Employee assistance programme

Team-oriented environment

Inclusive school community

Job summary

Whipman Woods Flying High Academy is seeking a caring Lunchtime Play Leader to provide engaging indoor and outdoor play during school lunch breaks and to support pupils' welfare and safety in the dining area and playground.

You will plan activities, supervise pupils, help with risk assessments, promote orderly dining, and collaborate with staff to ensure a welcoming, inclusive lunchtime experience for every child.

Qualifications

• Enjoy working with children and creating a safe, inclusive play environment.
• Commitment to safeguarding and child wellbeing in a school setting.
• Positive, proactive team member who communicates well and collaborates with others.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality indoor and outdoor play activities during school lunch breaks.
• Support the orderly conduct, welfare, and safety of pupils in dining areas and outdoor spaces.
• Plan and deliver structured activities and encourage maximum engagement.
• Set up and pack away dining and play spaces, including moving furniture and equipment.
• Conduct risk assessments and communicate effectively with staff and management.

Job description

About Us:

Whipman Woods is a vibrant and inclusive primary school where children are at the centre of everything we do. We are proud of our warm, welcoming ethos and strong sense of community, where every child is supported to achieve their very best.

Our dedicated staff team works collaboratively to create an environment where curiosity is encouraged, individuality is celebrated, and learning is brought to life through a rich, broad, and balanced curriculum. We place high importance on wellbeing, both for our children and our staff, and are committed to nurturing a positive, purposeful culture in which everyone can thrive.

About Flying High:

Flying High Partnership is a thriving multi-academy trust of 39 primary schools across Derbyshire, Leicester, Nottingham City, and Nottinghamshire. We are driven by a shared vision to be unique, exceptional, and sustainable. Founded in 2012, we believe in the power of meaningful collaboration to help schools reach their full potential while supporting others along the way.

Our Partnership celebrates individuality, champions continuous improvement, and ensures every child thrives. With a strong focus on school-led professional development and leadership, we’re committed to growing exceptional teachers and inspirational leaders.

Together, we make every day count.

About the Role

We are looking for a caring, enthusiastic, and committed Lunchtime Play Leader. You will deliver high-quality and varied indoor and outdoor play activities to ensure a positive and enriching play experience for the children, together with supporting the orderly conduct, welfare, and safety of pupils during school lunch breaks, both in the dining area and outdoor areas

Key Responsibilities

Adhere to OPAL principles: Ensure that children in your care are continually having a fun, stimulating, and safe time in line with OPAL guidelines.

Encourage outdoor play: Lead and motivate children to engage in outdoor physical activities.

Plan and deliver activities: Assist with the planning and delivery of structured and enthusiastic activities, encouraging maximum participation.

Set up play spaces: Organise and prepare play areas, including moving furniture and play equipment.

Communicate with staff: Manage the exchange of all relevant information about the children with teaching staff and management.

Involve children in planning: Consult with children and involve them in planning activities to ensure their interests and needs are met.

Supervise pupils: Oversee pupils both outside and inside the dining hall, ensuring their safety and well-being.

Conduct risk assessments: Ensure that all activities, equipment, and settings are safe, with relevant risk assessments undertaken.

Promote orderly dining: Ensure that the overall arrangement for children to dine promotes an orderly and pleasant service.

Set up and pack away the dining hall: Including putting up/down tables, moving chairs, sweeping, hoovering, and wiping down tables.

Manage movement: Arrange supervision to allow safe movement among children within the covered area.

Maintain behaviour standards: Ensure acceptable standards of behaviour are maintained to minimise the likelihood of children hurting themselves, others, or damaging property.

Supervise during bad weather: Oversee pupils in classrooms during inclement weather.

Perform additional duties: Carry out any other duties that may reasonably be regarded as within the nature of the duties and responsibilities/grade of the post as defined.

We Are Looking For

• Someone who enjoys working with children and is passionate about ensuring a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment.
• A positive and proactive team member who communicates well and works collaboratively with others.
• Someone who values inclusion and believes in the potential of every child.
• A dependable and flexible person who maintains professionalism and confidentiality at all times.
• Someone who understands the importance of safeguarding and wellbeing in a school setting.

We Can Offer You:

• A commitment to people across our partnership, underpinned by our people principles: adaptability, wellness, recognising achievement, employee voice and engagement, professional development and growth, inclusivity, and collaboration.
• A warm and welcoming school community where every member of staff is valued.
• A supportive and friendly team that works together to create a positive environment for children and staff.
• Opportunities for relevant training and development to help you grow in your role.
• Access to an employee assistance programme offering wellbeing and practical support.
• The chance to make a real difference to children’s lives every day in a rewarding and valued role.

Flying High Partnership is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.