OPAL Play Worker (Two Posts)

BWCET; Gateshead; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 31,000; Part time

Job summary

St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School in Gateshead is seeking two enthusiastic OPAL Playworker Assistants to supervise and engage children during lunchtime.

These part-time roles are 6 hours 15 minutes per week, term-time only (38 weeks per year), with a pro rata salary of £25,614 per annum. Successful applicants should demonstrate good social skills, teamwork, reliability and a willingness to undertake First Aid training.

Qualifications

• Good social skills and an ability to communicate effectively.
• Initiative and the ability to work as part of a team.
• Patience and sensitivity in dealing with children.
• Punctuality and reliability.
• Willingness to undertake First Aid training.

Responsibilities

• Help supervise and engage children in activities during lunchtime.
• Work as part of the OPAL Playworker Team to support play.
• Promote positive play and supervise lunchtime routines.
• Demonstrate reliability and safeguarding awareness.

Skills

Social skills

Initiative

Patience

Punctuality

Teamwork

Job description

Location: St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School, Colegate, Leam Lane, Felling, Gateshead, NE10 8PP

Grade: Grade B, SCP 3 (£25,614 per annum, pro rata)

Hours: 6 Hours 15 Minutes per Week, Permanent, Term Time Only (38 Weeks per Year)

St Augustine’s Catholic Primary School are proud to be part of the Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust, a family of secondary, middle, primary and first schools in Durham, Gateshead, Northumberland and Sunderland. Bishop Wilkinson is the largest catholic education trust in the North East of England, which will have a total of 48 school. This is an exciting time to join our supportive, and growing team.

The Head Teacher and Local Governing Committee are looking to appoint two enthusiastic, caring and responsible individuals to join our OPAL Playworker Team, to help supervise and engage children in activities throughout the lunchtime break.

Successful applicant must be able to demonstrate the following:

• Good social skills and an ability to communicate effectively
• Initiative and the ability to work as part of a team
• Patience and sensitivity in dealing with children, with an ability to respond to their needs
• Punctuality and reliability
• Promote positive play
• A willingness to undertake First Aid training

Closing Date: 25th September 2026

Shortlisting Date: 28th September 2026

Interview Date: 5th October 2026

The Bishop Wilkinson Catholic Education Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and is subject to an enhanced DBS check. An online search will be completed for all shortlisted candidates.