Outdoor Play Development Leader (OPAL)

Suffolk County Council; Ipswich; Remote; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Full time

Job summary

East Bergholt CEVC Primary School invites applications for a Play Development Leader to transform lunchtimes and bring our outdoor spaces to life. Working with OPAL Curricular Lead and OPAL Play Co-ordinator, you will lead play during lunchtimes and help convert our OPAL vision into children’s everyday experience.

We offer full training and support, a permanent post from 2 November 2026, term-time hours (38 weeks), 13.75 hours per week; salary £26,427-£26,847 pro rata.

Qualifications

• Experience in school, childcare, Forest School, outdoor learning or youth work.
• Energetic, practical and imaginative with a love for outdoors.
• Willing to lead and inspire others, and work well with children.

Responsibilities

• Lead lunchtimes and help turn OPAL vision into daily experience.
• Develop exciting, child-led play opportunities across the grounds.
• Source, organise and replenish resources from families and community.
• Support lunchtime team to enable great play and inclusive activities.
• Classroom support on Fridays where required.

Skills

Outdoor play

Creative thinking

Team leadership

Child engagement

Job description

East Bergholt CEVC Primary School invites applications for a Play Development Leader to transform lunchtimes and bring our outdoor spaces to life. Working with OPAL Curricular Lead and OPAL Play Co-ordinator, you will lead play during lunchtimes and help convert our OPAL vision into children’s everyday experience.

We offer full training and support, a permanent post from 2 November 2026, term-time hours (38 weeks), 13.75 hours per week; salary £26,427-£26,847 pro rata.