Play and Learning Coordinator

Connect2Hackney; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

Connect2Hackney is seeking a Play and Learning Coordinator to lead and deliver high-quality care, education services and Stay-and-Play across community sites and family homes in Greater London. You will create safe, inclusive environments where children thrive and undertake leadership duties, including line management and acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Key requirements include an NNEB Level 3 qualification or equivalent, direct EYFS experience, safeguarding knowledge, and proven staff

Qualifications

• NNEB Level 3 qualification or equivalent.
• Direct experience with Foundation Stage and children with special educational needs.
• Strong understanding of EYFS curriculum and safeguarding procedures.
• Experience supervising staff and volunteers.
• Experience coordinating Stay and Play sessions and home learning may be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver respite and Stay-and-Play sessions in line with EYFS.
• Line manage practitioners and agency staff, including appraisals.
• Plan and facilitate high-quality activities tailored to individual children's needs.
• Act as Designated / Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Collaborate with Children and Family Hub teams and support vulnerable families.
• Recruit, guide and supervise volunteers to support sessions.
• Monitor and evaluate learning outcomes and service impact.

Skills

Line management

Staff supervision

Safeguarding lead

Stay and Play coordination

Education

NNEB Level 3 qualification or equivalent

Job description

About the Role

Are you a passionate Early Years professional dedicated to improving outcomes for young children and their families?

We are seeking a Play and Learning Coordinator to coordinate and deliver high-quality care, education services, and stay-and-play activities across the community as part of the Children and Family Hub Partnership.

In this role, you will lead delivery in community sites and family homes, creating safe, inclusive, and stimulating environments where children thrive. You will also take on key leadership responsibilities, including line managing staff and acting as a Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver respite services, extended services, creches, and stay-and-play sessions in line with the Early Years Statutory Framework.
• Line manage, supervise, and conduct annual appraisals for children’s practitioners and agency staff.
• Plan and deliver challenging, high-quality activities tailored to children's individual needs, including those with neurodivergent or emerging special educational needs.
• Act as Designated / Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring robust child protection procedures are maintained at all times.
• Work closely with Children and Family Hub teams, participating in Team Around the Family meetings and supporting assessments for vulnerable families.
• Recruit, guide, and supervise volunteers to support session delivery.
• Monitor and evaluate children’s learning and service impact within extended services.

What we’re looking for:

• NNEB Level 3 qualification or equivalent.
• Direct experience working with or caring for children at the Foundation Stage, including children with special educational needs.
• Sound understanding of early childhood development, the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, and child protection/safeguarding procedures.
• Proven experience in staff supervision and line management.
• Experience organising Stay and Play sessions and knowledge of Home Learning.