Play Coordinator and Wraparound Manager

St Mary's Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School; Kettering; On-site; GBP 18,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

St Mary’s CE VA Primary Academy in Kettering is seeking a dedicated lead for OPAL and wraparound provision. The role involves developing inclusive lunchtime, intervention and after-school activities to enrich children’s wellbeing and learning.

You will work with school leaders to set priorities, ensure safeguarding and health and safety compliance, and develop pupil play leaders while gathering feedback from pupils, families and staff.

Qualifications

• Experience of working with children in educational, childcare or play settings.
• Understanding of child development and the value of play.
• Ability to lead, motivate and support colleagues.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, staff and families.
• Commitment to inclusion and safeguarding.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of OPAL and wraparound provision.
• Promote the value of play across the school community.
• Work with school leaders to identify priorities and drive improvement.
• Ensure all provision meets school policies, safeguarding requirements and health and safety expectations.
• Develop pupil play leaders and gather feedback from pupils, parents and staff.
• Ensure provision is inclusive and accessible for all pupils.
• Supervise, support and develop staff.
• Maintain high standards of behaviour and positive relationships.
• Lead staff meetings, briefings and training where appropriate.
• Monitor, maintain and organise play equipment and resources.
• Create engaging play opportunities that encourage creativity, exploration and active play.
• Respond appropriately to incidents, accidents and concerns.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, staff, parents and the wider community.
• Uphold the Christian vision and values of St Mary's CE VA Primary Academy.
• Participate in training and professional development.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as directed by the Headteacher.

Skills

Child engagement

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Safeguarding

Education

Experience with children in educational/childcare settings

Tools

First Aid (Desirable)

Job description

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

At St Mary's CE VA Primary Academy, we believe that high-quality play is fundamental to children's wellbeing, learning and personal development.

The post holder will lead the development of OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) and wraparound provision, ensuring children have access to rich, inclusive and engaging opportunities during lunchtimes, intervention sessions and after‑school provision.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the development and implementation of OPAL and wraparound provision.
• Promote the value of play across the school community.
• Work with school leaders to identify priorities and drive improvement.
• Ensure all provision meets school policies, safeguarding requirements and health and safety expectations.
• Develop pupil play leaders and gather pupil, parent and staff feedback.
• Ensure provision is inclusive and accessible for all pupils.
• Supervise, support and develop staff.
• Maintain high standards of behaviour and positive relationships.
• Lead staff meetings, briefings and training where appropriate.
• Monitor, maintain and organise play equipment and resources.
• Create engaging play opportunities that encourage creativity, exploration and active play.
• Respond appropriately to incidents, accidents and concerns.
• Build positive relationships with pupils, staff, parents and the wider community.
• Uphold the Christian vision and values of St Mary's CE VA Primary Academy.
• Participate in training and professional development.
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as directed by the Headteacher.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Experience of working with children in an educational, childcare or play setting.
• Understanding of child development and the value of play.
• Ability to lead, motivate and support colleagues.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, staff and families.
• Commitment to inclusion and safeguarding.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Desirable

• Experience or knowledge of OPAL.
• Experience of delivering staff training.
• First Aid qualification.

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE WILL CONTRIBUTE TO:

• A strong OPAL culture across the school.
• Improved wellbeing, confidence and resilience for pupils.
• Positive behaviour and stronger relationships.
• High‑quality, inclusive wraparound provision.
• Safe, clean, and engaging play opportunities that enhance children's development and enjoyment of school.

This is a great opportunity to become part of a wonderful team of staff who want nothing but the best for our pupils. We welcome visits to our school to have a look around and meet the team.

The position is for 5 days a week (Monday - Friday), 11.45am - 6.00pm, term time + training days (39 weeks).

St Mary’s CE VA Primary Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and we expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Any successful candidates will be subject to Disclosure and Barring Service checks along with other relevant employment checks to ensure their suitability for safeguarding children. Shortlisted candidates will have online searches carried out prior to interview.

Appointments are excluded from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Applications must declare any convictions which for other purposes are “Spent” and in the event of employment, failure to disclose such convictions could result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the school. Applicants must provide the information requested on a questionnaire sent at the time of short‑listing and understand that the provisionally selected candidate for such posts will be required to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure at the appropriate level. Any information will be treated confidentially.