Play Leader (BIR054BC)

Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School); Melton Mowbray; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 27,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Cycle-to-work scheme

Gym discounts

Eyecare vouchers

Dental support

Retail discounts

Annual incremental pay increases

Job summary

Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School) is seeking a Play Leader to join a caring team during lunchtimes. Two permanent positions, 15 hours per week over term time, Monday to Friday 11:00–14:00. You will help children play, connect, and thrive in a supportive environment.

We offer a collaborative school community with development opportunities and access to in-house therapies. Training will be provided, and prior experience with children is welcomed but not essential.

Qualifications

• Willing to learn about SEND and safeguarding practices.
• Experience with children or young people is preferred but training will be provided.
• Must be reliable, patient and able to work well as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Prepare, set out and clear away indoor and outdoor play resources.
• Encourage inclusive, age-appropriate play and adapt activities to individual needs.
• Supervise pupils, promote positive interactions, independence and wellbeing.
• Respond calmly to incidents and report them promptly.
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety and confidentiality policies.

Skills

Warm and patient

Relationship building

Reliability and observant

SEND knowledge

Active play support

Experience with children

Job description

Birch Wood School

Where a Love of Learning Grows

Play Leader - 2 positions available

Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School)

Salary: Grade 5 Pay Point 7-8 (£26,022 - £26,436 per annum, approximate starting salary of £8,814.99 per annum)

Hours: 15 Hours per week, 39 Weeks per year (Term-time only)

Contract Type: Permanent

Working Pattern: Monday to Friday 11:00 - 14:00

About the Role

A rewarding lunchtime role helping children and young people to play, connect and thrive. We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic and reliable Play Worker to join our supportive team.

Why Choose Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School)?

Joining Birch Wood means becoming part of a warm, committed and highly collaborative community where staff are supported to thrive professionally and personally.

Why Work With Us?

• A caring, nurturing and ambitious culture with no limits placed on pupil potential.
• Small class sizes, strong staffing ratios, and a multi‑disciplinary approach.
• Access to in-house specialists and a wide range of therapies.
• High-quality professional development and opportunities across all phases (4-19)
• A creative and outward looking school that works closely with families, external agencies and its local community.

“Staff are proud to work at the school. They benefit from highly effective training opportunities. They appreciate the school’s efforts to support their workload and promote their well-being.” - OFSTED

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare, set out and clear away suitable indoor and outdoor play resources.
• Encourage inclusive, engaging and age-appropriate play, adapting opportunities to individual needs.
• Supervise pupils carefully, promoting positive interactions, independence, choice and emotional wellbeing.
• Respond calmly to incidents, accidents or concerns and report them promptly.
• Follow school policies for safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality, equality and professional conduct.

What We Are Looking For

• Warm, patient, energetic, playful and committed to helping pupils feel safe, included and valued.
• Able to build positive relationships and communicate clearly with pupils and colleagues.
• Reliable, observant and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Willing to learn about SEND, communication approaches and safe working practices.
• Comfortable supporting active play indoors and outdoors and undertaking appropriate physical tasks.
• Experienced with children or young people where possible, although this is not essential as training will be provided.

Why Join Us?

Professional Growth & Support

• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.

Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits

• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.

Additional Perks

• Free parking, cycle-to-work scheme, and gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers, dental support, and retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.

Equal Opportunities & Diversity

We welcome enquiries from everyone and value diversity in our workforce.
Applications are welcome from all sections of the community regardless of gender identity, ethnic origin, disability, age, or sexual orientation.

Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents

About Discovery Schools Trust

Discovery Schools Trust is committed to improving learning by fostering a culture of excellence. We prioritise children’s needs, teacher development, and innovative school improvement to ensure success across all our schools.

Safeguarding Commitment

Discovery is dedicated to safeguarding pupils. The successful applicant must complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and provide references.