Playscheme Manager

Islington Working; Greater London; Remote; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Hargrave Hall Community Centre is seeking a Play Patch Holiday Playscheme Manager to lead a child-led holiday playscheme for ages 5–11 at Hargrave Hall, N19. You will supervise a team of playworkers, create a welcoming, safe environment and coordinate daily activities that promote creativity and independence.

The role involves safeguarding, risk assessment, session planning and close liaison with parents, with responsibilities across registrations, staffing and timeslots.

Qualifications

• Play Framework: 2 years experience required.
• Experience leading a playscheme or childcare setting preferred.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organise and oversee daily runs of the holiday playscheme for 5–11-year-olds.
• Lead, supervise and support playworkers and ensure teamwork at each session.
• Develop a varied, child-led programme including arts, crafts, sports and outdoor play.
• Encourage independence, safety and inclusivity; support safeguarding procedures.
• Manage registrations, attendance, staff rotas and session planning.
• Communicate with parents about wellbeing, attendance and concerns.

Skills

Play framework experience

Working with children

Job description

Do you have experience leading in a playscheme, childcare, or out-of-school setting?The Play Patch is looking for an enthusiastic, organised, and self-motivated Holiday Playscheme Manager to lead our vibrant, HAF-funded holiday programme at Hargrave Hall Community Centre.Do you love play, creativity and creating brilliant holiday experiences for children?

We’re looking for a Play Patch Manager to lead our child-led holiday playscheme at Hargrave Hall Community Centre, N19, working with children aged 5–11 years.This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who is warm, creative, organised and passionate about play.

You’ll lead and support a team of playworkers, help create an exciting and welcoming play environment, support children to make their own choices, and make sure everyone is safe, included and having a great time.

Duties

• Plan, organise and oversee the daily running of the holiday playscheme for children aged 5–11 years.
• Lead, supervise and support playworkers, delegating responsibilities and ensuring effective teamwork throughout each session.
• Develop and deliver a varied programme of child-led activities, including arts and crafts, sports, outdoor play, construction, den building and creative play.
• Encourage children to make their own choices, explore their interests and participate in activities that support their independence, confidence and development.
• Ensure children’s safety and welfare by following safeguarding policies, reporting concerns appropriately and maintaining professional boundaries.
• Conduct risk assessments, monitor play environments and ensure activities and equipment are safe and suitable for all children.Create a welcoming, accessible and inclusive environment that respects children’s individual needs, backgrounds, abilities and interests.
• Promote positive behaviour, resolve conflicts calmly and encourage respectful relationships between children and staff.
• Provide guidance to playworkers, monitor performance and ensure staff understand their roles, responsibilities and safeguarding procedures.
• Manage registrations, attendance records, staff rotas, session planning, resources and the smooth running of daily activities.
• Communicate effectively with parents and carers regarding children’s wellbeing, attendance, needs and any concerns arising during the programme.
• Support the delivery of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme in line with funding requirements, programme objectives and relevant reporting procedures.
• Organise play materials, equipment, refreshments and activity supplies, ensuring resources are used safely and efficiently.
• Support children’s emotional wellbeing by providing reassurance, positive encouragement and access to quiet spaces when needed.
• Play Framework: 2 years (required)
• Working with children: 3 years (preferred)

Desirable criteria

Not specified

Additional information

Hargrave Hall Community Centre, N19 Starting December 2026 Sessional / Fixed-Term Holiday Contract - up to 65 hours

Opportunities across future Easter, Summer & Christmas programmes Children aged 5–11

Daily capacity: approximately 50 children (25 per group).

Children enjoy: Choice-led play, outdoor adventure Arts, crafts and making Sports and movement, construction and den building Quiet wellbeing spaces.