Playworker

Leo Academy Trust; Sutton; On-site; GBP 12,000 - 18,000; Part time

Job summary

LEO Academy Trust in the United Kingdom is seeking casual playworkers to support wraparound care across our sites. The role covers breakfast club, after-school club and school holidays, with flexible patterns and shifts to fit around your life.

You’ll help children stay happy, safe and engaged through play, building confident social skills and positive relationships with families and colleagues. Experience in childcare is preferred; NVQ Level 2 in Playwork is a bonus.

Qualifications

• Proven experience of working within a childcare or play provision.
• An NVQ Level 2 in Playwork is a bonus, but not essential.
• Basic IT skills for simple tasks on computers or hand-held devices.

Responsibilities

• Planning and organising exciting play activities for primary-aged children.
• Setting up play areas and equipment to ensure they are safe and inviting.
• Preparing and serving snacks and refreshments.
• Chatting with children about their worries or concerns, providing a supportive ear.
• Managing fair behaviour and dealing with any minor injuries or emergencies.
• Building great relationships with parents, carers, and colleagues.

Skills

Childcare experience

Good communication

Flexible

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Playwork

Tools

Basic IT skills

Job description

Casual Playworker - Term time and/or Holiday Club (Across the Trust)

Start date: ASAP

Casual Contract: various working patterns available, our Wraparound Care provision is open Monday - Friday for breakfast club 07:15 - 08:45 and after school club 15:00-18:00 as well as school holidays 07:30 - 18:00.

Fancy joining a team where every day is a fresh adventure?

Are you a natural when it comes to sparking children’s imaginations? LEO Academy Trust is looking for enthusiastic casual playworkers to join our vibrant team. If you’re looking for a role that’s hands-on, rewarding, and fits around your life, this could be the perfect match. We’re after someone who can help our pupils stay happy, safe, and engaged during their wraparound care.

LEO Academy Trust is a growing Trust with sites across Surrey and Sutton, please visit our website for further details.

We are looking for people to cover short term absence across the Trust as well as staff to work in our Holiday club (based at Cheam Common Junior Academy) during the school holidays. Hours are flexible. Pay will depend on the location of your assignment. Working under the guidance of our Wrapround Care team leader, you’ll be a key part of our pupils’ day. You won’t just be supervising; you’ll be right in the thick of it, helping children develop socially and emotionally through play.

Your day-to-day will involve:

• Planning and organising exciting play activities for primary-aged children.
• Setting up play areas and equipment to ensure they are safe and inviting.
• Preparing and serving snacks and refreshments.
• Chatting with children about their worries or concerns, providing a supportive ear.
• Managing fair behaviour and dealing with any minor injuries or emergencies.
• Building great relationships with parents, carers, and colleagues.

What You Will Bring:

We need someone who is patient, flexible, and genuinely enjoys working with children. To join the team, you will need:

• Proven experience of working within a childcare or play provision.
• Sensitivity and understanding, with the ability to stay calm whilst things get busy.
• Top-notch communication skills and a friendly, customer-focused approach.
• Basic IT skills for simple tasks on computers or hand-held devices.
• An NVQ Level 2 in Playwork is a bonus, but not essential.

Why Choose LEO Academy Trust?

At LEO Academy Trust, we believe our staff are our greatest asset. We offer a supportive community where you are valued and empowered through:

• Our "TEAM" Ethos: A culture built on Togetherness, Expectation, Achievement, and Moving forwards.
• Inclusive Culture: A deeply rooted commitment to diversity and a welcoming workplace.
• Smart Work-Life Balance: Industry-leading PedTech and Google tools designed to slash admin workloads.
• Comprehensive Health & Wellbeing package for all staff

The Small Print

LEO Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All offers of employment are subject to:

• Obtaining an Enhanced DBS certificate.
• Confirmation of identity and the Right to Work in the UK.
• Overseas checks where applicable.
• Verification of professional qualifications.
• Satisfactory references with all gaps in employment explained.
• Online searches (including social media) as part of our due diligence process for all shortlisted candidates.

Equality & Diversity

LEO Academy Trust is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills. Applications are invited from all members of the community. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age; race; sex; disability; sexual orientation; gender reassignment; marriage and civil partnership; pregnancy and maternity; religion, faith or belief (Equality Act 2010 protected characteristics).

Safeguarding & Equal Opportunities

LEO Academy Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Please read about our commitment to safeguarding as well as other important information in the Applicant guide on our website.

Reasonable Adjustments

Should you require any reasonable adjustments to support you in applying for this role, at any stage of the recruitment process, please contact the Recruitment team to tell us what changes or help you might need.