Playworker

WMJobs; Walsall; On-site; GBP 19,000 - 23,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CPD opportunities

Health plan

Cycle-to-work

Discounts on everyday purchases

Job summary

The Mercian Trust is hiring a Playworker for Oakwood School in Walsall. The role focuses on delivering play opportunities, safe spaces, and supportive care for children with complex needs aged 3–15.

You will plan, facilitate and reflect on play activities, building strong links with carers, staff and the wider community, while ensuring safeguarding and welfare procedures are followed.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Playwork or equivalent qualification/experience.
• Experience caring for children in target age range.
• Commitment to Playwork Principles and safeguarding.
• Ability to foster inclusive, self-directed play.

Responsibilities

• Carry out playwork and provide free play opportunities in school settings.
• Establish and facilitate play spaces for children and young people.
• Plan, prepare and implement play opportunities on request.
• Develop positive relationships with children, parents and staff.
• Follow safeguarding, health and safety, emergency and welfare procedures.
• Support disabled children in play and manage safety and emergencies.

Skills

Experience caring for children

Playwork Principles

Safeguarding knowledge

Equality of opportunity awareness

Support for self-directed play

Education

NVQ Level 2 in Playwork

Job description

About this Role

Job Title: Playworker

Location: Walsall

Oakwood School is a specialist provision for children and young people aged 3‑15 years with complex educational needs. The school is commissioned for 267 places (September 2025). We pride ourselves on creating a safe, stimulating and nurturing learning environment that supports our pupils with bespoke and innovative learning experiences.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Carry out playwork and provide free play opportunities within various school settings (lunchtime, playground, after‑school, curriculum time).
• Establish and facilitate play spaces for children and young people.
• Plan, prepare and implement specific play opportunities at children’s or young people’s request.
• Develop and maintain positive relationships within the play environment, supporting interactions among children, young people, parents, carers and staff.
• Follow safeguarding, health‑and‑safety, emergency and welfare procedures.
• Support disabled children and young people in play through appropriate planning.
• Manage safety, security and welfare, including responding to emergencies.
• Contribute to provision of food and drink in the play environment.
• Build effective relationships with parents and carers and provide information as appropriate.
• Support community playwork opportunities, maintaining links with external organisations.
• Assist with administration, including processing financial transactions and keeping records.
• Assist with arrival, departure and travel of children outside the play environment.
• Reflect on and improve personal playwork practice and contribute to the wider playwork team.

Qualifications and Skills

• NVQ Level 2 in Playwork or an equivalent qualification or experience.
• Experience caring for children of a relevant age range.
• Familiarity with and commitment to the Playwork Principles.
• Awareness of and commitment to equality of opportunity.
• Ability to support children and young people in freely chosen, self‑directed play.
• Ability to follow safeguarding, health‑and‑safety and emergency procedures.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, young people, parents, carers and colleagues.
• Ability to contribute to inclusive play opportunities, including support for disabled children and young people.

Pay range

Grade 3 SCP 4‑6

Benefits

• Financial, health and lifestyle benefits: discounts on everyday purchases (Eden Red), comprehensive free health plan (UK Health Care), cycle‑to‑work scheme via Halfords, access to the Blue Light Card.
• Education sector CPD opportunities.

Equality, Diversity and Safeguarding

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and vulnerable adults. All appointments are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.

The Mercian Trust is committed to promoting equality, challenging discrimination and developing community cohesion. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.