Playworker Apprentice

NEXT Retail Ltd.; Camden Town; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A childcare service provider in Camden Town is looking for an apprentice to supervise children during breakfast and after-school clubs. Responsibilities include planning activities, ensuring safety, promoting positive behavior, and engaging with children creatively. This position also involves receiving training towards a Level 2 Playworker Apprenticeship. Ideal candidates should possess strong communication, organizational skills, and a passion for working with children.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and support children during breakfast club and after-school play sessions.
• Help set up, deliver, and clear engaging play activities both indoors and outdoors.
• Encourage participation in creative and physical play.
• Ensure children are safe and well cared for during activities.
• Contribute ideas to planning and evaluating play activities.

Skills

Communication skills

Organisation skills

Customer care skills

Problem solving skills

Team working

Creative

Initiative

Non judgemental

Patience

Physical fitness

Job description

Supervise and support children during breakfast club and after-school play sessions.

Help set up, deliver, and clear away engaging play activities both indoors and outdoors.

Encourage children's participation in creative, imaginative, and physical play that supports social, emotional, and physical development.

Promote positive behaviour, inclusion, and respect among children.

Ensure children are safe and well cared for, following safeguarding and health & safety procedures.

Work collaboratively with school staff, parents, and carers to support the children's needs.

Contribute ideas to planning and evaluating play activities as part of the team.

Undertake training and complete all requirements of the Level 2 Playwork Apprenticeship.

Carry out additional duties as required by the Playleader or school management.

Observe and reflect on play behaviours.

Communicate sensitively using relevant language and behaviour.

Promote diversity and inclusion in Playwork practice.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify ways to remove barriers which can prevent some children and young people playing.
• Undertake reflective observations to improve own practice and the quality of the provision for children and young people.
• Contribute to play audits.
• Promote the value and benefits of play for all children and young people.
• Assist with planning, creating and identifying loose parts to encourage and inspire sustainable practices.
• Recognise the benefits of risk taking in play and contribute to dynamic risk-benefit assessment.
• Recognise that children and young people communicate with a range of different types of behaviour and may need Playworker support.
• Support children and young people to understand and manage their emotions, feelings and actions.
• Manage interactions with parents/caregivers professionally.
• Contribute to health and safety checks.
• Follow emergency incidents or common illness/infections policies and procedures.
• Contribute to recording and reporting procedures as required by the play setting.
• Contribute to administrative and financial record keeping.
• Promote healthy eating and an active lifestyle, ensuring specific dietary and cultural needs are met.
• Maintain a clean environment according to local and national policies and procedures.
• Contribute to ensuring security arrangements are followed.
• Work as part of a team to support and supervise children and young people on off-site trips.

Training and Development:

As an apprentice, you'll receive regular training alongside your job to help you develop the knowledge, skills, and behaviours needed for your role.

At least 20% of your working hours will be dedicated to off-the-job training, which includes study time, workshops, and learning activities.

You'll be working to complete the Playworker level 2 apprenticeship standard, which will include any required Functional Skills in English and maths.

Future Career Opportunities:

• Move into roles in primary schools as a teaching assistant (with further qualifications).
• Progress towards Level 4/5 in Playwork or Early Years.
• Consider pathways into youth work, sports coaching, or community education.
• Playworker (qualified, non-apprentice role) - working independently in breakfast/after-school clubs or holiday schemes.
• Senior Playworker / Team Leader - supporting staff, leading activities, ensuring safeguarding standards.
• Out of School Club Supervisor/Manager - managing wraparound care provision.

Requirements:

• Communication skills
• Organisation skills
• Customer care skills
• Problem solving skills
• Team working
• Creative
• Initiative
• Non judgemental
• Patience
• Physical fitness