Sessional Play Workers - Wandsworth and Chelsea

KIDS'; Greater London; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 23,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

London Living Wage

Casual dress

Job summary

Kids Adventure Playgrounds in London are seeking enthusiastic, caring and adaptable Sessional Play Workers to support sessions on Saturdays and during school holidays at Lady Allen Adventure Playground and Chelsea Adventure Playground.

You will help disabled children and young people aged 6-24 take part in adventurous and engaging activities, support personal care when needed, supervise sessions, and contribute to safeguarding and paperwork.

Qualifications

• We're seeking enthusiastic candidates who are caring, patient and empathetic.
• Adaptable and resilient, able to stay calm in challenging situations.
• Creativity, energy and a sense of fun in activities.
• Strong communication with children, parents/carers and colleagues.
• Non-judgemental, inclusive approach to diverse backgrounds.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Ability to work well in a team and manage time effectively.
• Demonstrates professional integrity with safeguarding and confidentiality.
• Must be at least 18 years old and have some experience with children and young people.
• Education to A-level, NVQ/BTEC Level 3 or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Support children and young people to take part in adventurous, creative and imaginative play.
• Provide inclusive play opportunities tailored to individual needs, interests and preferences.
• Get involved in structured and free-play activities, both indoors and outdoors.
• Support personal care needs where required, including feeding, toileting and changing, in a sensitive and respectful way.
• Supervise children and young people during play, outings and transportation, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
• Build positive relationships and communicate effectively with children, young people, families and colleagues.
• Help create a welcoming environment where differences are recognised, respected and valued.
• Provide written and verbal feedback following sessions and complete essential paperwork.
• Follow Kids’ safeguarding, child protection, confidentiality and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Help ensure playground facilities and equipment are safe and well maintained.
• Take part in relevant training and work closely with colleagues to provide a consistent, professional service.

Skills

Caring

Patient

Empathetic

Adaptable

Resilient

Creativity

Energy

Sense of fun

Communication

Non-judgemental

Inclusive

Equality

Inclusion

Teamwork

Time-management

Integrity

Safeguarding

Education

A-level / NVQ/BTEC Level 3 or equivalent

Job description

We’re looking for enthusiastic, caring and adaptable Sessional Play Workers to join our Adventure Playground teams, supporting sessions on Saturdays and during school holidays.

You’ll support disabled children and young people aged 6-24 to take part in fun, adventurous and engaging activities, make new friends and enjoy new experiences. It’s a rewarding opportunity to develop your skills, gain valuable experience and make a genuine difference.

Locations: Lady Allen Adventure Playground, Chivalry Road, Wandsworth, London, SW11 1HT and Chelsea Adventure Playground, Royal Hospital Road, London, SW3 4SR
Salary: £14.80 per hour / £16.59 per hour including holiday pay
Hours: Saturdays and school holidays

About the role

At Kids Adventure Playgrounds, we believe children and young people should be able to lead their own play. Our Play Workers create safe, welcoming and inclusive environments where they have the freedom to make choices, build friendships, explore their creativity and, most importantly, have fun.

As a Sessional Play Worker, you’ll:

• Support children and young people to take part in adventurous, creative and imaginative play.
• Provide inclusive play opportunities tailored to individual needs, interests and preferences.
• Get involved in a variety of structured and free-play activities, both indoors and outdoors.
• Support personal care needs where required, including feeding, toileting and changing, in a sensitive and respectful way.
• Supervise children and young people during play, outings and transportation, ensuring their safety and wellbeing.
• Build positive relationships and communicate effectively with children, young people, families and colleagues.
• Help create a welcoming environment where differences are recognised, respected and valued.
• Provide written and verbal feedback following sessions and complete essential paperwork.
• Follow Kids’ safeguarding, child protection, confidentiality and health and safety policies and procedures.
• Help ensure playground facilities and equipment are safe and well maintained.
• Take part in relevant training and work closely with colleagues to provide a consistent, professional service.

About you

You don’t need to have followed one particular career path to make a great Play Worker. What’s most important is your enthusiasm for supporting children and young people and your commitment to creating positive experiences.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is caring, patient and empathetic, with the ability to build positive relationships.
• Is adaptable and resilient and can respond calmly to changing or challenging situations.
• Brings creativity, energy and a sense of fun to activities and play sessions.
• Communicates effectively with children, young people, parents/carers and colleagues.
• Has a non-judgemental, sensitive and inclusive approach to supporting children, young people and families from a range of backgrounds.
• Is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a supportive team.
• Has strong time-management skills and can remain calm and effective in a busy environment.
• Demonstrates professional integrity, particularly around safeguarding and confidentiality.
• Is at least 18 years old and has some experience of working with children and young people.
• Is educated to A-level, NVQ/BTEC Level 3 or equivalent, or has relevant equivalent experience.

It would be great if you also have:

• Experience supporting children or young people with disabilities or additional needs.
• An understanding of the complex needs of disabled children and young people.
• Knowledge of play and child development.
• An understanding of safeguarding, child protection and health and safety.
• A formal qualification in childcare or a play-related subject.
• A current First Aid and/or Food Hygiene certificate.

Why join Kids?

• Make a meaningful impact: Help children and young people enjoy new experiences and reach their potential.
• Join a supportive team: Work alongside friendly and committed colleagues who are passionate about what they do.
• London Living Wage
• Casual dress
• Hours worked may count towards applications for relevant Master’s degrees.
• Gain valuable hands-on experience supporting disabled children and young people.

Kids is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check will be required for successful applicants.