Wrap-around care & activities playworker

Scottish Council of Independent Schools; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Edinburgh is seeking enthusiastic Playworkers to join their Junior School and Nursery Wrap-Around Care team during term time. This role involves creating a safe, engaging environment for children aged 2–10 years, particularly supporting older pupils' development. Candidates must have relevant experience and a passion for working with children. The position offers several benefits including a pension scheme and professional development opportunities. The roles are available from January 2026 and applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Benefits

Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme

Access to onsite gym

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted access to health insurance and financial products

Qualifications

• Experience working with young children in a play, care or educational setting.
• Registered or eligible for registration with the SSSC.
• Knowledge of First Aid, Food Hygiene and Child Protection Training is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality care for children in a safe, stimulating environment.
• Support planning and deliver engaging activities for children.
• Ensure health and safety and build positive relationships with children and families.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Teamwork

Creativity

Discretion

Education

SVQ (L3) Early Years Practitioner qualification or equivalent

Job description

We are seeking caring, enthusiastic, and dedicated Playworkers to join our Junior School and Nursery Wrap-Around Care team during term time, with the possibility of additional hours during school holidays.

In this role, you will help create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for children aged 2–10 years, focusing particularly on our older pupils (aged 5 and over). You’ll play a key part in supporting each child’s development, wellbeing, and learning, guided by the Curriculum for Excellence and the principles of GIRFEC (Getting It Right For Every Child).

If you have a passion for working with children and a commitment to helping them thrive, we would love to hear from you.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed prior. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Main Responsibilities

The following makes up the key elements of the job, but this is not an exhaustive list of all tasks:

• Provide high-quality care for children in a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment
• Support with the planning of, and deliver, a range of age-appropriate, engaging activities that promote play, creativity, wellbeing and social development
• Ensure the health, safety and welfare of all children in your care in line with Child Protection and Health and Safety guidelines
• Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues, promoting a welcoming, inclusive and supportive ethos
• Promote positive behaviour and role model respectful interactions in line with the School’s Positive Behaviour Policy
• Contribute to the planning, monitoring and evaluation of wraparound care provision
• Maintain accurate records such as registers, care plans and ensure any incidents are reported as required
• Ensure compliance with Care Inspectorate regulations and national childcare standards
• Participate in ongoing professional learning and development.

Ideal Candidate

The successful post holder will be:

• Someone who gets joy from working with young children
• Be well organised and adaptable
• Able to build a rapport with young children, team members and parents
• Enjoy working as part of a team but also able to work under own initiative
• Patient and sensitive
• Able to stay calm in challenging situations
• Diplomatic. Use good judgement to make positive, quick decisions when necessary
• Discreet and ensure confidentiality is protected
• A great communicator

Qualifications and Experience

E = Essential D= Desirable

• SVQ (L3) Early Years Practitioner qualification or equivalent (D)
• Registered or eligible for registration with the SSSC(D)
• Experience working with young children in a play, care or educational setting (E)
• A knowledge of First Aid, Food Hygiene and Child Protection Training (D)

Package Description

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff. Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members.

Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us. Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.

Our reward package includes:

• Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
• Access to onsite gym
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailers

The roles is available from January 2026 and upon confirmation of PVG membership.

The Edinburgh Academy is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must be able to evidence an existing right to work in the UK.