Job Description

Qualified Children's Playworker

Location: Newham / Ilford, East London (E12)
Salary: Up to £15.77 per hour (above London Living Wage; dependent on qualifications and experience)
Contract Type: Term-Time and School Holidays
Working Hours:
Term-Time: 18.5 hours per week — Monday to Friday, 2:30pm–6:00pm, plus 1 hour team meeting
School Holidays: 39 hours per week — 8:30am–6:00pm, 4 days per week, plus 1 hour team meeting
Additional Hours: Overtime available during term-time for family support work

We are proud to be supporting a charity based in East London with their recruitment for qualified play workers to join their team. If you're looking for a rewarding role where you can support children's play, learning, and development, in a safe and exciting setting, this could be the perfect opportunity for you!

The charity has a history dating back to the year 1884 and they have been operating under their current set-up since the year 2000, working closely with local primary schools by offering Breakfast Clubs, After School Clubs, and School Holiday provision to vulnerable children who are referred for their services.

They continue to be committed to delivering fun-filled, engaging activities that ensure children are safe, happy, and active, and are looking for individuals who equally as passionate and enthusiastic to continue their great work.

Key Responsibilities

As a Children's Playworker, you will:

• Plan, lead, and participate in a range of play activities including arts & crafts, sports, games, and creative play

• Supervise children at all times, maintaining their safety, well-being, and welfare

• Create a nurturing, inclusive environment where children feel safe to explore, learn, and thrive

• Set up, manage, and tidy away activity areas and equipment

• Prepare and serve snacks, supporting children's nutrition and daily routine

• Build positive, professional relationships with parents, carers, and families, providing feedback at collection times

• Adhere to all health and safety, safeguarding, and child protection policies and procedures

• (Senior Playworkers only) Deputise for the Children's Manager and Lead Senior Playworker; take on safeguarding lead responsibilities and wider managerial duties in their absence

Essential Requirements

To be considered for this Children's Playworker role, you will need:

• A minimum Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Playwork, Childcare, Early Years, or a closely related field (e.g. NVQ/QCF in Playwork, CACHE, BTEC)

• Proven experience working with children in a school, wraparound club, holiday club, nursery, or similar childcare setting

• A warm, energetic, and child-centred approach to playwork

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to engage confidently with children, parents, and colleagues

• The ability to create stimulating, age-appropriate environments that encourage play and development

• Strong organisational skills and a proactive, flexible attitude

• (Senior Playworkers only) Experience in team leadership or supervision

What's on Offer

The charity offers a competitive and supportive package, including:

• Salary above the London Living Wage (up to £15.77ph)

• 20 days annual leave during term-time

• 5 days annual leave during school holidays (excluding Summer)

• Bank Holidays plus additional paid time off at Christmas and New Year (outside of annual leave)

• Full training and continuous professional development support

• Discounted childcare at after school and school holiday provision

• Annual staff events and a supportive team culture

• Opportunity to make a genuine difference in children's lives

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for candidates with experience or qualifications in:

• Playwork (NVQ/QCF Level 2 or 3)

• Early Years Childcare (CACHE, BTEC, or equivalent)

• Primary Education Support (Teaching Assistant, LSA, HLTA)

• Youth Work or Community Childcare

Whether you're a qualified playworker, childcare assistant, after school club supervisor, or experienced holiday club leader, we'd love to hear from you.

This role requires compliance with the Keeping Children Safe in Education policy and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (ROA) 1974