Playworker

Purpose of the Role

To support children and young people by facilitating freely chosen, self-directed play in a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment. The role contributes significantly to the play environment without holding full responsibility for it.

Key Responsibilities

• Play Facilitation:Create and maintain play spaces; support and facilitate child-led play activities.
• Inclusive Practice:Plan and deliver play opportunities that are inclusive of disabled children and young people.
• Safeguarding:Follow safeguarding procedures to ensure the welfare of all children.
• Health & Safety:Promote and maintain a safe and secure play environment; respond appropriately to emergencies.
• Food & Drink:Assist in the provision of food and drink during play sessions.
• Parental Engagement:Build positive relationships with parents and carers; share relevant information.
• Community Links:Support community engagement and partnerships where appropriate.
• Administration:Assist with record-keeping, financial transactions, and general administration.
• Travel Support:Help children during arrival, departure, and travel related to play activities.
• Professional Development:Reflect on and improve personal practice; contribute to team development.

Essential Skills & Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in Playwork or equivalent qualification/experience.
• Experience working with or caring for children of relevant age.
• Awareness of and commitment to equality of opportunity.
• Familiarity with and commitment to the Playwork Principles.

The Mercian Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment Policies can be found on our website. This position is subject to appropriate vetting procedures including a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) which will require you to disclose details of all unspent and unfiltered spent reprimands, formal warnings, cautions and convictions as part of the recruitment process