OPAL Playworker (Midday Supervisor Assistant) at Welland Academy

We are looking for a dedicated and professional lunchtime play worker to join our OPAL team at Welland Academy. The Play Worker will support and facilitate meaningful and productive child-initiated play during the school day in accordance with the play procedures. 

You will be working from 12:15pm – 13:30pm Monday to Friday, with the play team and support from the Play Co-ordinator for play, to deliver safe and imaginative play times for children.  

There may be planning and OPAL team meetings, for which overtime will be given.

The Successful candidate will: 

• Ensure well-being of pupils  
• Ensure a diverse range of playable resources are provided for, and are accessible to, all children, in all weathers
• Create opportunities for play to support the social and behavioural development of pupils
• Provide engaging play work interventions where pupils who find positive behaviour choices challenging
• Ensure enriching play events or opportunities are created 
• Provide ideas and support the Play Co-ordinator in implementing new ideas
• Be able to assess risk and respond appropriately
• Review activities to promote self-evaluation and play development

We are looking for someone who has the following attributes:  

• A variety of communication skills to respond to the needs of the child.  
• Empathy and understanding of children’s individual abilities  
• Patience and a good sense of humour  
• Flexibility to work with children aged 4- 11 years  
• Willing to go the extra mile for the children in their care
• Prior experience of working with children in an educational or play work setting is desirable.

About us:

We can offer you:

• An inclusive school with a good reputation for developing well rounded, caring children who feel safe and valued whatever their skills and abilities
• A caring and motivated team of staff who help and support each other.
• Happy, confident children who enjoy being at school.
• A vibrant, warm, friendly working environment.

The academy is part of the Greenwood Academies Trust (GAT). All GAT academies work collaboratively to share best practice and are supported by the expertise within the Central Team to enable them to focus on teaching and learning. 

The staff, pupils and facilities at this academy make it a great place to work. Visits are warmly welcomed and encouraged; please contact Rachel Dawkins, Office Administrator, on 01733 563180 or email rdawkins@wellandacademy.org

In return we have multiple benefits for our talented and highly valued people:

Alongside nationally agreed terms and conditions, we offer a generous benefits package. Here's a selection of what's on offer to our people in recognition of the huge difference they make to our children, their families and the communities we serve.

• A comprehensive package of benefits via our benefits marketplace
• A free digital wellbeing companion for all colleagues
• A free, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme - confidential & compassionate support when you need it
• Train & qualify as a Mental Health First Aider. We aim to have a qualified Mental Health First Aider in each academy
• Supporting your professional development through CPD, Apprenticeships, Upskilling and Professional Review
• Generous public sector pension schemes for everyone
• Eye tests & Spectacles Discount
• Family friendly policies and time off for dependants
• Dedicated ECT support programme
• Access to savings in childcare costs
• Generous annual leave allocation
• Automatic pay progression
• Free parking on all sites
• Principles on workload & directed time for teaching staff
• Professional Supervision for Academy Leaders

If this post attracts sufficient interest before the closing date, we may decide to close and interview this vacancy at an earlier date, so an early application is advised.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all staff to share this commitment. All posts will be subject to receipt of satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure, medical and reference checks.  All pre-employment checks are in line with "Keeping Children Safe in Education”.

The Trust welcomes applications from all, irrespective of gender, marital status, disability, race, age or sexual orientation.

All applicants must be able to provide evidence of their Right to Work in the UK prior to commencement of employment. As part of our need to comply with UK immigration rules, you will be required to provide Home Office stipulated documentation prior to interview.