Vacancy for Play Practitioner in our BRAND NEW Wrap-Around Care Provision at Downham Feoffees Primary Academy - OPENING FROM EASTER 2026!

Salary:  £8,298 - £8428 (Actual Salary per year)  Meridian Trust Grade 3, Points 2 - 3

This is a permanent, term-time only post 

Hours of work: 15 hours per week

Working pattern: Monday to Friday Breakfast Club from 7.45am to 8.45am and After-School Club from 3.30 to 5.30pm 

Responsible to Wrap-Around Care Manager/Headteacher

We are very excited to be opening a new wrap-around care provision at Downham Feoffees Primary Academy ready for the start of the Summer Term.  We are looking for an energetic and dedicated Play Practitioner to join our brand-new provision and you will enjoy being part of the small team establishing this exciting new addition to our school!  The role will cover Breakfast Club from 7.45 to 8.45am plus our After-School Club which will run from 3.30 to 5.30pm running every day during term-time.

You will be part of a small team providing care, play opportunities and activities for our children aged from 4 to 11 years.  You may be expected to help with the preparation of refreshments for the children.  The development of positive working relationships with our other wrap-around care staff, school staff, parents/carers will be an essential aspect of the role, as will a secure knowledge of safeguarding and health and safety.  First aid training will be a requirement.  You will work under the direction of the Wrap-Around Care Manager to maintain a safe and enjoyable learning environment.

The opportunity

• To be part of a friendly, supportive team providing high-quality appropriate play activities in our brand new provision!
• To provide a safe, caring and inclusive setting for our children
• To maintain a stimulating and enjoyable learning environment
• To supervise the children and be responsible for their physical, emotional, social and intellectual well-being

The ideal candidate

• Has a good educational background with GCSE or equivalent in English Language
• Can form positive and caring relationships with children which motivates them to learn, grow and be confident.
• The ability to work collaboratively with parents, carers, colleagues and third parties

About Downham Feoffees Primary Academy

Downham Feoffees Primary Academy is part of the Meridian family of academies and is a busy village primary school where you will quickly feel our friendly and positive ethos.  Downham Feoffees Primary Academy is proud of the part it plays within our local community and values the hard work and support provided by parents/carers and their families, plus the Friends of Downham Feoffees (FODA) and our Academy Council.  We also enjoy working closely with our partner school in the Trust - The Lantern Community Primary School, situated a short distance away from us in the beautiful city of Ely.

About Meridian Trust 

Meridian Trust is a values-led organisation formed in 2011 that has risen to be one of the highest-performing academy trusts in the country. The Trust is founded on its commitment to a high-quality educational provision for all at the heart of local communities. Meridian currently operates primary, secondary and special schools across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Lincolnshire and Northamptonshire.

Meridian Trust offers a wealth of fantastic benefits for teaching and support staff which are highlighted below but are not limited to - 

• Apprenticeship and CPD opportunities which allow you to gain specialist knowledge in a role you are passionate about developing in
• Opportunity to jump start your career in teaching through our dedicated Initial Teacher Training Team (ITT)
• Support for mental health and wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme and other resources
• Cycle to work scheme
• Defined benefit local government or Teacher’s pension scheme
• Healthcare benefits including free eye test vouchers and flu vaccinations
• Free on-site parking
• Discounts on a wide range of benefits from everyday essentials to holidays         

To explore our full range of benefits, please visit https://www.meridiantrust.co.uk/jobs-and-training/benefits/. 

For more information about the role please download the Applicant Information Pack below.

Closing date for applications: To be confirmed

Interviews will be held on: Week beginning (to be confirmed)

The Trust is committed to diversity and inclusion and equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All appointments will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced check with the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS), as well as online searches.