OPAL Play Leader  

Hours of work; Part Time – 9 hours per week - potential for overtime to support forest school 1 afternoon a week and an opportunity to train as a forest school leader

Term time only (38 weeks per year)

Fixed term until Aug 2026

Salary; SCP 4-5 (£13.05 - £13.26 / hr)

Start date: As soon as possible

Nythe Primary School is looking to appoint an outstanding OPAL play leader who is enthusiastic, self-motivated and committed to providing a positive lunch time provision for all pupils. We would like someone with a tolerant and compassionate nature, a sense of humor and the ability to work both on their own and as part of our supportive team. The successful candidate will lead the school’s Play Team (comprising Teaching Assistants and Lunchtime supervisors), you will ensure that all our children have meaningful lunchtime play every day. You will work as a member of the OPAL Team to create and manage a safe and stimulating outdoor environment providing social, active and creative play experiences for all. This position aligns with a learning support mentor and could extend to overtime to support in forest school and open an opportunity to train as a forest school learner. 

Our ideal candidate would be:

•  An outstanding Play leader who is passionate about making lunchtimes a positive experience for all pupils.
•  Energetic and enthusiastic when supporting children’s play.
•  Confident in dealing with behaviour incidents or accidents that occur on the playground.
•  Fully committed to inclusion.
•  Friendly, positive, flexible and energetic.
•  A team player.

In return we offer:

•  A committed, hardworking and friendly team,
•  A supportive leadership team.
•  Opportunities for professional development.

As an Academy we work within the support of Excalibur Academies Trust, which offers our employees many wide ranging opportunities for future professional development.

Closing date: 25th January 2026 (Possibility of closing the vacancy early and interviewing early)

Interviews: Week Comm. 26th January 2026

Nythe Primary School and Excalibur Academies Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All applicants will be subject to a full Disclosure and Barring Service check before appointment is confirmed.

Safeguarding Statement