We are looking for a Play Assistant to join our Extended Day team.   The ideal candidate is genuinely interested in and committed to working with children professionally within an early learning and childcare environment. The role is child-focused, requiring sensitivity, patience, compassion, and a welcoming approach to generate trust and safety for children and their parents/carers.

Hours of work:

• 12:00 - 18:00, Monday to Friday (inclusive). Term time only.

Position Summary:

As a Play Assistant you will assist in the provision of high-quality play experiences, helping to provide excellent care and a comprehensive range of appropriate, stimulating and creative learning activities for children aged 2 – 7 years. We are looking for an individual who has a genuine interest in, and commitment to, working with children in a professional capacity within an early learning and childcare environment. The role is child-focused, which requires sensitivity, patience and compassion along with a welcoming approach aimed at generating a feeling of trust and safety for children and their parents/carers. A genuine interest in the development of children and their wellbeing is essential, along with important qualities such as kindness, sensitivity, nurture, respect and the ability to always maintain confidentiality. 

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Work as part of a team with shared responsibility, to ensure that children are properly supervised at all times, both indoors and outdoors and that appropriate adult-child ratios are maintained at all times
• Escort children to the toilet, support potty training and change nappies where required
• Support pupils in eating food, ensuring that good table manners are adhered to
• Develop age-appropriate social skills in children
• Follow school procedures for first aid and/ or managing an illness
• Liaise effectively and professionally with staff and teachers, as required
• Set an example to all children by modelling kindness, diversity and respect
• Interacting with the children and participating with enthusiasm in their fun activities
• Report any concerns about children to the appropriate staff members
• Respect and maintain confidentiality at all times
• Follow the school’s policies as set out in the staff handbook and on the school website.

Person Specification and Qualifications:

Essential

• Level 3 or above Childcare qualification
• Current paediatric first aid certificate
• Experience of working with children, with a caring and flexible approach to working
• Knowledge of children's games and activities

Desirable

• Knowledge and understanding of EAL and SEN
• A broad understanding of different pedagogies and when to use them in practice

Attributes

The successful candidate will:

• Have experience of working with children
• Have a strong sense of teamwork
• Be responsive and flexible to changing priorities
• Be well-presented, dedicated and reliable
• Have an understanding of Child Protection and Safeguarding