summer sessional play worker

Are you seeking a summer position centered on engaging with children and young individuals? Joining Kids could be the perfect opportunity to expand your horizons and enhance your skill set. Not only will this experience bolster your resume, but it will also demonstrate your dedication and resilience to our charity's cause. Even if you're not currently a student and simply aiming to supplement your income, consider joining us during the holidays for a fulfilling month filled with joy and laughter.

As a summer sessional play worker, you'll be an integral part of our team, dedicated to providing a stimulating and safe environment for children and young people aged 6 to 24 with various disabilities and additional needs such as autism, behavioral, learning, and emotional difficulties. Your role will involve fostering adventurous, creative, and imaginative play experiences, ensuring that every child benefits fully from the activities provided by our service. You'll also help to lead and facilitate group activities and social interactions, encouraging the development of vital life skills.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Providing one-to-one support to children and young people during sessions.


• Creating a supportive, stimulating, and inclusive environment for play.


• Assisting with personal care tasks such as feeding, toileting, and changing.


• Participating in a range of activities including arts and crafts, sports, games, baking, cooking, and music.


• Accompanying children and young people on trips within the community.


• Ensuring the safety and maintenance of our playground facilities and equipment.


• Providing feedback on sessions for children and young people, both written and verbal., We're here for children and young people with special education needs and disabilities, young carers and families. We're on a mission to create a world where all kinds of children and young people have all kinds of opportunities. We create life-changing opportunities by providing a wide range of support. Together, we'll empower disabled children to stand up for their rights.


Childhood should be a joyful time. But some children and young people living with special educational needs and disabilities are defined by what they cannot do. That's wrong.

Every child should have an equal opportunity to play, learn, grow and thrive.

Because when the world says we can't, kids say we can.

Our strategic plan will enable us to reach 120,000 disabled young people and their families, every year, by 2027.

We welcome applications from individuals with disabilities or those who have personal experience with disability. Our goal is to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We are dedicated to making our recruitment process accessible to all, and we are committed to making reasonable adjustments to accommodate the needs of disabled candidates and colleagues. For example, we ensure that our job advertisements are easily accessible, and upon request, we provide application forms in alternative formats, such as large print.

At KIDS, we actively encourage individuals with disabilities to apply for positions by guaranteeing an interview to any disabled person who meets the job requirements outlined in the person specification. We understand that everyone may need different levels of support, so if required, assistance is available to help applicants complete their application forms. Our dedicated in-house Careers team is here to discuss the support options we can offer to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

We deeply value the safety and wellbeing of all individuals who interact with our services. Our staff members receive comprehensive training to recognise and address safeguarding concerns. We work closely with families and other organisations to take every reasonable measure to minimise the risk of harm to children, young people, and adults.

To uphold our commitment to inclusivity, we adhere to rigorous safer recruitment and selection procedures. We foster a culture of inclusivity and transparency, where any concerns regarding our personnel can be raised and addressed promptly and appropriately. By identifying and addressing concerning, problematic, or inappropriate behaviour early on, our aim is to create a safe and supportive environment for all.

Please be aware that our Safer Recruitment procedures include conducting a DBS check and a Colleague Suitability Declaration where applicable. We understand the importance of ensuring the safety of vulnerable individuals, and being listed on either of these Barred Lists prohibits individuals from legally working, applying for work, or volunteering in Regulated Activity involving children and/or adults.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion are fundamental principles that guide everything we do at KIDS. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued. We strive to ensure that all members of the KIDS team have equal access to employment opportunities, promotions, and professional development. Our commitment to inclusivity is embedded in our business planning, organisational structures, values and the personal development plans of all staff members. We believe that by embracing diversity and promoting inclusion, we can create a stronger and more vibrant community for everyone.

Desirable skills:

• Dedication to fostering children's growth and development


• Proficient in collaborative teamwork


• Approach challenges with positivity and open-mindedness


• Demonstrate patience, resilience, and a strong work ethic


• Take initiative and demonstrate reactiveness


• Uphold ethical standards in all actions


• Effective time management skills


• Infuse situations with a sense of humour when appropriate


• Ability to thrive in high-pressure environments


• Familiarity with safeguarding procedures is preferred


• Maintain confidentiality and respect professional boundaries


• Possession of current first aid or food hygiene certificates is a plus.


Minimum educational requirements include A-levels, NVQ/BTEC Level 3, or equivalent experiential knowledge. Please note that this role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Work hours: The summer play scheme runs from July 26th to August 31st, Monday to Saturday. We're seeking individuals who can commit to a minimum of 15 days, with flexibility to work up to a maximum of 30 days throughout the scheme. Training will be provided over two days in July.

The Good stuff/Benefits:

• Employee benefits portal, including discounts at 100s online high street stores


• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Help's to deal with personal and professional problems that could be affecting your home life or work life, health and general wellbeing. The confidential employee benefit provides expert advice and compassionate guidance 24/7


• Training provided by Flick: Provides a huge range of up to date and professional courses for all staff members


• Referral scheme, For those interested and available, there's the potential for continued employment at the playground beyond the summer holidays, including term-time sessions and other holiday schemes. Hourly compensation is £13.15 per hour (London Living Wage), plus holiday pay.