Play Leader

A rewarding lunchtime role helping children and young people to play, connect and thrive. We are seeking a caring, enthusiastic and reliable Play Worker to join our supportive team. Why Choose Birch Wood (Melton Area Special School)? Joining Birch Wood means becoming part of a warm, committed and highly collaborative community where staff are supported to thrive professionally and personally. Why Work With Us?

• A caring, nurturing and ambitious culture with no limits placed on pupil potential.
• Small class sizes, strong staffing ratios, and a multi-disciplinary approach.
• Access to in-house specialists and a wide range of therapies.
• High-quality professional development and opportunities across all phases (4-19)
• A creative and outward looking school that works closely with families, external agencies and its local community.
"Staff are proud to work at the school. They benefit from highly effective training opportunities. They appreciate the school's efforts to support their workload and promote their well-being." - OFSTED,
• Prepare, set out and clear away suitable indoor and outdoor play resources.
• Encourage inclusive, engaging and age-appropriate play, adapting opportunities to individual needs.
• Supervise pupils carefully, promoting positive interactions, independence, choice and emotional wellbeing.
• Respond calmly to incidents, accidents or concerns and report them promptly.
• Follow school policies for safeguarding, health and safety, confidentiality, equality and professional conduct.
  
  Warm, patient, energetic, playful and committed to helping pupils feel safe, included and valued.
• Able to build positive relationships and communicate clearly with pupils and colleagues.
• Reliable, observant and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Willing to learn about SEND, communication approaches and safe working practices.
• Comfortable supporting active play indoors and outdoors and undertaking appropriate physical tasks.
• Experienced with children or young people where possible, although this is not essential as training will be provided., Depending on your role, occasional travel between Discovery locations may be required. A valid driving license and appropriate business insurance are necessary, and you will need to provide evidence of these documents
  
  Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Access to learning networks and visits to other organisations.
• Supportive leadership and a highly committed team.
Work-Life & Wellbeing Benefits
• Flexible working options.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Defined benefit pension scheme.
Additional Perks
• Free parking, cycle-to-work scheme, and gym discounts.
• Eyecare vouchers, dental support, and retail discounts.
• Annual incremental pay increases within the pay scale.