JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title:
Play Leader
Reporting to :
RAF Community Development Officer & 4Children
Regional Manager
Hours of work:
3.5 hours per week term time (38 weeks)
Salary:
£1,396.50 per annum, plus a paid annual leave
allowance
Location:
RAF Honington
JOB PURPOSE
To work as an effective member of an Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund Ben Club
delivering a flexible, high quality, education and care centred service that meets the
needs of the children and their families. To be responsible for the lead of each session.
JOB ACTIVITIES

To lead a team of playworkers.

Support freely chosen, personally directed play that is motivated by childrens
instincts, ideas and interests, being aware of your impact and role within their
play

Support children and young people to extend their play and balance appropriate
risks with developmental benefits and well-being of the children and young
people

Working as a reflective practitioner to be an advocate for play and the benefits of
freely chosen, child led play opportunities

To organise staff meetings, contribute to staff development and keep up to date
with current childcare issues.

Be flexible and creative and have the commitment to provide first class play
work.

Carrying out session administration, financial administration and record-keeping
relating to each session..

Have the ability to promote good practice in a professional and inclusive manner

Be fully involved in all activities associated with the Ben Clubs provision.

To work within agreed policies and procedures
Created 17th December 2015

To have a good understanding of the EYFS alongside the Playwork Principles
and the differences between an Early Education setting and a play setting

To plan an appropriate range of activities including organising and preparing all
materials used for supporting children and young people to develop social skills
and friendships, physical development and educational experience, e.g. art and
craft activities, sand and water play, cooking, musical activities, storytelling,
dressing-up and role play, computer activities, large and small apparatus
activities and other excursions.

To clear up after activities making sure that materials and equipment are well
cared for and stored properly.

To work closely with parents to create and develop open and inclusive working
partnerships which support the development of their children

Alongside the RAF CDO initiate close liaison with schools and other
childcare/play related organisations including the Early Years Development and
Childcare Partnership.

To promote inclusive attitudes and practices to accommodate and support the
diversity of the local community.

To provide induction training and ongoing training for support of new staff and
trainees at the club.

To undertake observation, assessment and record keeping as required
Job Activities – Standard Terms Common to all Job Descriptions

To promote the organisation's Equal Opportunities policies.

Promote the organisation’s quality systems including Investors in People and
ISO9001

In discharging the duties of the post to have due regard for the provisions of
Health & Safety at Work legislation, as detailed in the Health & Safety manual.

To undertake such additional duties as required which are commensurate with
the grade and responsibilities of the post.

To work outside of your normal shift pattern at any location in keeping with the
demands of your job and the changing needs of 4Children. As much notice as
possible will be given should this be required.

A commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young
people and families.

This job description describes responsibilities, as they are currently required. It is
anticipated duties will change over time and the job description may need to be
reviewed in the future
Created 17th December 2015
KEY CRITERIA
The key criteria describes the characteristics (skills, knowledge, experience and
qualifications) that are needed to carry out the duties in the job description, and will be
used as the basis for short-listing and interview.
Essential
Education &
qualifications
Level 3 childcare qualification
e.g.
CACHE Diploma, NVQ Level 3 in
Childcare and Education or Playwork
First Aid qualification
Enhanced CRB Disclosure Certificate
Basic Food Hygiene Certificate
Experience &
Abilities
At least two years’ experience of working with
children in the 5-8 years age range and their
families.
Desirable
Experience of
working in a
setting with a
An understanding of Playwork principles
management
Experience of Managing an out of school club committee,
partnership
and team of Playworkers.
groups,
Experience of working as part of a team providing community
forums etc
high quality childcare services
Working knowledge of the emotional, physical,
psychological and educational development of
children, in order to provide an environment in
which the child’s full potential can be supported
and in which parents/carers can be supported in
their relationship with their children.
A working knowledge of the particular
requirements of children with special needs in
terms of their support, development and care
planning.
Experience of working with parents and carers
from a range of cultural backgrounds,
encouraging full participation in their children’s
play and learning opportunities
Experience of working with trainees and/or
volunteers, facilitating their ongoing personal and
professional development
Knowledge of all legislation relating to childcare
Knowledge of the Code of Practice for Special
Created 17th December 2015
Educational needs
Knowledge of child protection issues and policies
and relevant Safeguarding Children Board
procedures
A working knowledge of relevant Health & safety
and Basic Food Hygiene requirements
Skills
- Team Working
To be able to contribute to team working in a
supportive and professional way (including
trainees and volunteers)
Able to communicate effectively with a wide
range of users, partners, providers, volunteers
and staff.
-
Planning &
Organising
An interest in
working with
outreach
Ability to contribute to ideas for the ongoing
workers,
development and improvement of services
community
groups, schools,
An understanding of the needs of volunteers and voluntary sector
trainees.
organisations
etc, as a way of
Responsive to change and ideas; able to adapt to building and
new systems and flexible working patterns
maintaining
links with the
Ability to assess training and other professional
local community
development needs.
Ability to implement administration systems of
childcare services, including all record keeping
required by Ofsted
Able to plan and prioritise in a flexible and
informed way
-
Communication
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and
in writing, including the drafting of reports and
recording information
An empathetic, supportive and non-judgemental
attitude towards children, parents/carers, staff
and trainees/volunteers
Ability to respect confidentiality
A belief in the importance of effective and
inclusive communication with children using a
range of verbal and non-verbal techniques
Personal Qualities
- Interpersonal
skills
Ability to develop effective working relationships
with a variety of other professionals and agencies
in order to provide the best possible support for
children and their families
Committed to continuing professional
Created 17th December 2015
Experience of
working within a
new/developing
project, with
particular
emphasis on
development
Created 17th December 2015
developing high
quality childcare
services.
PRINCIPAL TERMS & CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
PLAY LEADER
1.
Hours of Work
3.5 hours per week term time (38 weeks)
2.
Duration of Contract
Fixed Term Until end of June 2017
3.
Holidays
28 days per annum including Bank Holidays (pro rata). Some annual leave will
need to be taken at the Christmas period, when the 4Children HQ building
closes.
4.
Salary
£1,396.50 per annum plus a paid annual leave allowance
5.
Place of Work
RAF Station
6.
Method of Pay
Your holiday entitlement will depend on the number of hours that you actually
work and be pro-rated on the basis of a full-time entitlement of 28 days' holiday
during each full holiday year (including the usual eight public holidays in England
and Wales).
4Children will calculate your holiday entitlement that accrues (accumulates) as
hours worked. Your holiday entitlement will be paid on top of your salary each
and every month.
7.
Trade Unions
The organisation has a recognition agreement with the Unite Union.
8.
Benefits
The organisation has an occupational sick leave and sick pay scheme. We
operate family friendly policies including dependency leave, and job share and
part-time working opportunities. We have a comprehensive benefits scheme
which includes an employer’s contribution to pension of up to 6%, a life
assurance scheme and childcare vouchers.
Created 17th December 2015