BEFORE & AFTER SCHOOL & HOLIDAY CLUB PLAYWORKER
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Part Time Relief Playworker to work at our Before & After School and Holiday Clubs, based at Zac’s Club at Riccall CP School and Escrick C of E School. Working with children aged between 3 and 11 years you will provide ideas for play and learning, support with homework where required, a key communication link between school and home, and ensure the safety of all children in your care. You must be able to demonstrate how you will link the views of parents, children and school to your practice at the Club, and ensure that the children are well occupied, are suitably supervised and supported and have choice in their play. The service compliments what happens during the school day, but offers a different atmosphere, and allows children to relax and enjoy their time after a busy day at school. You must have a keen interest in understanding child development, learning and education, have a sense of humour, energy and fun. This position is on a relief basis and hours will be available during both term time and in the school holidays, as and when needed by the business to cover holiday and sickness absences across the team, with the opportunity to increase to more regular hours as our business grows. Breakfast Club operates from 7.30-9.00am and After School Club from 3.00-6.00pm each weekday on a term time only basis. We also operate a Holiday Club which opens from 8.00am – 6.00pm 5 days a week during the holidays. We are looking for a self starting individual able to work on initiative, and be able to work in a friendly, small school environment. We are seeking a candidate that ideally can work any of the shifts on a rota or short notice basis ( particularly Thursday afternoons 3-6 as we’re super busy then), alongside our Managers and Playworkers in delivering a service that provides continuity of care. We are seeking candidates with a genuine desire and passion to influence children’s learning, and can use their initiative to provide children with fun in their learning. Whilst undertaking the role, you will be working with a team of colleagues providing care and learning to our children in an enabling and stimulating environment. You will be expected to have a ‘can do’ attitude, and be prepared to do whatever it takes to ensure the smooth running of the setting. A childcare qualification is not essential, but we will offer training to take the qualification if you wish. You must be able to demonstrate an ability to relate to children and their needs, and understand the supportive nature of the role. You must be able to work as part of a team, and be flexible in your approach, working at both settings as and when required. Communicating effectively with parents is also a key part of the role. Zac’s Club also offers childcare places at a discounted rate, mentor and training support for those undertaking further childcare qualifications, a company pension scheme, and 5.6 weeks paid holiday leave each year. The role is available from June 2023.
Job Description
At Zac’s Club we aim to provide the highest quality of care and learning for all the children in our setting. Our families use the service extensively and expect a high level of quality of care. Zac’s Club received inspections from Ofsted at both settings in 2019, and were awarded ‘Good’ at Zac’s Club, Riccall, and ‘Met’ at Zac’s Club Escrick (the highest grade available for out of school clubs following a change in the gradings in September 2019). We engender an atmosphere where children and their families are respected and valued and all children are encouraged to investigate, explore, have fun and flourish. We expect our Playworkers to have a clear understanding of Ofsted regulations, be competent in recording, assessing and planning for the development of the children, and be confident in working in close partnership with parents and other professionals. Our Playworkers are enthusiastic, caring, respectful, professional and supportive and undertake additional and continual learning in order to extend their skills base, and keep up to date with modern practice. Your role would be to work alongside the Breakfast and After School Club and Holiday Club Teams, providing the highest quality of care for the children, and ensuring that you are a key member of the team in delivering the very best for children’s learning and development, in particular in relation our very youngest children in the group under the EYFS framework. You will also provide critical support to the team, using your initiative and experience to add value to each child’s day. You will be required to prepare food for breakfast and snack, support children in selecting their choices, understand different dietary requirements, and have a working knowledge of any care plans in place for medical requirements (full training is provided for this).
Key Responsibilities
To work with our existing team members with children aged between 3 and 11 years, using the indoor and outdoor areas and other areas as appropriate. To take guidance and instruction from The Manager and work with colleagues to provide the very best level of care for our children. Contribute ideas for learning and planning, taking key person responsibilities where appropriate, and use initiative, including making entries in the scrap book, and on the planning sheets and diary as necessary. The group of children you will be responsible for covers a wide age range, and you will need to ensure the different groups can gel and play happily together, as well as supporting inclusive practice for children with additional needs. You will be expected to undertake additional duties or whatever it takes to ensure the smooth running of the Club and the continuity of care for all children. You will ensure the safety and well being of all children in your care, and report concerns to your line manager. Communicating with colleagues and parents to ensure the best possible outcomes for children in our care is also key. You will also plan next steps for learning, work well with management and other colleagues in engendering a positive and welcoming atmosphere for everyone in the Club, and promote our ethos.
Key Requirements
In view of working with children, an enhanced DBS check is required, you must not therefore have any convictions or cautions previous or current, that are relevant when working with children. The new DBS check also requires the candidate to register for the live updates on the system. Pride in your work, and the ability to work as part of a dedicated team are also key. You must be committed to undertake any other necessary training with our approved training providers. A commitment to study in your own time, and keep up to date with modern practice, and the changes to the Ofsted regulations is essential.
Essential
Previous experience working with children in either a voluntary or professional capacity
Desirable
Level 2 or above qualification in a childcare discipline
12 hour Paediatric First Aid Certificate
‘Live’ DBS certificate.
If you are interested in applying for this post, please download this * application pack * and complete and return to:
Ruth Newton, Director
Zac’s Club Limited
22 Mount Park
Riccall
York
YO19 6QU
Alternatively you may return your completed forms via email to ruth@zacsclub.co.uk
Zac’s Club Limited offers childcare at a discounted rate, uniform, company pension contributions, and paid training including for the essential Paediatric First aid qualification.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the role, or have any questions prior to submitting your application, please do not hesitate to contact Ruth on 07796 265978. Closing date for applications Friday 26/5/23, or sooner if the position is filled.
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