Holiday playworker
| Posting date: | 17 June 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | London living wage and 8% pension contribution |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 17 July 2026 |
| Location: | St Mary Church office, Upper Street, Islington, London, n1 2TX |
| Remote working: | On-site only |
| Company: | St Mary Islington PCC - St Mary's Preschool |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: |
Summary
Contract: Casual (8 weeks of the year, excluding Christmas)
Hours: 16 up to 40 hours per week 8.00 am - 5.00 pm
Salary: £13.85 per/hr, including holiday pay + 8% employer’s non-contributory pension from the end of probation. (London Living Wage)
Responsible to: Childcare Services Manager
Support Team: Childcare Services Team
The Job
You will be part of the childcare team with an opportunity to lead the provision in the day-to-day running of the playscheme, be creative and innovative and engage children in activities away from school life. The playscheme caters to children aged 6 - 11 years old. We are an inclusive provision and welcome children of all abilities to engage with the programmes.
This role is ideal for someone who has some experience working with children, is already working part-time in a school or other setting, and has the energy to play with and inspire children.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
To be responsible for the provision of creative and appropriate play opportunities, preparation of activities, organisation of programmes, etc., within a safe, caring environment that must meet the needs of children with differing abilities.
To contribute to the organisation of programmes and preparation of activities to meet the needs of all children attending the scheme.
Ensure that all children are treated as individuals regardless of race, culture, gender or disability.
To ensure the safety and accountability of all children at all times.
To assist in the day-to-day administration, records/registration/timesheets, etc.
To maintain a good and informative rapport with parents and other colleagues.
To be responsible for developing and maintaining a working relationship with associated groups, e.g., when visiting off-site venues.
To be responsible for ensuring that the building/equipment/materials are kept tidy and in good working order.
To work within an equal opportunities framework and agreed policies.
To administer first aid as appropriate.
To provide refreshments as required and to be aware of food/safety/hygiene regulations. Training is provided.
To attend planning, training and evaluation meetings.
To ensure the health and safety requirements within the play environment are met at all times.
To undertake such other appropriate duties as may be assigned.
To undertake training as requested.
Be aware of the importance of confidentiality with regard to information which you may have access to concerning children/staff/parents/carers.
Person Specification
Essential
Desirable
Skills, aptitude, knowledge and experience
An understanding of the principles of playwork
A commitment to the provision of high-quality childcare
A positive approach to learning and gaining new skills through teamwork and training opportunities
Enthusiasm for consulting with children
Creativity to devise new ideas and engage the children in activities
Experience of working with children.
Previous experience of play work with children aged 6-11 in a voluntary or paid capacity
Interest in the care, learning and development of young children
An interest in art, imaginative play, games and sport
Experience of children with SEN
Personal qualities
Excellent communication skills with children, colleagues, advisors and parents/carers.
The ability to demonstrate knowledge and application of literacy and numeracy, and the ability to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English
Patience, punctuality, reliability and trustworthiness
A positive approach to inclusive practice, with children, parents/carers and colleagues
Enthusiasm for working with children and young people
Good organisational and planning skills
Flexibility/adaptability
Able to work in small teams
Qualifications
Playworker Qualifications or Level 2 or above childcare qualification
Some understanding of the importance of Health & Safety in the workplace
First Aid certificate (paediatric or general)
similar Health & Safety certificate
Completion of other relevant courses
GCSEs or equivalent grade C or above in English and Maths
Safeguarding:
The role will entail contact with young children daily.
St Mary’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment.
You must attend all relevant safeguarding training and work according to our safeguarding policy.
The post is subject to two satisfactory relevant references, your agreement to undertake an enhanced DBS and the completion of a confidential declaration form.
St Mary’s Islington is an Equal Opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting children's and young people's welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
HOW TO APPLY
Step 1: Submit a CV and a brief cover letter
Tell us briefly why you are interested in this role and any relevant experience you have in a cover letter or email, and send it to sharon.ellis@stmaryislington.org
Step 2: If shortlisted, you will be invited for a 1/2hr interview in person on site with a show around.
Hours: 16 up to 40 hours per week 8.00 am - 5.00 pm
Salary: £13.85 per/hr, including holiday pay + 8% employer’s non-contributory pension from the end of probation. (London Living Wage)
Responsible to: Childcare Services Manager
Support Team: Childcare Services Team
The Job
You will be part of the childcare team with an opportunity to lead the provision in the day-to-day running of the playscheme, be creative and innovative and engage children in activities away from school life. The playscheme caters to children aged 6 - 11 years old. We are an inclusive provision and welcome children of all abilities to engage with the programmes.
This role is ideal for someone who has some experience working with children, is already working part-time in a school or other setting, and has the energy to play with and inspire children.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
To be responsible for the provision of creative and appropriate play opportunities, preparation of activities, organisation of programmes, etc., within a safe, caring environment that must meet the needs of children with differing abilities.
To contribute to the organisation of programmes and preparation of activities to meet the needs of all children attending the scheme.
Ensure that all children are treated as individuals regardless of race, culture, gender or disability.
To ensure the safety and accountability of all children at all times.
To assist in the day-to-day administration, records/registration/timesheets, etc.
To maintain a good and informative rapport with parents and other colleagues.
To be responsible for developing and maintaining a working relationship with associated groups, e.g., when visiting off-site venues.
To be responsible for ensuring that the building/equipment/materials are kept tidy and in good working order.
To work within an equal opportunities framework and agreed policies.
To administer first aid as appropriate.
To provide refreshments as required and to be aware of food/safety/hygiene regulations. Training is provided.
To attend planning, training and evaluation meetings.
To ensure the health and safety requirements within the play environment are met at all times.
To undertake such other appropriate duties as may be assigned.
To undertake training as requested.
Be aware of the importance of confidentiality with regard to information which you may have access to concerning children/staff/parents/carers.
Person Specification
Essential
Desirable
Skills, aptitude, knowledge and experience
An understanding of the principles of playwork
A commitment to the provision of high-quality childcare
A positive approach to learning and gaining new skills through teamwork and training opportunities
Enthusiasm for consulting with children
Creativity to devise new ideas and engage the children in activities
Experience of working with children.
Previous experience of play work with children aged 6-11 in a voluntary or paid capacity
Interest in the care, learning and development of young children
An interest in art, imaginative play, games and sport
Experience of children with SEN
Personal qualities
Excellent communication skills with children, colleagues, advisors and parents/carers.
The ability to demonstrate knowledge and application of literacy and numeracy, and the ability to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English
Patience, punctuality, reliability and trustworthiness
A positive approach to inclusive practice, with children, parents/carers and colleagues
Enthusiasm for working with children and young people
Good organisational and planning skills
Flexibility/adaptability
Able to work in small teams
Qualifications
Playworker Qualifications or Level 2 or above childcare qualification
Some understanding of the importance of Health & Safety in the workplace
First Aid certificate (paediatric or general)
similar Health & Safety certificate
Completion of other relevant courses
GCSEs or equivalent grade C or above in English and Maths
Safeguarding:
The role will entail contact with young children daily.
St Mary’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All post holders are expected to share this commitment.
You must attend all relevant safeguarding training and work according to our safeguarding policy.
The post is subject to two satisfactory relevant references, your agreement to undertake an enhanced DBS and the completion of a confidential declaration form.
St Mary’s Islington is an Equal Opportunities employer committed to safeguarding and promoting children's and young people's welfare and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
HOW TO APPLY
Step 1: Submit a CV and a brief cover letter
Tell us briefly why you are interested in this role and any relevant experience you have in a cover letter or email, and send it to sharon.ellis@stmaryislington.org
Step 2: If shortlisted, you will be invited for a 1/2hr interview in person on site with a show around.