Play Worker

North East Ambition; Gateshead; On-site; GBP 10,000 - GBP 40,000; Part time

Job summary

A local community organization in Gateshead is seeking Casual Play Workers to facilitate holiday activities for children. This role requires individuals with experience in working with children and the ability to plan and deliver engaging activities. The competitive hourly pay ranges from £13.05 to £13.26, alongside a robust benefits package including annual leave and pension contributions. This position is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children while working in a supportive environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Pension scheme

Annual leave starting at 28 days

Hybrid working arrangements

Health and wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience working with children and young people.
• Knowledge of inclusion practices.
• Skills in planning and delivering activities.

Responsibilities

• Provide holiday activities for children.
• Plan and deliver activities for children and young people.
• Cover the 6-week holiday period.

Skills

Experience with children

Planning activities

Knowledge of inclusion

Job description

Overview

We’re looking for a Play Workers, Interested?

Do you want a role where you’re recognised for what you do, given the opportunity to thrive and have the chance to be the best version of yourself? Interested in joining a great organisation with an employee offer and experience that rivals others? Are you looking for a new challenge? If so, please read on as you’re just what we’re looking for!

The team… Gateshead's Family Hubs provide a welcoming space for families and the wider community. Our Family Hubs support families from conception to the age of two to give all children the best start in life. We continue to support families of children up the age of 19 and to age 25 for young people who have special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

About the role

We are seeking Casual Play Workers to provide holiday activities for children. Successful applicants will be available to start on Monday 20th July 2026 fulfil the role during the 6 weeks holidays. Hours of work will be Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm.

We also welcome applicants interested in working at our Saturday Clubs for Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Hours of work will be 9:30am to 2:30pm.

Responsibilities

• Provide holiday activities for children as part of a casual team.
• Be available to start on Monday 20 July 2026 and cover the 6-week holiday period.
• Work Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 4.00pm, with additional opportunity for Saturday clubs as specified.
• Plan and deliver activities for children and young people.

Qualifications and experience

• Applicants must have experience of working with children and young people and planning and delivering activities.
• Knowledge of inclusion and experience of consulting children and young people during planning.
• A variety of knowledge, skills and experience to support the service in ensuring that the children and young people of Gateshead have a fantastic time when attending our activities.

Commitment and safeguarding

Gateshead Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

About Gateshead Council

Gateshead is a constantly changing borough combining modern facilities with a fascinating heritage and the demand for our services continues to grow. We engage with many partners and contract a high number of services to deliver the best outcomes for our community. We’re truly committed to providing our customers with the highest quality of service and we need like-minded people who can help us deliver a sector leading service. We need people who want to make a difference, who are talented, possess the right knowledge and skills and who want the chance to demonstrate how good they are. People really are our greatest asset at Gateshead Council, and we value every employee. We encourage our people to think differently, do the right thing and be innovative.

What’s in it for you?

You’ll be paid a competitive salary £13.05 to £13.26 per hour.

We’ll help you save for your future with an outstanding employer contribution to your pension.

You will receive an annual leave entitlement starting at 28 days per year (pro-rata for part time employees) rising to 32, 2 of which may be fixed by the council at any time. You also have the chance to buy up to 10 additional holidays per year.

You’ll have the opportunity to participate in the Council’s Flexi time scheme, subject to management approval and business needs, which could be up to 26 flexi days per year.

We offer hybrid working arrangements to ensure a positive work life balance.

A robust Workforce Development offer with opportunities for learning to progress your career and to enhance your knowledge in specific areas.

You’ll have access to great health and wellbeing support, including discounted membership to GO Gateshead Leisure Services and ability to use our cycle to work scheme.

You’ll have access to our new benefits platform VIVUP where you can get discounts and offers on online and high street shopping.

How to apply

It’s time to apply! We’re delighted that you want to come and work with us. Please take a look at the full job profile via this linkProfile. It’s important that you read it in full and check that you meet the essential criteria, because when we start choosing people to come and meet us we’ll be checking to ensure that they meet the essential criteria as set out in the job profile.

Contact

For an informal discussion or if you need any assistance, please contact Steve Sullivan on 0191 433 5080.