Lunchtime Play Leader - Fixed Term

Woodlands; Great Chart; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local educational institution in Great Chart is seeking an enthusiastic Lunchtime Play Leader to support children's safety and wellbeing during the play period. Responsibilities include supervising play activities, managing behaviour, and establishing a rapport with children. The ideal candidate should have strong interpersonal skills and a positive approach to behaviour management. This is a fixed-term position with a pay rate of £12.71 per hour, starting on 23 January 2026. Applications are open until 9 January.

Qualifications

• Must establish good professional relationships with children.
• Ability to manage behaviour positively.
• Willingness to be trained as a First Aider.

Responsibilities

• Support children during lunchtime play.
• Initiate and supervise play activities.
• Patrol play areas and ensure children's safety.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Behaviour management

Play activity supervision

Education

First Aid Qualification

Job description

Hours: 11:45 to 13:30 Monday to Friday,term time only

Fixed Term Contract to 31 August 2026 (possibility of extending or becoming permanent)

Salary Grade KRA: £12.71 per hour

Start Date: 23 January 2026

We are looking to appoint an enthusiastic, friendly and reliable person to join our team of Outdoor Play Team Leaders.

The main duties in this role are to support the children during the lunchtime play period to ensure their wellbeing and maintain their safety. You will be required to initiate and supervise play activities in the playground (indoors in bad weather), patrol the play areas and field and take appropriate steps to ensure all children are happy and included and that everyone has someone to play with. As a team of 6, each lunchtime play leader takes ownership of a designated area of responsibility, on a rota basis, to supervise and manage behaviour as well as dealing with and reporting any accidents.

We have a group of ‘Buddies’ in place at lunchtimes – these are some of our older children who support and interact with our younger pupils, encouraging interaction through play and you will also be required to help and encourage the Buddies with their role.

It is an exciting time to be joining our team, as we signed up to OPAL play at the start of last academic year. This is a new play concept which gives children in all year groups lots of interesting opportunities to develop imaginative play skills. This would include den building, dressing up, colouring and craft, digging, water play, dance, stage, role play etc. There will be zones which are designed to keep our children busy, motivated and engaged during their lunch time play.

You should have the confidence and ability to establish good professional relationships and rapport with children, and manage behaviour in a positive manner, in line with the school’s Behaviour Policy.

A First Aid Qualification or the willingness to be trained as a First Aider is desirable.

Visits to our school are positively encouraged. For an informal chat and more information on visits please telephone the school office 01233 621616 or email [e-mail]

The closing date for applications is Friday 9th January (12 noon) but we would encourage you to apply early so we can invite suitable candidates for interview. Please take a look at our candidate pack for more information.

For more information about our school please visit our school website www.godinton.kent.sch.uk (http://www.godinton.kent.sch.uk)

The Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure, satisfactory references and pre-employment health screening.

In accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (2021) you will find the following policies as attachments. Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy and Recruitment and Employment of Ex Offenders.