Gorse Covert Primary School

Playworker – Lunchtime and/or After-School Club

Are you enthusiastic, caring and passionate about play?
Do you enjoy working with children and supporting their creativity and independence?

We are looking for a committed and enthusiastic Playworker to join our team at Gorse Covert Primary School.

Location: Gorse Covert Primary School, Birchwood
Start date: As soon as possible after 19 October 2026, subject to satisfactory references and completion of all required pre-employment checks
Contract: Fixed-term until [insert end date], term-time only
Hours: 21.25 hours per week, Monday to Friday, working both 11:45am–1:15pm and 3:15pm–6:00pm *we are willing to consider application for either seperate role*
Salary: Grade 3, SCP 4–5, £26,016–£26,427 full-time equivalent, pro rata for part-time hours and term-time working

About the Role

As a Playworker, you will help provide fun, inclusive and engaging play opportunities for our pupils during lunchtimes and at our after-school club, GC Hideout.

You will work closely with our Midday Team and Wraparound Club Manager to support a wide range of indoor and outdoor play opportunities. This will include supporting adventurous, child-led play and helping children to assess and manage risks appropriately, in line with OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) principles. Full OPAL training will be provided.

You will also help prepare healthy snacks and light meals, following food hygiene procedures and children’s dietary and allergy requirements, and support children during snack and mealtimes.

This is a rewarding role in which you will help create a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can thrive, explore and enjoy their time outside the classroom.

What We’re Looking For

• A relevant Level 3 qualification in playwork or childcare, or a willingness to work towards an appropriate qualification

• Experience working with primary-aged children in a play or care setting

• Enthusiasm for outdoor play, creativity and child-led exploration

• An understanding of the benefits of adventurous play and a willingness to support children to assess and manage risks appropriately

• A willingness to help plan and prepare healthy snacks and light meals

• A caring, reliable and proactive approach

• The ability to work effectively as part of a team

• A commitment to safeguarding and promoting children’s welfare

We Offer

• A welcoming and supportive school community

• The opportunity to undertake a Level 3 Early Years Educator apprenticeship, with support throughout the programme.

• A strong play-based ethos, including full training in OPAL principles

• The opportunity to make a positive difference to children’s wellbeing, independence and enjoyment of school

• A fun and fulfilling working environment where no two days are the same!

Key Dates

• Closing date for applications: Friday 16 October 2026 at 9am

• Interviews: Monday 19 October 2026

• Start date: As soon as possible after 19 October 2026, subject to completion of all required pre-employment checks

How to Apply

Application packs are available below, or by contacting the school office at office@gorsecovert.co.uk or on 01925 825 070.

Please submit your completed application form and a brief supporting statement to office@gorsecovert.co.uk.

Gorse Covert Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and completion of all other required pre-employment checks.