After School Club Play Assistant - Thameside Primary School

What skills and experience we're looking for

Up to 12 hours per week, Monday to Thursday - Term time only -

Start date

October 2026 (or as soon as possible) - After school club operates from 3.00pm - 6.00pm (3 hours per day)

We are looking for a passionate and creative Play Assistant to join our school‑run Wraparound Care Service. As a valued member of the Aftercare Team, you will gain hands‑on experience delivering a wide range of engaging, inclusive and participative childcare activities for children aged 4-12.

If you are a student at university, this could be the job that suits you. Or, if you need to work between 3-6pm due to other commitments, this role offers a consistent, family‑friendly schedule that may fit perfectly around your day.

Our Play Assistants are enthusiastic, caring and committed to supporting children’s development throughout their time in Aftercare. This is a demanding but highly rewarding role, ideal for someone who enjoys working with children and, ideally, has some relevant experience.

You should be self‑motivated, have strong communication skills and be able to engage positively with children of all ages.

Your responsibilities include

• Plan and deliver safe activities with groups of children from all class ranges
• Engage with children encouraging them to participate in activities to promote learning and social development

•

Support children on a 1

1 basis who have complex needs (if required)

• Encourage fair and caring behaviour among the children
• Support with managing behaviour in line with school policies.
• Supporting the enactment of Health and Safety requirements as directed.
• Encourage independence and self-esteem
• Ensure safety and safeguarding procedures are adhered to ensure children are kept safe
• Assist with food preparation for serving afterschool tea/snacks
• Complete various training courses including Food Hygiene and Child Safeguarding.

What the school offers its staff

You can also download an application pack via the school’s website www.thameside.reading.sch.uk (

Go to

About us, Come & Work for us!) or email to request an application pack.

Please email

sbm@thameside.reading.sch.uk #

Closing date

Wednesday 23rd September 2026 but interviews will be offered on receipt of strong applications.

The school is committed to safeguarding children and is an equal opportunity provider. All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment. Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance. Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant): childcare disqualification Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) medical online and social media prohibition from teaching right to work satisfactory references suitability to work with children You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.