North Somerset Council • Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset

Playworker – Children & Young People SENDCAS

About this role

We are seeking enthusiastic, caring and reliable playworkers to join our SENDCAS short breaks team. We are looking for individuals who can commit to working both during term time and school holidays.

As a Playworker, you will help create a safe, fun and inclusive environment where children and young people with additional needs can relax, play, explore new activities and build independence. You will work as part of a supportive team to plan and deliver creative play and leisure activities during term-time sessions and school holidays. These run term time Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturday mornings. During the holidays, the activities run all week, for a full day.

This role is ideal if you are

Passionate about making a positive difference

Looking for flexible work alongside study or other commitments

Keen to gain hands-on experience working with children and young people with SEND

Key Responsibilities

Support the planning and delivery of safe, creative and enjoyable play and leisure activities

Work directly with children and young people with additional needs, encouraging inclusion, confidence and choice

Provide personal care, support with mobility, and administer medication or first aid where required (training provided)

Act as a positive role model, promoting respect, teamwork and positive behaviour

Build effective relationships with children, families, carers and colleagues

Follow safeguarding, health & safety and equality policies at all times

Contribute to records, feedback and continuous improvement of the service

Attend training sessions and team meetings as required

Commit to term time and holiday working

About You

We are looking for an individual who is passionate about supporting children with additional needs and who possesses the following skills and experience:

Essential Criteria

NVQ Level 2 (or working towards) or relevant qualifications

Experience (paid or voluntary) working with children or young people with additional needs

A caring, patient and inclusive approach

Good communication skills and ability to work as part of a team

Willingness to provide personal care and work in a physically active environment

Understand and respect personal boundaries and responsibilities

Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people

Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner

Be a role model and promote professionalism in all aspects of the work

Willingness to work flexibly, including both term time and school holidays

Satisfactory enhanced DBS check

Contact Information

For further information about the role, please contact the SENDCAS Team by email SENDCAS@n-somerset.gov.uk.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Disability Confident

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.