Playworker and Teaching Support Assistant

What skills and experience we're looking for

St. John’s Walham Green CE Primary School is seeking an enthusiastic, caring and reliable Teaching Support Assistant and Playworker.

The playworker role will include

• Supervising and engaging with children during the after-school session
• Planning and delivering fun, age-appropriate play and activities
• Encouraging children to participate while recognising their individual interests and needs
• Supporting positive behaviour and relationships between children
• Helping to prepare and serve a light tea/snack
• Ensuring the club environment and equipment are safe, clean and well organised
• Supporting the safe collection and handover of children to parents and carers
• Following the school’s safeguarding, health and safety and wraparound care procedures

The successful candidate will

• Be enthusiastic, positive and enjoy working with children
• Be caring, patient and approachable
• Be reliable, punctual and able to work effectively as part of a team
• Be proactive and willing to get involved in activities and play
• Have a good understanding of how to provide a safe and inclusive environment for children
• Be able to build positive relationships with children, parents, carers and colleagues
• Have an understanding of safeguarding and the importance of keeping children safe
• Be committed to the values and ethos of St. John’s Walham Green CE Primary School
• Ideally have previous experience of working with primary-aged children in a school, childcare, playwork or similar setting

The Teaching

Support Assistant role will include

• Supporting the Class Teacher
• Supporting individual pupils
• Delivery of intervention programmes

The successful candidates will be

• Pro-active members committed to the school’s vision
• Level 3 qualified preferred
• Highly literate and numerate
• Motivated and enthusiastic
• Have a knowledge and understanding of how children develop and learn
• Have a secure knowledge of safeguarding in primary schools

What the school offers its staff

At St John’s, we are committed to supporting the wellbeing, development, and career progression of all staff. We recognise that our employees are our greatest asset and strive to create a positive, supportive, and rewarding working environment.

Employee Wellbeing

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), providing confidential counselling, advice, and support for staff and their families.
• Mental health and wellbeing support, including access to trained wellbeing champions and signposting to specialist services.
• Occupational Health support where appropriate.
• A culture that promotes work-life balance and staff wellbeing.

Professional Development

• High-quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD) opportunities for all staff.
• Access to external training, conferences, and professional networks.
• Leadership development opportunities for aspiring and existing leaders.
• Coaching and mentoring to support career progression.
• Opportunities to share best practice and collaborate with colleagues across the school and wider partnerships.

Employee Benefits

• Membership of the Teachers’ Pension Scheme or Local Government Pension Scheme, depending on role.
• Family-friendly policies, including flexible working arrangements where operationally possible.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Access to staff discounts and salary sacrifice schemes where available.

Working Environment

• A welcoming and inclusive school community rooted in our Christian values.
• A supportive leadership team that values staff voice and recognises contributions.
• Opportunities to participate in social events and community activities that foster positive working relationships.

We are committed to ensuring that all staff feel valued, supported, and empowered to thrive both professionally and personally.

Commitment to safeguarding

St. John’s Walham Green CE Primary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful applicant.