Join our work to support our communities to thrive
Do you believe in the power of play? Are you passionate about creating spaces where children can explore, take risks, and be themselves.
We’re looking for a Playworker to join our team at The Ranch Adventure Playground, supporting children and families through high-quality, open-access play.
About you
- Experience working with children (paid or voluntary), ideally in play, youth, or community settings
- Passion for child-led play and supporting children’s development through exploration and creativity
- Understanding of how to engage children of different ages in inclusive and accessible ways
- Able to respond calmly to behaviour and support positive relationships
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Committed to creating a welcoming, inclusive environment for all children and families
About us
Southmead Development Trust is a Bristol-based charity made up of staff, volunteers, and residents working together to keep power in our community. We work alongside local people and partners to improve health, wellbeing, employment, and local pride – while tackling social isolation and bringing investment into the area.
Guided by residents, our vision is a thriving and healthy community. We provide the support, spaces, and services our community needs through our two well-loved sites Greenway Centre and The Ranch Adventure Playground and Youth Space. These venues host a wide range of activities including wellbeing services, youth and play sessions, fitness classes, community groups, and local celebrations.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from everyone. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, just let us know – we will do our best to support you.
About the Role
You will support the delivery of open-access play sessions at The Ranch for children of all ages up to and including school Year 7.
This is a hands-on, active role where you will help create a safe, stimulating, and welcoming environment where children can freely explore, take appropriate risks, and develop through play.
Details
- Location: The Ranch Adventure Playground, Southmead
Contract: Part-time / sessional (flexible options may be available)
- Salary: £23,778 (£12.36ph) – £29,239 (£15.20ph) per year pro rata (depending on experience and qualifications).
- Hours: 6 hours per week, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 3:00pm – 6:00pm (sessions run 3:30pm – 5:30pm). Extended hours during school holidays (same days)
- Reports to: Ranch Play Manager
- Holiday: 33 days annual leave pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays), occupational pension, free membership to Greenway Gym and classes. For casual contracts, holiday pay is rolled into hourly rates.
- Sick Pay: 4 weeks over rolling year, pro-rata
- Training and Development Opportunities: All mandatory training and job-specific training offered, e.g., First Aid, Safeguarding, Motivational Interviewing, Management and Leadership, Trauma-Informed Practice, and Reflective Practice
- Pension Contribution: Nest Pension Scheme, combined 7% (employer 3%, employee 4% as standard)
- Benefits: Free membership to Greenway Gym and classes, cycle to work scheme, cafe discount
- How to apply: Please send your CV, along with a cover letter describing how your experience is relevant to the responsibilities of the role and how you meet the essential criteria to email: [email protected]
- Interview process: If you are successful in the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to an in-person interview.
- Deadline: 9am, Monday 29th June
- Contact: To arrange a chat or visit our site in person, contact Matt Caldwell, email: [email protected]
Key Responsibilities
- Support delivery of child-led, open-access play sessions
- Follow children’s play cues and enable a wide range of play (physical, creative, imaginative, and adventurous)
- Help create a safe environment while supporting appropriate risk-taking
- Build positive relationships with children, parents, and carers
- Communicate clearly with families, including supervision expectations
- Help set up and pack down the playground and maintain a clean, engaging space
- Work as part of a team to deliver high-quality sessions
- Safeguard children and follow all health and safety procedures
General Responsibilities – All staff at Southmead Development Trust are expected to:
- Follow all Trust policies, procedures, and safeguarding requirements.
- Model our values: Positivity, Integrity, Excellence, Welcoming, Entrepreneurial.
- Work proactively, use initiative, and collaborate well with colleagues and the community.
- Maintain confidentiality, data protection standards, and a safe, inclusive environment.
- Take part in training, development, staff meetings, and occasional evening/weekend work when required.
- Carry out any other reasonable duties to support the organisation.
Essential Criteria:
- Experience working with children (play, youth, childcare or community settings)
- Understanding of the importance of play and child development
- Ability to engage children and build positive relationships
- Awareness of safeguarding responsibilities
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Willingness to work outdoors in all weather
Desirable Criteria:
- Playwork, childcare or youth work qualification
- Experience in an open-access or adventure playground setting
- Knowledge of risk-benefit approaches in play
- First Aid training
Additional Information
- Enhanced DBS required
- Physical role (setting up equipment, outdoor environment)
- Flexibility required for school holiday delivery
Pay: £23,778.00-£29,239.00 per year
Work Location: In person
