Summer Holiday Playwork Assistant (Casual Worker)
Various Adventure Playgrounds Across Islington
£14.80 per hour
Fixed-Term: 20 July 2026 – 28 August 2026
Spend Your Summer Making Childhood Amazing!
Looking for a summer job that's active, rewarding and genuinely makes a difference?
Forget sitting behind a desk. This is an opportunity to spend your summer building dens, leading games, creating art, exploring nature, supporting adventures and helping children have an unforgettable holiday.
Awesome CIC is looking for enthusiastic, energetic and reliable Summer Holiday Playwork Assistants to join our Adventure Playground teams across Islington.
Whether you have experience in childcare, youth work, sports coaching, teaching, holiday camps, community projects or volunteering with children and young people, we'd love to hear from you.
About the Role
As a Playwork Assistant, you'll support the delivery of exciting, inclusive and high-quality play opportunities for children and young people aged 6–13 years.
Working alongside experienced Playworkers and Managers, you'll help create safe, stimulating and adventurous environments where children can explore, create, socialise, take positive risks and enjoy freely chosen play.
Every day is different. You might find yourself:
- Supporting sports, games and outdoor activities
- Helping children build dens and create imaginative play spaces
- Running arts, crafts and messy play activities
- Supporting trips, events and special projects
- Encouraging children to make friends, solve problems and develop confidence
- Helping create an environment where every child feels welcome and included
What You'll Be Doing
- Supporting the delivery of fun, engaging and inclusive play opportunities
- Working directly with children and young people in a busy adventure playground environment
- Encouraging participation, creativity and self-directed play
- Helping children develop confidence, resilience and positive relationships
- Supporting children with a range of needs and abilities
- Assisting with the maintenance and development of playground spaces and resources
- Promoting safeguarding, health and safety and positive behaviour
- Supporting community events, activities and special projects
- Working as part of a team to provide an exceptional summer play programme
Who We're Looking For
You'll be someone who:
- Enjoys working with children and young people
- Has experience through employment, volunteering, childcare, youth work, sports coaching, education, holiday programmes or community projects
- Understands the importance of play and positive experiences in children's development
- Is energetic, enthusiastic and approachable
- Can communicate effectively and work well within a team
- Is committed to inclusion, equality and safeguarding
- Can build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues
- Enjoys practical, hands-on work and being outdoors
Desirable Experience and Qualifications
We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with:
- Playwork qualifications
- Childcare, Youth Work or Teaching qualifications
- Sports Coaching qualifications
- Experience in Adventure Playgrounds, Holiday Playschemes or Open Access Play settings
- Experience supporting children with SEND
- First Aid qualification
- Food Hygiene qualification
- Knowledge of BSL, Makaton or PECS
Why Work With Us?
Make a Difference
Help children have a fun, safe and memorable summer while developing confidence, friendships and life skills.
Gain Valuable Experience
Develop skills in Playwork, safeguarding, communication, teamwork, inclusion and child development.
Work Outdoors
Spend your summer being active, creative and engaged instead of sitting behind a desk.
Join a Supportive Team
Receive training, supervision and support from experienced Playworkers and Managers.
Build Your Career
Perfect for students, graduates, aspiring teachers, youth workers, social workers, playworkers and childcare professionals looking to gain valuable experience.
Safeguarding
Awesome CIC is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Successful applicants will be required to undertake safeguarding training and obtain an Enhanced DBS check.
We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
If you're passionate about helping children have an incredible summer, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today!
Job Types: Full-time, Temporary
Pay: £14.80 per hour
Benefits:
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience:
- direct work with children and young people: 1 year (required)
Work Location: In person
