About the Role
At Norwood, we believe every child and young person deserves the opportunity to play, make friends and enjoy experiences that help them thrive.
As our Senior Care & Play Coordinator, you'll play a leading role in delivering safe, high-quality care and meaningful play opportunities for neurodivergent children and young people aged 5 to 25 who attend our Short Breaks service.
Working closely with the Hub & Short Breaks Manager, you'll help shape an inclusive service where children and young people feel safe, valued and supported to reach their full potential. Alongside providing direct care, you'll mentor colleagues and volunteers, support families, oversee care planning and help ensure every session is delivered to the highest standards.
This is an opportunity to combine compassionate care with leadership, helping create experiences that give children confidence, families reassurance, and young people the opportunity to belong.
About Our Children & Family Services
Norwood's Children & Family Services support neurodiverse children, young people and their families to live happy, confident and connected lives.
Through short breaks, family support, play schemes and youth programmes, we create opportunities for children and young people to develop independence, build friendships and enjoy experiences that reflect their interests, strengths and aspirations.
Everything we do is shaped around the individual, ensuring every child receives the care, encouragement and opportunities they need to thrive.
Who We're Looking For
We're looking for someone who combines compassion with leadership.
You may already be working in children's social care, short breaks, education or specialist support services and be ready to take the next step in your career.
You'll enjoy supporting children with diverse needs, building trusted relationships with families and helping colleagues grow in confidence. You understand that outstanding care is about more than meeting needs. It's about creating opportunities for children and young people to feel included, develop independence and enjoy meaningful experiences.
Most importantly, you'll share our commitment to person-centred care and believe every child deserves the opportunity to live their best life.
Qualifications, Experience & Training
You'll Bring
- A relevant Level 3 qualification (or equivalent).
- Experience supporting neurodivergent children and young people or those with complex needs.
- Experience coordinating or leading within a children's care or support setting.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, person-centred practice and inclusive support.
- Strong communication, organisation and relationship-building skills.
- Confidence supporting personal care and health-related needs.
It Would Strengthen Your Application If You Have
- Experience working within Ofsted or CQC regulated services.
- Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
- Experience mentoring colleagues or volunteers.
- Experience using communication approaches such as Makaton, PECS or AAC.
- Experience contributing to service development or quality improvement.
Reward & Benefits
- 21 days annual leave (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays and Jewish Festival Days
- Enhanced parental pay
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Health cash plan
- Blue Light Card scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- £300 refer-a-friend bonus
- Career development pathway
- A supportive team where your leadership and compassion will make a lasting difference
A bit more information: Our Children and Family Services support neurodivergent children and young people, those with learning disabilities, and their families to live fulfilling lives and participate fully in their communities.
We work alongside families to provide practical guidance, emotional support, advocacy and opportunities to build skills, confidence and connection. Through workshops, courses, peer support and individual family support, we help families navigate challenges, celebrate strengths and access the support they need.
Our approach is centred on the whole family. We recognise that when parents, carers, siblings and grandparents feel informed, connected and supported, children and young people are better able to thrive.
We also create opportunities for children and young people to develop friendships, build independence, try new experiences and enjoy meaningful activities through our Unity clubs and programmes.
Based at our fully accessible North London Hub, we support children and young people with a wide range of needs, including those with complex physical disabilities and medical requirements. With specialist facilities including a sensory room, soft play area and accessible outdoor space, we create environments where children and young people can feel safe, valued and included.
Safe Recruitment: Norwood is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the children, and young people we support. This role is subject to safer recruitment checks in line with OFSTED, and appointment is conditional upon satisfactory pre-employment checks, including Right to Work in the UK and a DBS check appropriate to the role.
Email: [email protected]
Disclaimer: At Norwood, we welcome applications from a diverse range of candidates. At this time, Norwood is not a UK Home Office licensed sponsor and is unable to offer visa sponsorship.
