About Progressive
Progressive is a leading provider of before and after school clubs, holiday camps, and school sports coaching, working with over 250 partner primary schools across the UK. In Bristol & South Gloucestershire, our fully qualified, DBS-checked team delivers safe, active and genuinely fun wraparound care and enrichment so that every child has somewhere brilliant to be when the school bell rings.
Everything we do is guided by four values: Safety (safe by default, every child, every session), Pride (do it properly, details matter), Care (be present, notice more, connect more) and Perform (raise the standard, better every day). If you bring energy, care and consistency, we'll give you the platform to grow.
Job Overview
We are looking for a warm, reliable and energetic Playworker to join our Bristol & South Gloucestershire wraparound team. You'll support a Room Leader in running our before and after school club, giving children a safe, stimulating space to play, relax, socialise and be themselves outside of lesson time.
This role follows the eight Playwork Principles endorsed by SkillsActive and the Play Wales/PlayEngland sector bodies, which recognise play as a child-led process and the playworker's role as one of supporting, rather than directing, that process — while keeping children safe, included and having fun.
Key Responsibilities
- Set up and supervise a safe, welcoming and stimulating free-flow play environment, in line with our zoned approach to wraparound care.
- Plan and deliver a varied mix of activities — sports, arts & crafts, games and free/child-led play — appropriate to the ages and interests of the children in the setting.
- Supervise children during play, snack/meal times and transitions, acting as a positive role model at all times.
- Support children's emotional wellbeing, social skills and confidence through positive relationships and encouragement.
- Carry out and record risk assessments; identify and manage hazards, and respond appropriately to accidents, incidents or injuries (including basic first aid).
- Maintain accurate registers, incident logs and observation records, and communicate clearly and professionally with parents/carers and school staff.
- Work as part of a team, supporting the Room Leader and colleagues to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the club.
- Follow Progressive's safeguarding, health & safety and EYFS (where applicable) policies at all times, promptly raising any concerns about a child's welfare.
- Help set up and pack away equipment and resources, and keep the play space clean, tidy and safe.
What We're Looking For
Essential
- A genuine enthusiasm for working with children and creating a fun, inclusive environment.
- Excellent communication skills, patience, and a calm, approachable manner.
- Ability to work well within a team and use initiative when supervising children.
- A basic understanding of child safeguarding and willingness to complete Progressive's safeguarding training.
- Reliable, punctual, and able to commit to regular term-time sessions.
- Willingness to undergo an enhanced DBS check as part of our safer recruitment process (Progressive can support with this — checked before any offer is confirmed, not at application stage).
Desirable
- A Level 2 or Level 3 Playwork, Childcare or Early Years qualification (e.g. CACHE, NCFC, or equivalent NVQ/SVQ), or working towards one.
- Paediatric First Aid certificate.
- Basic Food Hygiene certificate.
- Previous experience coaching, mentoring or supervising children in a school, club, or holiday camp setting.
- Experience or confidence leading sports, games or a specific activity (e.g. football, dodgeball, dance, arts & crafts).
Why Join Progressive
- Paid, term-time and holiday work with flexible hours that can fit around study or other commitments.
- Full training provided, including safeguarding, first aid and induction into the Playwork Principles.
- Real progression — many of our Playworkers move into Room Leader, Coaching or Management roles.
- Be part of a supportive, values-led team that's making a genuine difference for over 250 schools nationwide.
- Company pension, employee discounts, and regular team events.
Person Specification Snapshot
Education
GCSE or equivalent (preferred)
Experience
Working/volunteering with children: 6+ months. Playwork/childcare: 1+ year (both preferred).
Checks required
Enhanced DBS, references & right to work (all confirmed before offer, not at application)
Work location
In person, on school site
Progressive is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and confirmation of right to work in the UK — checked before any offer is confirmed.
Pay: £12.80-£13.80 per hour
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Sick pay
Work Location: In person
