Adventure Playground Playworker
Waterside Adventure Playground, Islington, London
£18,278 per annum (Part-Time)
Term Time: 20 hours per week | School Holidays: 35 hours per week
Do you believe children deserve the freedom to play, explore, create, build, take risks and shape their own adventures?
Waterside Adventure Playground is looking for an enthusiastic, skilled and passionate Playworker to join our team.
This isn't a traditional childcare role. Every day is different. One moment you could be helping children build dens, cook over a campfire, create structures from loose parts or develop a new project. The next, you'll be supporting friendships, encouraging confidence and helping young people discover what they're capable of through freely chosen play.
We are particularly interested in applicants who already hold a Level 2 or Level 3 Playwork qualification and have experience working in an Adventure Playground, Open Access Play, Youth Work or similar child-led play environment.
About Waterside Adventure Playground
Waterside Adventure Playground provides an inclusive, stimulating and challenging environment where children and young people can play freely, build relationships, take positive risks and develop confidence, resilience and wellbeing.
Our work is rooted in:
- The Playwork Principles
- Children's Right to Play
- The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child
- Managing Risk in Play Provision
- Trauma-informed and relationship-based practice
- Equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe children learn best through self-directed play and that adventure playgrounds provide unique opportunities for challenge, creativity, exploration and personal growth.
Main Purpose of the Role
As a Playworker, you will create, maintain and develop rich play environments that support children's freely chosen play and maximise opportunities for adventure, creativity, movement, social interaction and personal development.
Working alongside colleagues, you will support children and young people to access play experiences that offer challenge, uncertainty and excitement while promoting safety, inclusion and wellbeing.
You will contribute to the development of an environment where children can build confidence, resilience, independence and life skills through play.
What You'll Be Doing
- Delivering high-quality Playwork in line with the Playwork Principles
- Creating and maintaining engaging indoor and outdoor play environments
- Supporting children's freely chosen and self-directed play
- Facilitating adventurous, creative and challenging play opportunities
- Encouraging children's participation and ensuring their voices influence the service
- Building positive relationships with children, families and the wider community
- Supporting children and young people with SEND and additional needs
- Adopting a trauma-informed, relationship-based approach
- Promoting safeguarding, wellbeing and inclusion
- Helping maintain adventure playground structures, loose parts and resources
- Contributing to health and safety, risk-benefit practice and quality assurance
- Supporting environmental sustainability through creative use of recycled and natural materials
- Working collaboratively with colleagues and partner agencies
- Maintaining records and contributing to planning, reflection and evaluation processes
- Ensuring indoor and outdoor spaces remain safe, welcoming and fit for purpose
Essential Requirements
We are looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Significant experience working with children and young people
- Understanding of child development and the value of play
- Knowledge and practical application of the Playwork Principles
- Experience supporting inclusive and engaging play opportunities
- Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and reporting procedures
- Knowledge of risk-benefit practice and the value of challenge in children's play
- Ability to build positive professional relationships with children, families and colleagues
- Understanding of anti-discriminatory, anti-racist and inclusive practice
- Experience supporting children and young people from diverse communities
- Good communication and teamwork skills
- Ability to undertake practical outdoor tasks and maintain play environments
- Commitment to children's rights, participation and wellbeing
Qualifications
Essential:
- Level 2 qualification in Playwork, Childcare, Youth Work, Education or a related field, or willingness to work towards one.
Highly Desirable:
- Level 3 Playwork qualification
- Experience working in an Adventure Playground or Open Access Play setting
Desirable Skills and Experience
- Experience supporting children with SEND
- Knowledge of neurodiversity and inclusive play
- Forest School, Outdoor Learning or Bushcraft qualification
- First Aid qualification
- Food Hygiene qualification
- Mental Health First Aid or Trauma-Informed Practice training
- Basic knowledge of BSL, Makaton or PECS
- Understanding of Ofsted requirements for out-of-school provision
Working HoursTerm Time (20 hours per week)
- Tuesday – Thursday: 3:30pm – 7:00pm
- Friday: 2:30pm – 7:00pm
- Saturday: 11:30am – 4:30pm
School Holidays (35 hours per week)
- Monday – Friday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Applicants must be able to work evenings, weekends and school holidays.
Why Join Us?
Make a Real Difference
Every day you'll help children develop confidence, resilience, friendships and life skills through play.
Work Somewhere Unique
Adventure playgrounds are unlike any other setting. You'll spend your time outdoors, building, creating, exploring and supporting children in meaningful ways.
Join a Passionate Team
Work alongside experienced Playworkers who are committed to protecting children's right to play and creating exceptional play opportunities.
Community Focused
We strongly encourage applications from local residents and people who understand the importance of community-based play provision.
Safeguarding Statement
Awesome is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undertake safeguarding training and obtain an Enhanced DBS check.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.
If you're passionate about children's right to play and want to help create extraordinary childhood experiences, we'd love to hear from you.
Job Types: Part-time, Permanent
Pay: £18,278.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Company pension
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount
Application question(s):
- Please describe your experience of supporting children's freely chosen play. How have you applied the Playwork Principles in your practice?
- This role involves working with children and young people with a wide range of needs, including SEND. Please provide an example of how you have adapted your approach to ensure a child or young person could fully participate.
- Adventure Playgrounds use a risk-benefit approach that allows children to experience challenge and uncertainty. Please describe a situation where you supported a child to take an appropriate risk while maintaining their safety.
- What interests you about working at an Adventure Playground, and what skills, qualifications or experiences would you bring to this role that make you a strong candidate?
Education:
- GCSE or equivalent (required)
Experience:
- Playwork / Childcare: 2 years (required)
Work Location: In person
