Job Introduction
This is a really exciting opportunity to join us as a Playworker Apprentice and really make a difference to young lives!
Fixed Term Contract for 18 months
Completing Level 2 Playwork qualification with Jace Training
30 hours per week on an annualised hours contract usually working between 18 and 37 hours per week including weekend and evenings. Peak demand for service is during school holidays with no more than equivalent of 5 days leave to be taken in the summer holidays and no more than equivalent of 10 days leave to be taken in school holidays per leave year.
As part of the application form you are asked for your answers to 2 questions. These are the 2 questions:
Question 1:
"What do you think makes a good play environment for children, and why is play important for a child's development?"
Question 2:
"Please tell us about a time when you helped children enjoy a fun or creative play activity. What did you do, and how did you make sure everyone felt included and safe? (If you do not have previous experience working with children please use an example of when you have helped friends, family, or colleagues enjoy a creative activity.)"
Your new role
Portsmouth's Play and Youth Service is home to six incredible Adventure Playgrounds, hidden gems nestled across the city where children are free to explore, discover and thrive. These exciting spaces offer children the freedom to be adventurous, creative, noisy, messy, imaginative and most importantly, themselves.
Each playground features impressive climbing structures and play equipment designed to inspire confidence, challenge physical skills and spark curiosity. Many of these unique spaces have been co-designed and decorated by the children who use them, creating environments that truly belong to the community.
There's always something new to enjoy, from exciting outdoor adventures and sports activities to arts, crafts, imaginative play and creative projects. Every experience is designed to encourage children to learn, grow, build friendships and have fun in a safe, supportive environment.
Our Adventure Playgrounds are staffed by skilled playworkers who champion child-led play, allowing children the freedom to choose how they spend their time, follow their interests and create their own adventures. Best of all, the service is completely free, with children able to come and go independently and enjoy play on their own terms.
Where adventure begins, confidence grows and childhood flourishes.
The best way to learn about the service is to visit our PYC (Play, Youth & Communities) website - https://www.pycportsmouth.co.uk/
We are looking for an enthusiastic fun and friendly person who has the ability to engage with children and their families, is able to be proactive and meet the needs of the children on an adventure playground. You will be supporting activities for children aged 6 -13 at council run Adventure Playgrounds in the Portsmouth area. Activities include Arts & Crafts, Sports and other creative activities. You will be engaging and communicating with children from varying backgrounds as well as interacting with their parents and your own colleagues. You will also be responsible for ensuring the sites are a safe environment for children to play in and report any potential dangers.
Please see the full job profile attached at the bottom of this page for all details of what the role will involve!
Who is the person?
You need to:
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Demonstrate an understanding for Safeguarding children in this role
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Be committed to active learning to support positive play opportunities for children
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Embed the play ethos and theory into daily practice, for gaining the L2 in Playwork.
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Be self-motivated and have enthusiasm to support creative activities for children.
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Be able to relate to younger people.
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Have good communication skills. You will be talking to a wide range of people including children, parents, and colleagues.
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Be a team player who can work in small teams effectively.
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Be flexible enough to be based in any of the play provisions throughout Portsmouth and the surrounding area.
About Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is a unique organisation, committed to making a difference, and is guided by core values that set who we are as people, what we stand for, and how we act.
We are committed to our values of respect, integrity, collaboration, inclusivity and being people-focussed. These values set out how we can contribute to the success of the council and our own success as individuals. Learn more about our values and behaviours.
Local Government Reorganisation (LGR)
As part of Local Government Reorganisation, current plans will see Portsmouth City Council combine with the district and borough councils of Fareham, Gosport and Havant and parts of East Hampshire and Winchester district councils to form a new, larger unitary authority for south east Hampshire.
We are working towards an implementation date of 1st April 2028, known as vesting day, subject to Parliamentary approval. Until then, we remain focused on maintaining continuity, supporting our workforce, and continuing to deliver excellent services to our residents throughout the transition to the new unitary authority.
This is an exciting time to join us, offering the opportunity to contribute to organisational transformation, develop your career, and help shape future services for our communities.
More information about Local Government Reorganisation can be found on our website: https://www.portsmouth.gov.uk/services/council-and-democracy/your-council/devolution-and-lgr/
Our recruitment process
Full information about our recruitment process can be found on our support for applicants' page: Support for applicants - Careers portal
Please note we reserve the right to close the advert early if we have a large number of applications.
Previous applicants need not apply.
We are a disability confident employer and Armed Forces Covenant gold standard. More information can be found at Equality, diversity and inclusion - Careers portal
If applying as a secondment you will need permission from your current line manager releasing you for this secondment. Please state you have this on your personal statement on the application.
You will need to demonstrate that you have the Right to Work in the UK. No post will be offered without it.
Read more about working at Portsmouth City Council and our benefits on our career's portal homepage: Careers Portal - Find jobs with Portsmouth City Council
Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children Partnership safer recruitment procedures.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) at Standard/Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Please read the relevant DBS privacy notice before submitting any information.
You will need to explain any gaps in your career history within the last 5 years - this is essential for all safeguarding roles.
Should you require any support in completing the application form please contact [email protected] or call the recruitment team on 023 92 616 800.
