OPAL Play Coordinator

Peasedown St John Primary is looking for a dedicated and professional lunchtime play coordinator to join our OPAL team.  The Play Coordinator will support and facilitate meaningful and productive child initiated play during the school day in accordance with the play procedures. 

You will be working from 11:45am to 1:15pm with a team, supporting the outdoor learning team to deliver safe and imaginative play times for children in the main school.  

There will be regular planning and OPAL team meetings, for which overtime will be given. We estimate an additional 10 hours per month for this part of the role.

The Successful candidate will: 

• Ensure well-being of pupils  
• Ensure a diverse range of playable resources are provided for, and are accessible to, all children, in all weathers.  
• Create opportunities for play to support the social and behavioural development of pupils 
• Provide engaging playwork interventions where pupils who find positive behavior choices challenging 
• Ensure resources are stored and replenished appropriately. 
• Update OPAL paperwork and risk assessments as the role develops. 
• Discuss resources with the children (school council)  and use their views to create development plans 
• Organise and carry out the replenishment of resources  
• Provide support and training for other school staff or pupils as required 
• Build playworker expertise and practice within the Play Team  
• Ensure enriching play events or opportunities are created  
• Implement planned activities 
• Review activities to promote self evaluation and play development 
• Help hold OPAL assemblies alongside the staff Play Coordinator. 

Knowledge, experience and training

Attend all OPAL team meetings and training sessions.  (overtime will be given, as above)

Essential: Prior experience of working with children in an educational or playwork setting is essential.

Relevant qualification

Desirable: Playwork Level 2 or above. 

Resources and support:

This post will carry an entitlement to appropriate support from the Headteacher and Outdoor Learning Leader as part of the OPAL project.

We are looking for someone who has the following attributes:  

• A variety of communication skills to respond to the needs of the child.  
• Empathy and understanding of children’s individual abilities  
• Patience and a good sense of humour  
• Flexibility to work with children aged 4- 11 years  
• Willing to go the extra mile for the children in their care

see attached job description for further details

Peasedown St John Primary School is an academy as part of the Midsomer Norton Schools Partnership Multi Academy Trust.

You can find more about our school at www.psjprimary.co.uk

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We follow safer recruitment practices and appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

£19,312 - £19,698 pro rata, Grade 3 SCP 5

7.5 Hours per week  term time only plus 2 INSET days

Interviews week beginning 29th November 2021