14 days remaining to apply

  • Start date details

    As soon as possible

  • Closing date

    23 September 2026 at 11:59pm

  • Date listed

    9 September 2026

Job details

Job role

  • Other support role

Visa sponsorship

Visas cannot be sponsored

Working pattern

Part time

Contract type

Permanent

Actual salary

£7,021 to £7,040 Per year

What skills and experience we're looking for

Up to 12 hours per week, Monday to Thursday - Term time only - Start date: October 2026 (or as soon as possible) - After school club operates from 3.00pm - 6.00pm (3 hours per day)

We are looking for a passionate and creative Play Assistant to join our school‑run Wraparound Care Service. As a valued member of the Aftercare Team, you will gain hands‑on experience delivering a wide range of engaging, inclusive and participative childcare activities for children aged 4-12.

If you are a student at university, this could be the job that suits you. Or, if you need to work between 3-6pm due to other commitments, this role offers a consistent, family‑friendly schedule that may fit perfectly around your day.

Our Play Assistants are enthusiastic, caring and committed to supporting children’s development throughout their time in Aftercare. This is a demanding but highly rewarding role, ideal for someone who enjoys working with children and, ideally, has some relevant experience.

You should be self‑motivated, have strong communication skills and be able to engage positively with children of all ages.

Your responsibilities include:

  • Plan and deliver safe activities with groups of children from all class ranges
  • Engage with children encouraging them to participate in activities to promote learning and social development
  • Support children on a 1:1 basis who have complex needs (if required)
  • Encourage fair and caring behaviour among the children
  • Support with managing behaviour in line with school policies.
  • Supporting the enactment of Health and Safety requirements as directed.
  • Encourage independence and self-esteem
  • Ensure safety and safeguarding procedures are adhered to ensure children are kept safe
  • Assist with food preparation for serving afterschool tea/snacks
  • Complete various training courses including Food Hygiene and Child Safeguarding.

What the school offers its staff

You can also download an application pack via the school’s website www.thameside.reading.sch.uk (Go to: About us, Come & Work for us!) or email to request an application pack. Please email: sbm@thameside.reading.sch.uk #

Closing date: Wednesday 23rd September 2026 but interviews will be offered on receipt of strong applications.

The school is committed to safeguarding children and is an equal opportunity provider. All appointments are made subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure.

Further information about the job

The candidate will be required to undergo a full enhanced DBS check and must be eligible to work in the UK.
Visas cannot be sponsored.
If you're interested in teaching or training to teach in England as an international citizen, we can help you understand your next steps.

Commitment to safeguarding

Our organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff, volunteers and trustees to share this commitment.

Our recruitment process follows the keeping children safe in education guidance.

Offers of employment may be subject to the following checks (where relevant):
childcare disqualification
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
medical
online and social media
prohibition from teaching
right to work
satisfactory references
suitability to work with children

You must tell us about any unspent conviction, cautions, reprimands or warnings under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975.

Applying for the job

Apply for the job by following the link below.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

View advert on school website (opens in new tab)

Additional documents

If you need these documents in an accessible format, please contact the school.

About Thameside Primary School

Organisation type
Local authority maintained school, ages 5 to 11
Education phase
Primary school
Size
322 pupils enrolled
Age range
5 to 11
Ofsted report
View Ofsted report

Primary School ,situated in the heart of Caversham, we are an extension of our diverse local community with more than 30 languages spoken here.

We are very proud of our inclusive nature and believe that every child – whatever their ability or background - deserves the best possible start in life.

Arranging a visit to Thameside Primary School

To arrange a visit and increase the chance of a successful application email jason.owen@reading.gov.uk.

School location

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