Lead Playworker

Bedford Road Primary Academy, Bedford, Bedfordshire, MK42 8QH

31 days remaining to apply

• Closing date

  28 November 2026 at 11:59pm

• Date listed

  28 October 2026

Job details

• Job role:
  • Other support role
• Visa sponsorship: Visas cannot be sponsored
• Working pattern: Part time
• Contract type: Permanent
• Full time equivalent salary: £16,560.00 Annually (Actual) Actual Salary £16,560 - Full Time £30,978

Lead Playworker job summary

📍 Location: Bedford Hub (with flexibility to work across Trust primary schools as required)
⏰ Hours: See contract for details
📅 Start Date: As soon as possible

About the Role

As our Lead Playworker, you will play a key role in the smooth running of our after-school provision, leading engaging activities that support children's development through play, creativity and learning.

You will: ✅ Lead a range of exciting play, sports, craft and learning activities
✅ Create a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment for children
✅ Support children's wellbeing, development and enjoyment
✅ Build positive relationships with children, parents and school staff
✅ Assist with safeguarding, health & safety and record keeping requirements
✅ Support and guide less experienced playworkers within the team

We're Looking For Someone Who:

🌟 Has experience working with children in schools, childcare settings, holiday clubs or similar environments
🌟 Is enthusiastic, energetic and child-centred
🌟 Can lead activities confidently and adapt to children's needs
🌟 Has excellent communication and teamwork skills
🌟 Is patient, calm, organised and approachable
🌟 Understands the importance of safeguarding and child welfare

Essential Requirements

✔ Experience working with children aged 4-11
✔ Ability to lead groups and manage activities effectively
✔ Understanding of child development and play opportunities
✔ Commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare

Desirable

🎓 Level 2 or Level 3 Playwork, Childcare or equivalent qualification (or willingness to undertake training)
🩹 First Aid knowledge or willingness to undertake training

Why Join Us?

💙 A supportive and friendly team
📚 Ongoing training and development opportunities
🎯 The opportunity to make a real difference to children's lives every day
🏫 Be part of a growing and ambitious Trust committed to excellence

Safeguarding Statement

The Knowledge Schools Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, online checks and other pre-employment checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

📩 Apply now and help us create a fun, enriching and safe environment where children can learn, play and flourish!

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

This school accepts applications through their own website, where you may also find more information about this job.

CVs will not be accepted for this application.

About Bedford Road Primary Academy

• Organisation type: Academy, ages 5 to 11
• Education phase: Primary school
• Size: 365 pupils enrolled
• Age range: 5 to 11
• Ofsted report: View Ofsted report
• Website: Bedford Road Primary Academy website
• See more jobs: teaching-vacancies.service.gov.uk/organisations/bedford-road-primary-school-bedford

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