After School Club Deputy Manager

Deputy Manager – PLAYtarium After School Club

St Martin de Porres Catholic Primary School

Pay: £12.75 per hour

PLAYtarium is a family-run, not-for-profit organisation that has provided play-based childcare in Luton for more than 20 years. We believe in the power of play, in building children's confidence through choice and creativity, and in creating a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels they belong.

We are now seeking a Deputy Manager who shares these values and will help support the day-to-day leadership of our busy, friendly, and community-centred club.

About the Role

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about playwork, confident in supporting a team, and dedicated to ensuring the safety, wellbeing, and enjoyment of all children in our care.

You will work closely with the Club Manager, taking an active role in planning play opportunities, supervising staff, maintaining high safeguarding standards, and fostering strong partnerships with parents and the school.

Main Duties

Playwork & Child Supervision

• Plan and deliver engaging, developmentally appropriate, and child-led play activities.
• Provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all children.
• Build positive relationships with children and use their interests to shape the play environment.

Leadership & Team Support

• Support the Club Manager and lead the team in their absence.
• Provide guidance to playworkers and volunteers.
• Help maintain a positive, cooperative team culture.

Operational Duties

• Set up and pack away the play space, including moving furniture and equipment.
• Prepare and serve snacks in line with food hygiene and dietary requirements.
• Administer first aid and complete relevant records.
• Maintain registers, incident forms, and other operational documentation.
• Assist with administrative tasks and communication with parents and the school.

Compliance & Safeguarding

• Follow all PLAYtarium policies, including behaviour, health & safety, and safeguarding.
• Ensure practice aligns with EYFS requirements.
• Engage in ongoing CPD and mandatory training.

Experience

• Experience working with children in a playwork, childcare, or education setting.
• Previous supervisory or team-leading experience is preferred but not essential.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to guide, support, and motivate others.
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work both collaboratively and independently.
• A commitment to delivering excellent customer service and contributing to a positive workplace culture.

Essential Qualifications & Qualities

To be considered for this role, applicants must have:

• Level 3 qualification in Playwork, Childcare, Early Years, Education, or a related field.
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection procedures (including willingness to complete further training).
• Experience working with children aged 3–11.
• Sufficient understanding of English to ensure effective communication and child safety.
• Confidence in engaging with children, parents, and colleagues.

Desirable Qualities

• Knowledge of playwork principles and child development.
• Experience in administrative duties or record-keeping.
• Leadership or supervisory experience within a childcare setting.
• Confidence with IT systems for admin and communication.
• Experience with budgeting or basic financial management.

Benefits of Working at PLAYtarium

• Family-run, community-focused organisation with a warm and supportive culture.
• Term-time only hours, supporting a healthy work-life balance.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), offering confidential wellbeing, mental health, and practical support.
• specific development.
• Free uniform.
• Pension contributions in line with statutory requirements.
• Regular supervision and annual appraisals to support your role and development.
• Access to relevant training opportunities, including mandatory training and role-
• Opportunity to lead creative, play-based activities and make a meaningful impact on children's experiences.

Equal Opportunities Statement

PLAYtarium is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

We are dedicated to promoting equality of opportunity and to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of any protected characteristic. Adjustments can be made throughout the recruitment process upon request.

Please apply directly through Indeed by submitting:

• Your CV
• A short personal statement (3–5 sentences) explaining:
• Why you are interested in the Deputy Manager role
• Your relevant childcare or playwork experience
• Your Level 3 qualification

We recommend ensuring your CV clearly shows:

• Your childcare/playwork experience
• Any leadership or supervisory responsibilities
• Your relevant qualifications (Level 3 required)

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via Indeed to arrange:

• An interview
• A short practical trial session at the club

Job Types: Part-time, Permanent

Pay: £12.75 per hour

Expected hours: 16 – 19 per week

Benefits:

• Company events
• Company pension
• Employee discount

Application question(s):

• "How many years of experience do you have working in a formal childcare setting (e.g., nurseries, schools, out-of-school clubs, childminding, or other paid/voluntary roles)
• Do you hold a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification in Early Years Education or Childcare

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person