Play Worker

To provide a variety of play and learning opportunities for children with additional support needs and/or disabilities and their siblings.

**Responsibilities**:

- Under the direction of the Manager, support the delivery of appropriate under fives activities for children with a range of disabilities and complex needs and also for their siblings who attend the group.
- To assist and support the Trustees, Manager and Family Support Worker in ensuring the general well-being of all children, whilst creating an environment which stimulates individual growth; including meeting children’s social, physical, emotional and intellectual developmental needs.
- To attend meetings and training sessions where appropriate and provide feedback to the team regarding the content of the training and meetings.
- To support the provision of activities and opportunities which promote equality, giving consideration to the children’s and their families cultural and ethnic background, religious beliefs, gender and abilities.
- To support the provision of a range of activities which offer multi ability play and learning opportunities. This includes setting up and packing away the playroom.
- To interact with the children and actively encourage and facilitate positive relationships between the children, in order to support the development of the children’s communication and social skills.
- To work in partnership with parents and carers with an understanding that parents and families are the primary carers and first educators of their children, and by working together the best possible outcomes can be achieved for each child.
- Ensure that play sessions and group activities provide learning opportunities which are fun, stimulating, safe and developmentally appropriate to the needs of each child.
- Assist the Manager and Family Support Worker in ensuring that regular observations and evaluations of children’s progress are kept, as well as supporting the process for Multi Agency Planning Meetings.
- Maintain a high standard of health, safety and hygiene at the group and undertake cleaning tasks as necessary.
- Support children with their personal and health and care needs. For example to wash hands before snack.
- Have an awareness of child protection issues and work within child protection guidelines as well as working within the framework of relevant legislation.

**Person specification**

Essential:

- A commitment to attend a relevant training and supervision to enhance expertise in meeting the social, educational and health development needs of the children.
- Good interpersonal and communication skills.
- Supportive and empathetic relationship with parent carers.
- Good organisational skills
- Commitment to providing inclusive experiences and opportunities for children with disabilities/additional support needs.

Desirable but full training can be given:

- First Aid Certificate
- Food Hygiene Certificate
- Creative and artistic play ideas
- Experience of working in a team and on own initiative
- Knowledge of child protection procedures

Hours of work will be Tuesday 9am - 3pm plus any relief as needed.

Based at Potterton community centre, Potterton.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent, Temp to perm

Expected hours: 6 per week

Ability to Commute:

- potterton (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: 6