Out of School Services Worker

Job Description

• Assist with the delivery of a quality Out of School Service for children in After School Clubs and Holiday Playschemes.
• Provide educational programmes, leisure, childcare, and play opportunities in a safe, secure, and welcoming environment.
• Work up to 15 hours per week during term time in After School Clubs and up to full-time during holidays in Holiday Playschemes.
• Option to work only during Holiday Playschemes for those already employed in term-time school settings.
• Enable children to participate in a variety of learning and educational activities.
• Ensure good preparation and management of materials and equipment to create a busy, engaging atmosphere.
• Supervise children carefully to ensure equal access to all opportunities.
• Post is exempt from section 4(2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
• All applicants will be subject to HRH’s safe recruitment process.

Responsible to: Head of Children’s Services or Out of School Services Manager

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, secure, and stimulating playscheme environment.
• Assist in planning and delivering a programme of activities that meet the needs of the children.
• Support the development of the Out of School Service, including educational and leisure programmes.
• Operate within an equal opportunities framework.
• Collaborate with the team to ensure services align with the Early Years’ Framework.
• Deliver services according to professional standards and Ofsted requirements, in line with the school’s ethos.
• Follow organisational, school, child protection, and health & safety policies.
• Maintain professional boundaries with children, parents, and carers.
• Attend team meetings as instructed by the line manager.
• Participate in training sessions when required.
• Ensure all children remain on the premises, except for organised trips.
• Ensure the building is clean and tidy at the end of each day.
• Drive the minibus if certified and requested.
• Follow first aid procedures and maintain accident and treatment records.
• Adhere to child protection policies.
• Support administrative and financial tasks when needed.
• Monitor and support children’s progress and development.
• Ensure children’s safety during outings.
• Prepare reports and attend meetings as required.
• Understand that Out of School Services Workers are also known as Playworkers.
• Assist with the preparation of educational sessions.
• Carry out any other duties appropriate to the service.
• Be flexible with working hours based on service needs.
• Be willing to work at different sites when necessary.

Person Specification

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Sufficient literacy to prepare programmes and reports.
• Minimum Level 2 qualification in Childcare.
• At least 2 years of experience working in an after-school club.
• Numeracy and literacy to GCSE level (A–C).
• Ability to support children with homework.
• Experience working with primary school-aged children in play settings.
• Experience working in a multicultural environment.
• Teamwork experience and ability to communicate effectively with colleagues, parents, carers, and children.
• Enthusiastic and imaginative approach to child-based activities.
• Physically fit to participate in active play with children.
• Commitment to working within an equal opportunities framework.

Job Details

• Hours: Up to 15 hours per week (term time), 35 hours per week (school holidays)
• Rate of Pay: £13.85 – £14.68 per hour