Wrap-around Care and Activities Playworker

Package Description

The school prides itself on its warm and welcoming community, inclusive of all staff.  Our teaching staff work alongside the operational teams to ensure the smooth running of the school. We value the contribution of all team members. 

Through involvement in the co-curricular programme all those who work with us can bring their passions to work. Developing our talent is important to us.  Access to training and professional development is available and encouraged.

Our reward package includes:

• Generous Defined Contribution Pension Scheme
• Access to onsite gym
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee Benefits Programme, including discounted access to health insurance, financial well-being products, cycle to work and electric car schemes as well as discounts to a number of major retailers

The roles are available upon confirmation of PVG scheme membership.

The Role

We are seeking caring, enthusiastic, and dedicated Playworkers to join our Junior School and Nursery Wrap-Around Care team during term time, with the possibility of additional hours during school holidays.

In this role, you will help create a safe, engaging, and supportive environment for children aged 2–10 years, focusing particularly on our older pupils (aged 5 and over). You’ll play a key part in supporting each child’s development, wellbeing, and learning, guided by the Curriculum for Excellence and the principles of GIRFEC (Getting It Right For Every Child).

The successful candidate will work Monday to Thursday during term-time, from 2:30pm to 5:30pm (12 hours per week). If you have a passion for working with children and a commitment to helping them thrive, we would love to hear from you. 

We will review applications and hold interviews as they are received, and reserve the right to close the vacancy early if a suitable candidate is appointed. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Main Responsibilities

The following makes up the key elements of the job, but this is not an exhaustive list of all tasks:

• Provide high-quality care for children in a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment
• Support with the planning of, and deliver, a range of age-appropriate, engaging activities that promote play, creativity, wellbeing and social development
• Ensure the health, safety and welfare of all children in your care in line with Child Protection and Health and Safety guidelines
• Build positive relationships with children, families and colleagues, promoting a welcoming, inclusive and supportive ethos
• Promote positive behaviour and role model respectful interactions in line with the School’s Positive Behaviour Policy
• Contribute to the planning, monitoring and evaluation of wraparound care provision
• Maintain accurate records such as registers, care plans and ensure any incidents are reported as required
• Ensure compliance with Care Inspectorate regulations and national childcare standards
• Participate in ongoing professional learning and development

The Ideal Candidate

The successful post holder will be: 

• Someone who gets joy from working with young children 
• Be well organised and adaptable 
• Able to build a rapport with young children, team members and parents 
• Enjoy working as part of a team but also able to work under own initiative 
• Patient and sensitive 
• Able to stay calm in challenging situations  
• Diplomatic.  Use good judgement to make positive, quick decisions when necessary 
• Discreet and ensure confidentiality is protected 
• A great communicator

Qualifications and Experience

E = Essential D= Desirable 

• SVQ (L3) Early Years Practitioner qualification or equivalent (D) 
• Registered or eligible for registration with the SSSC (D)
• Experience working with young children in a play, care or educational setting (E) 
• A knowledge of First Aid, Food Hygiene and Child Protection Training (D)

About the school/organisation

The Edinburgh Academy is a fully co-educational school. The School consists of a Senior School, Junior School and a Nursery Department. The School is a member of HMC. The Edinburgh Academy moved to full co-education across the whole school in 2008. The Junior and Senior Schools are on separate sites, both of which have spacious grounds and sports facilities including extensive playing fields, an all-weather sports area, and a large Sports Hall and Centre.