Baltic Street Adventure Playground is a wild, adventure play space in Dalmarnock, East Glasgow. The playground is a permanent child-led space, run on democratic principles, where children's needs come first, and where they are enabled and supported to take an active role in all aspects of playground life.
The playworker's role is to be a consistent and active presence on site, working together with both the children and the Playwork Team to maintain a diverse, evolving and rich environment, where children can play without adult direction or fear for their own safety.
Key Responsibilities:
* Work as part of the Playwork Team to create and sustain a physical and emotional environment that meets a diverse range of children’s play needs, grounded in the Playwork Principles.
* Ensure the playground consistently offers opportunities for inclusive, challenging, and adventurous play.
* Make every child who enters the playground feel safe, welcome, supported, and empowered to enjoy their right to play freely.
* Facilitate and support weekly children’s meetings, ensuring an inclusive and respectful environment where children can freely express their ideas, discuss issues, and share feedback. Act as a guide to help them develop and implement their decisions, fostering the child-led ethos central to Baltic Street Adventure Playground.
* Uphold and implement policies and procedures to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of everyone involved in the project, reporting any issues promptly.
* Prioritise the health and emotional well-being of children and young people, discussing any concerns, ideas, or issues with the Playwork Team during daily check-ins.
* Contribute to the evaluation process by participating in end-of-session meetings, collecting stories from children, and recording observations.
* Care for on-site animals and support children in engaging with positive learning opportunities related to their care.
* Collaborate with the team to maintain a clean, tidy, and safe playground environment.
* Participate in regular training sessions, team meetings, and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the role.
* Promote an inclusive and welcoming environment, ensuring all children, staff, and visitors are treated with respect and equity.
* Maintain clear and open communication with colleagues, children, families, and external partners as needed.
* Ensure the site is presentable and welcoming to children, families, and visitors at all times.
* Adhere to safeguarding and child protection policies, ensuring that the welfare and safety of all children is a top priority.
* Assist in managing and maintaining playground equipment, materials, and other resources to ensure they are safe and in good working condition.
* Support children in resolving conflicts constructively, fostering a positive and cooperative environment.
* Be willing to take on additional tasks or responsibilities as required to support the team and ensure the smooth operation of the playground.
* Support outreach activities and engage with the local community to promote the playground and its values.
* Provide input on improving the playground environment, processes, or activities based on observations and feedback from children and families.
Abilities and Experience (some or all of the following):
* At least one year’s experience working with children under 16, in either a paid or voluntary capacity.
* Detailed local knowledge, particularly of youth and play organisations in East Glasgow, is an advantage.
* Enthusiasm for and experience in working with children outdoors, especially in adventurous and physical activities.
* Experience and interest in any of the following areas (skill level not required to be advanced): carpentry, groundwork, arts and crafts, horticulture, or other practical creative activities.
* Sensitivity to the needs of children and young people facing challenging home or social environments, with an understanding of the importance of providing a stable, dependable facility in such contexts.
* A recognised First Aid qualification or a willingness to work towards obtaining one.
* A recognised Food Preparation qualification or a willingness to work towards obtaining one.
Application Notes
To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role to jobs@bsap.uk. All applications must be submitted by 12:00 PM (midday) on 29th January 2025. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.
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