We are looking for a Play Associate who will:
* Interact with the children through play times and the lunch period
* Promote independence and healthy friendships through creative and imaginative play
* Work outside in all weathers and with a range of age groups
* Help to develop the playground using the OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) approach
As a member of our staff you can expect:
* Brilliant children – enthusiastic and able, with excellent attitudes to learning
* Strong leadership; a school that is well organised and managed
* A fantastic staff; supportive and friendly
* High quality CPD supporting you to be the best
Job Description
Main Purpose of the job
To work as part of a team of adults including teachers and other support staff, to promote the learning and well being of all pupils. To take responsibility for the supervision, health and safety and control of pupils during the midday break both during dining and play.
Summary of Responsibilities and Duties
Support for Pupils
* Supervise pupils receiving school meals and packed lunches ensuring orderly conduct and good behaviour.
* Promote and encourage healthy eating and balanced choices of food. Be aware of the varying dietary requirements of pupils for medical or cultural reasons.
* Supervise pupils in the play area or within the building in the event of bad weather ensuring that a safe environment is maintained and that the school’s behaviour policy is adhered to.
* Promoting and raising awareness of the rights of all children to be heard, to play, to socialize and to learn.
Support for Teachers
* Respond to the welfare needs of pupils by comforting them or applying first aid, reporting any concerns on the general well being of the pupils to the senior midday supervisor or the class teacher.
* In accordance with the school’s child protection policy, report any concerns about individual pupils to the senior midday supervisor or the class teacher.
Support for the Curriculum
* Encourage appropriate exercise and activities to promote the health and well being of pupils.
* Encourage and develop pupils’ understanding of team activities as well as individual pursuits.
* Support and encourage the development of pupils’ social interaction with each other.
Support for the School
* Assist with any administrative processes involved in taking school meals and packed lunches.
* Ensure that any people entering the play area from outside the school are identified and escorted to the school reception.
* Maintain awareness and observe the school guidelines on security.
* Awareness and support for the safeguarding needs of all pupils in accordance with school policy.
Equalities
* Ensure implementation and promotion in employment and service delivery of the Council’s/School’s equal opportunities policies and statutory responsibilities.
John Ball Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure.
Person specification
Note to Candidates
The Person Specification is a picture of the skills, knowledge and experience needed to carry out the job. It has been used to draw up the advert and will also be used in the shortlisting and interview process for this post.
Those categories marked 'S' will be used especially for the purpose of shortlisting.
* Commitment to implement the Council’s Equal Opportunities policies.
* Awareness of Equal Opportunities issues. S
Knowledge
* Good health and hygiene procedures. S
* Needs of children and families in a multi-racial, inner city area. S
Skills
* Ability to work as part of a team S
* Communication Skills S
Experience
* Experience of working with groups of children. S
General Education
Personal Qualities
* Sensitivity and awareness of the needs of young children.
Physical
* Generally candidates must meet the standard Lewisham requirements for the post.
* Able to attend meetings / training in locations both inside and outside of the borough.
* Able to use computer, telephone, and read correspondence.
If you are a disabled person, but are unable to meet some of the job requirements specifically because of your disability, please address this in your application. If you meet all the other criteria you will be shortlisted and we will explore jointly with you if there are ways in which the job can be changed to enable you to meet requirements.
Salary & contract
10.5 hours a week. 11.30am – 1.30pm Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday, 11.00am - 1.30 on Thursday
Term time only
Fixed term contract until 22 July 2025
Location
John Ball Primary School
Southvale Road
Blackheath
London
SE3 0TP
Supporting documents and application form
To apply, please send completed Application Form, Safer Recruitment form and Equalities Monitoring form to Penny Ashcroft, hr@johnball.lewisham.sch.uk
Please use the job title as reference for your application.
Closing Date: Friday 24th January 2025 at 9am
Interview Date: Wednesday 29th January 2025
Start Date: Monday 24th February 2025 (or as soon as the DBS check is complete)
Equal opportunities
John Ball Primary School is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, age, marital status, disability, ethnicity, religion, belief or sexual orientation. As we are working to become a racially just school we welcome applications from black and ethnic minority groups. We also welcome applications from males.
We operate a blind shortlisting process and will redact personal information before presenting applications to the assessors so they are unable to determine age, background etc.
John Ball Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff, volunteers and external agencies to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check, internet profile check, medical clearance and satisfactory employment references.
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