EARLY YEARS EDUCATOR / PLAYWORKER

Overview

Fiveways Playcentre is a registered charity and a well-established, community-rooted setting serving children and families across Brighton. We are proud of our beautiful environment, which includes substantial outdoor space that forms a central part of our provision. Rated Good by Ofsted, we are committed to maintaining and building on our strong foundations as we look to the future.

Main Tasks / Key Responsibilities

• As an Early Years Educator / Playworker at Fiveways Playcentre, you will play a vital role in creating a safe, nurturing and stimulating environment where children can learn, play and thrive.




• Safeguarding & Welfare – Be vigilant to safeguarding and child protection concerns, promoting the welfare and safety of all children at all times; Follow the Playcentre’s safeguarding policies and procedures and report any concerns promptly to the Designated Safeguarding Lead/Officer; Comply fully with policies relating to Safeguarding, Prevent Duty, Inclusion, SEND, Health & Safety




• Supporting Children & Play – Provide high-quality care and support, offering appropriate levels of stimulation through purposeful play; Actively contribute to the planning and delivery of a play-based curriculum that meets the individual needs of children; Promote positive behaviour and act as a positive role model in language, conduct, attendance, punctuality and appearance; Support children with additional needs, working closely with the SENCo and following plans provided by external agencies




• Key Person Responsibilities – Act as a Key Person for allocated children, building strong relationships with them and their families; Observe, plan and assess children’s development, maintaining accurate records and online learning journals; Liaise effectively with parents, carers and relevant professionals while maintaining confidentiality




• Teamwork & Daily Operations – Work collaboratively as part of the team to ensure the smooth day-to-day running of the Playcentre; Set up and maintain safe, clean and stimulating indoor and outdoor environments; Monitor play resources and report shortages or concerns to the Manager; Attend staff meetings, training sessions and contribute positively to team development




• Practical Duties – Prepare healthy snacks/meals and supervise mealtimes; Support children during outings and ensure all safety procedures are followed; Collect children from local Infant and Junior schools and escort them safely to the Playcentre (where applicable); Carry out cleaning, tidying, and domestic tasks as required, including cleaning toys and equipment




• Flexibility & Additional Duties – Be flexible in working practices, undertaking additional reasonable duties as required; Support fundraising events, holiday clubs and special activities when needed

Qualifications & Personal Specification

• Essential – Relevant Early Years / Childcare qualification; Experience working in an early years or play setting; Experience as a Key Person and completing observations and learning journals; Knowledge of SEND and working with outside agencies; First Aid or Safeguarding training; A genuine passion for working with children; Understanding of the importance of play in children’s learning and development; Knowledge of safeguarding and child protection procedures (or willingness to undertake training); Ability to work effectively as part of a team; Good communication skills with children, parents/carers and colleagues; Ability to promote positive behaviour and act as a positive role model; Willingness to be flexible and support the wider needs of the setting; Commitment to inclusion, equality and supporting children with additional needs




• Personal Qualities – Warm, caring and approachable; Reliable, punctual and well organised; Enthusiastic, creative and proactive; Calm, patient and resilient; Willing to learn and develop professionally

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