Deputy Playground Manager

Company: Portsmouth City Council
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Job Description:

Responsibilities

  • Support the Playground Manager in the day-to-day running of the playground, including oversight of staff, resources, site, health and safety, and safeguarding.
  • Deputise for the Playground Manager in their absence, being the site responsible person, managing staff, attending meetings and ensuring quality service delivery.
  • Deliver and engage children, young people and families in rich and varied play opportunities.
  • Respond with empathy and perception to the play needs of children and young people.
  • Recognise the responsibility of being a positive role model for young people, and the integrity and professionalism required to do that.
  • Work respectfully with children and their families, responding positively to diversity and promoting a positive peer culture.
  • Recognise the choice that young people make to engage with us, the privileged and unique relationships between young people and playworkers and build on these relationships whilst maintaining professional boundaries.

Skills

  • Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt communication consistent with different levels of understanding, culture, background and preferences.
  • Have safeguarding knowledge and experience to promote the welfare of children through robust safeguarding procedures with a contextual focus.
  • A willingness to bring your own interests, skills, experiences and personality to enrich the play opportunities for children and young people.
  • An empathic, inquisitive, and creative approach to engaging and working with children and young people as part of a small team.
  • The ability to build positive, respectful relationships with children, young people and their families whilst maintaining professional boundaries.
  • The skills to use relational and restorative practice, recognising that children communicate with a range of different behaviours and having an awareness of your own limitations.
  • Knowledge and understanding of play and playwork, reflective practice and the importance of risk in play.
  • The ability to meet the physical and mental demands of the role, acknowledging that the role can be as challenging as it is rewarding.
  • The ability to deliver and engage children, young people and families in rich and varied play opportunities.
  • To be approachable and interested in the children and their world, using relational authenticity to support this.
  • To be able to work under pressure and manage conflict.
  • High level numeracy, literacy and IT skills.
  • To be able to work flexibly throughout the week, including on Saturdays and throughout school holidays across the service.

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Posted: May 12th, 2026