Play Development Deputy Site Leader

You will be the Play Development Deputy Site Leader based in one of PCC's 6 adventures playgrounds (APG), deputising for the Play Development Site Manager and supervising a small team in their absence ensuring that safeguarding procedures are followed within the day to day running of an APG. The primary responsibility will be the delivery of high quality play activities which promote participation, inclusion and wellbeing. You’ll support children to follow their own ideas and interests for play as well as leading a variety of interesting and fun play activities.
The role works on 30 hour per week annualised contract where the successful candidate works a total number of hours over the year, rather than a fixed number of hours per week or month.
Specific duties are as follows:

• To support the Play Development Site Leader and deputise in their absence in the day to day running of the playground, being the site responsible person, including oversight of playground visitors, staff and resources including health and safety and safeguarding arrangements.
• To encourage an inclusive play environment which supports and stimulates freely chosen play.
• Support children and young people, establishing positive relationships and maintaining professional boundaries.
• To work collaboratively with staff and children to devise opportunities for playful experiences which reflect and change with children's need and play interests
• To complete risk-benefit assessments as necessary.
• To keep the site and building in a safe, clean and tidy condition. Perform inspections of play structures and the playground space, and carry out remedial repairs, ongoing maintenance and cleaning.
• To work with staff, volunteers, trainees & visitors to the playground, as required.
• Build positive relationships with parents and families to promote healthy lifestyles and play experiences.
• To attend meetings and training sessions as appropriate.
• To contribute to development initiatives at the playground and within PYC as a whole.
• To be alert to and act on concerns regarding any children’s safety, health, and wellbeing, acting in accordance with safeguarding procedures and child protection legislation.
• To conduct yourself in a manner compatible with an organisation that works with children, promoting equalities and equal opportunities in all aspects.
• To undertake other reasonable tasks as directed by your manager(s).
• Arranging on-site and off site activities


Skills:

The following qualities and experience are essential:
You should have:
1. Understanding of children and young people’s differing needs and abilities.
2. Ability to work with children face to face in a playful environment.
3. Ability to work in a physically demanding role, with work predominantly outdoors on the adventure playground.
4. Able to deliver a variety of play activities which can include (but not limited to): arts and crafts activities, sport activities, creative and imaginative play, gardening and nature based activities, fire and water play, self-build structures and supporting day trips and residential activities.
5. Understanding of the importance of risk in play for children and young people.
6. To be welcoming and approachable to children, young people, parents and other visitors, and to support partnership forming, extending and sustaining relationships.
7. Able to work under pressure and manage conflict.
8. Numeracy, literacy and communication skills, including the ability to use IT systems.
9. Commitment to PYC and PCC policies, especially Health and Safety and Safeguarding.
10. Able to work flexibly across the week Monday - Saturday and throughout school holidays and cover at any of the 6 Adventure Playgrounds.
The following would be desirable but not essential:
1. Have some knowledge of maintenance and repairs; able to perform inspections of play structures and the playground space, and carry out remedial repairs and ongoing maintenance.
2. A clean full driving license, with MIDAS.