Seasonal Play Worker - Children & Young People Services

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Rachael O'Connell – Rachael.OConnell@newport.gov.uk (Team Manager, Disabled Children’s Team, Prevention and Inclusion)

Are you enthusiastic, experienced and interested in working with Disabled children and young people and those with Additional Learning Needs? Then this is an exciting opportunity to join our Playscheme team, supporting children and young people with a range of disabilities and support needs to access enjoyable, meaningful play opportunities in a safe, welcoming and non-judgemental environment.

We are currently seeking to appoint a number of seasonal Playworkers to join the Disabled Children’s Team at Newport City Council. We are looking for individuals who have experience of supporting and working with Disabled children and young people and those with Additional Learning Needs, whether in schools, playschemes, clubs, childcare settings or as personal assistants.

Our Supported and Specialist Playschemes are closed-access provisions for children and young people with a range of disabilities, additional needs and support requirements. We require staff to support children and young people on a 1:1, 2:1 or small group basis to access and enjoy stimulating and varied play opportunities, whilst meeting their individual needs.

Depending on the needs of the children attending, you may be required to support with personal care, toileting, feeding, communication systems such as Makaton or PECS, emotional regulation, mobility needs, medication administration and other aspects of health and care support. Some children and young people will require minimal support to access activities, whilst others may have complex care, communication or behavioural support needs.

We recognise the significance and value of play in children's development and their innate desire to explore, learn and build relationships through play. As a Playworker, you will need to be creative, patient and enthusiastic in supporting children and young people to participate in a range of indoor and outdoor activities, develop friendships, build confidence and most importantly have fun.

Playschemes will run over the Easter holidays as well as four weeks of the summer holidays from Monday 26 July 2027 to Friday 20 August 2027. There will also be a training week during the summer starting Monday 19 July. Attendance is mandatory.

Important Information

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Services Check (DBS) formerly known as CRB.

Council posts & associated pay are subject to the outcome of an on-going Pay & Grading Review. To find out more about the benefits of working for Newport City Council visit Benefits & Conditions.

Secondment applications are welcome. Permission from your line manager must be sought prior to applying.

Equality and Welsh Language Commitment

We welcome applications in either Welsh or English. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Newport City Council is committed to developing a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and particularly welcomes applications from people from minority ethnic communities represented within the city. Selection will be based solely on the skills, experience and ability required to undertake the role.

Further Information

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Rachael O'Connell – Rachael.OConnell@newport.gov.uk
(Team Manager, Disabled Children’s Team, Prevention and Inclusion)

Newport City Council is committed to working towards its workforce being more representative of the population that we serve and particularly welcomes applications from people from minority ethnic communities represented (or living) in the city. Selection will be made on ability and skills to undertake the role.

Newport City Council is not currently supporting applicants with sponsorship for right to work. In applying for a vacancy, applicants should already have the right to work in the UK.

Our values – Fairness for all, Making a difference, Being responsible, Working together
Ein gwerthoedd – Tegwch i Bawb, Gwneud Gwahaniaeth, Bod yn Gyfrifol, Gweithio gyda'n gilydd