Play Assistant (Wraparound Childcare)

Location: The Deep End, Rawlins, Quorn

Contract: Casual Contract – Term-Time Only

Hours:  15:15 and 17:30 one to two days a week (days will vary depending on operational need) between Monday to Thursday 

Pay: Starting rate from £8.97 per hour (dependent on age and experience)

Start date: 26th October 2026

Closing date: 5th October 2026

About our Wraparound Childcare

Our Wraparound Childcare provides before and after-school care for children attending St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School in Quorn. Based at The Deep End, Rawlins, just a short walk from the school, we’ve created a welcoming space where children can switch off from the school day, spend time with friends and enjoy the freedom to play.

Our sessions are centred around child-led free play, alongside a changing programme of adult-led activities including arts and crafts, sports, cooking, games and outdoor play. With access to fantastic indoor and outdoor facilities, including sports courts, fields and woodland, there is plenty of space for children to choose how they spend their time.

Smiles is proudly independent and family-run, with a close and consistent team who get to know the children well. Our aim is simple: to make before and after-school childcare a positive part of the day that children genuinely look forward to.

About the Role

Smiles of Quorn Ltd is looking for a caring and enthusiastic Play Assistant to join our Wraparound Childcare team. This is a hands-on role supporting the delivery of safe, fun and engaging before and after-school sessions for children attending St Bartholomew’s C of E Primary School in Quorn.

As a Play Assistant, you will work alongside our Playworkers, Playleaders and Senior Leadership Team to create a welcoming environment where children can relax after the school day, play with friends and take part in a varied programme of activities. You’ll support both child-led free play and adult-led activities, indoors and outdoors, while helping every child feel safe, happy and included.

The role also involves the practical day-to-day running of the club, from safely collecting children from school and preparing snacks to setting up activities, communicating with parents and helping maintain a clean, organised and inviting play environment.

Key responsibilities include:

• Supporting and joining in with a variety of activities, free play and outdoor play

• Safely collecting children from school and supporting handover to parents and carers

• Supervising children during play, activities, transitions and snack times

• Preparing and serving nutritious snacks and supporting safe, sociable mealtimes

• Helping set up and tidy away the play environment each day

• Promoting positive behaviour and helping children build positive relationships

• Supporting children with additional needs and helping ensure activities are inclusive

• Communicating positively and professionally with parents and carers

• Following safeguarding, health and safety and emergency procedures

• Completing attendance, accident, incident and communication records using iPAL

• Working closely with the wider team to provide consistently high-quality care.

What We’re Looking For

We are looking for a positive and reliable individual who enjoys working with children and being part of a team.

Essential qualities:

• Aged 17 or over.

• Experience working or volunteering with children aged 4-11.

• Ability to work well as part of a team.

• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and child welfare practices.

• A positive attitude toward engaging with children and contributing to their developmental needs.

• Good communication skills

• Sound judgement and common sense

• Sufficient understanding and use of English to ensure the children’s wellbeing*

Desirable qualities:

• Willingness to work towards or hold a Level 2 qualification in Childcare or Early Years Education.

• Experience of administration

• Competent in using IT to support play and club administration

• Ability to work on own initiative

• Appropriate child protection training

• Appropriate health and safety training

• Current Paediatric First Aid Certificate

• Food Hygiene Certificate

* Para 3.33 of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage 2025

For more information, please refer to our Job Description below.

Apply for this role

If you’re interested in this position, we’d love to hear from you.

To apply, please follow the link below and submit your application.

Safeguarding Statement

Smiles of Quorn Ltd is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are expected to share this commitment. This role is subject to safer recruitment processes, including an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.