OPAL Play Leader

Contract type: Permanent 
Hours of work: Monday - Friday, times to be confirmed
Work pattern: 8 hours per week, Term time only, 38 weeks
Salary information: Scale 2, Point 3, £5,522 per annum
Start date: ASAP

Yeading Infant & Nursery School is seeking an enthusiastic, caring and creative OPAL Play Leader to support the delivery of engaging play opportunities for children through the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) programme.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about children's development and the importance of play, who can help create a safe, inclusive and stimulating environment where pupils can explore, develop their imagination and build confidence and independence.
At Yeading Infant & Nursery School, we are committed to providing a positive and welcoming environment where every child can thrive. The OPAL Play Leader will play an important role in encouraging active, creative and meaningful play, supporting children's social, emotional and physical development.

In an Ofsted inspection in March 2019 Yeading Infant & Nursery was judged ‘Outstanding’ in all areas and we sustained this in 2024.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supporting and encouraging children to participate in a variety of creative, active and imaginative play activities.
• Supervising pupils during playtimes and promoting safe and positive play.
• Supporting the use of loose parts, natural materials and play equipment to encourage exploration and creativity.
• Promoting positive behaviour, cooperation and respectful relationships between pupils.
• Ensuring play areas, resources and equipment are safe, accessible and well maintained.
• Encouraging inclusive play opportunities that meet the needs and interests of all children.
• Working collaboratively with colleagues to develop and improve play provision.
• Promoting safeguarding and following the school's policies and procedures.

The successful candidate will:

• Have experience working with children in an educational, childcare or play-based setting.
• Be enthusiastic, patient and creative, with a genuine interest in children's play and development.
• Have good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Be proactive, reliable and able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Be confident in promoting positive behaviour and supporting children's social development.
• Understand the importance of safeguarding and promoting children's welfare.
• Have a relevant childcare or playwork qualification (desirable).

Closing date: Tuesday 3rd November 2026 at Noon
Interview date: Wednesday 4th November 2026