OPAL Play Supervisor / Lunchtime Play Team Member 

Contract type: Permanent
Work pattern: 7.5 hours per week, Term time only (38 weeks)
Hours of work: Monday - Friday, 11:45am - 1:15pm 
Salary information: Scale 3, £5,325 - £5,402 per annum (dependent upon experience)
Start date: ASAP
 
Do you love being outdoors and believe in the power of play? 

We are proud to be an OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) school. At our school, we believe that lunchtime is more than just a break—it is a vital part of the school day where children explore, create, build resilience, and have fun in a rich outdoor environment.  

We are seeking an enthusiastic, energetic, and child-centred OPAL Play Supervisor to join our dedicated lunchtime team. If you want to make a tangible difference to children’s physical health, creativity, and social well-being, this is the perfect role for you. 

The Role 
Unlike traditional playground monitoring, an OPAL Play Supervisor acts as a "playworker". You will help curate and maintain an open-ended, child-led play environment using a wide variety of "loose parts" (such as tyres, crates, tarpaulins, and den-building materials).  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Facilitate Creative Play: Support children in designing their own play spaces, encouraging mud kitchen creation, den building, sports, and imaginative games.  
• Manage Risk Positively: Guide children to understand and navigate safe, age-appropriate risks during play, fostering independence and confidence.  
• Promote Inclusivity: Ensure every child feels welcome, valued, and actively included in play opportunities.  
• Resource Management: Help set out, pack away, and organise loose parts and play equipment.  
• Positive Behaviour Support: Use positive behaviour strategies to guide interactions, resolve minor peer conflicts, and encourage cooperation.  

Who We Are Looking For: 

• You do not necessarily need prior school experience, as full training in OPAL play work principles will be provided. However, our ideal candidate must:  
• Be passionate about child development and the value of outdoor play. 
• Be happy to work outdoors all year round in all weather conditions (rain, shine, or snow!). 
• Possess a calm, patient, and warm approach, building great relationships with children. 
• Be a proactive team player who can use their own initiative. 
• Be fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children.  

What We Offer:

• A warm, supportive, and friendly working environment. 
• Comprehensive training and continuous professional development in play work and safeguarding. 
• The chance to be part of a rewarding initiative that directly improves children's school experiences.  

Closing date: 4th November 2026 at Noon