Playwork Apprentice Council

Job Introduction

Fixed Term Contract for 18 months.

Completing Level 2 Playworker qualification with JACE Training.

30 hours per week on an annualised hours contract usually working between 18 and 37 hours per week including weekend and evenings. Peak demand for service is during school holidays with no more than an equivalent of 5 days leave to be taken in the summer holidays and no more than an equivalent of 10 days leave to be taken in school holidays per leave year.

As part of the application process please answer the following questions on the Cover letter/Personal statement section of the application form. You may copy and paste the questions onto the application form to answer.

Question 1:
Please tell us about a time when you helped children enjoy a fun or creative play activity. What did you do, and how did you make sure everyone felt included and safe? (If you do not have previous experience working with children please use an example of when you have helped friends, family, or colleagues enjoy a creative activity.)

Question 2:
Imagine you are running a play session and two children start arguing over a game or piece of equipment. How would you handle this so that the play continues and everyone stays happy and safe?

The Play and Youth Service boasts 6 unique Adventure Playgrounds in Portsmouth which are wild gems tucked away in the corners of the city. They are places for children to test themselves, be loud, be messy, be silly, be creative… all the stuff that children excel in.

Our Adventure Playgrounds have huge climbing structures designed to challenge agility, balance and imagination, and many have been co‑designed and painted by the children themselves. There’s a whole host of exciting things for children to become involved in, including a variety of indoor and outdoor activities such as inventive games, sports, arts and crafts, creative and imaginative play, designed to challenge, delight and inspire.

Our playgrounds are staffed by play workers and are free of charge, free for children to come and go as they please and free for children to direct their own play experience. The best way to learn about the service is to visit our PYC (Play, Youth & Communities) website –

We are looking for an enthusiastic, fun and friendly person who has the ability to engage with children and their families, is able to be proactive and meet the needs of the children on an adventure playground.

You will be supporting activities for children aged 6‑13 at council‑run Adventure Playgrounds in the Portsmouth area. Activities include Arts & Crafts, Sports and other creative activities. You will be engaging and communicating with children from varying backgrounds as well as interacting with their parents and your own colleagues.

You will also be responsible for ensuring the sites are a safe environment for children to play in and report any potential dangers.

• Assist with planning, preparing and delivering quality play opportunities within a safe and caring environment
• Helping to set up and lead a variety of play activities
• Consulting with children and involving them in planning activities
• Helping with administration, where necessary
• Undertaking appropriate and relevant training
• Keeping the work environment healthy, safe and secure
• Building positive, caring relationships with children
• Ensuring children’s safety and wellbeing at all times
• Learning from experienced practitioners while completing your apprenticeship training

• Demonstrate an understanding for Safeguarding children in this role
• Be committed to active learning to support positive play opportunities for children
• Embed the play ethos and theory into daily practice, for gaining the L2 in Playwork
• Be self‑motivated and have enthusiasm to support creative activities for children
• Be able to relate to younger people
• Have good communication skills. You will be talking to a wide range of people including children, parents, and colleagues
• Be a team player who can work in small teams effectively
• Be flexible enough to be based in any of the play provisions throughout Portsmouth and the surrounding area