Playworker

About Oakwood School and The Mercian Trust

Oakwood School, situated in Walsall, is a specialist educational setting catering to children and young people aged 3 to 15 with complex educational needs. The school is approved for 267 places by September 2025. Oakwood offers a safe, nurturing, and inspiring environment committed to bespoke and innovative learning approaches that promote significant progress for all learners. The staff are highly qualified and employ advanced resources and technology to assist communication and full participation in learning.

The school embraces diverse learning styles through a wide array of quality experiences, ensuring no student is overlooked. Respect and individual value are central, encouraging every child to achieve their utmost potential. Oakwood's vision focuses on nurturing growth and resilience through pupil-centered education, alongside strong collaboration with families to enhance outcomes by leveraging creativity, innovation, and technology. The mission emphasizes creating opportunities so every learner can thrive emotionally, physically, and holistically within a secure and inclusive atmosphere.

Role Overview

The Playworker plays a pivotal role at Oakwood School, reporting directly to the Head of School. This role involves facilitating free play opportunities within the school, including lunchtimes, playground sessions, after-school, and other designated times. The Playworker aims to support children and young people in engaging in self-directed, freely chosen play in safe and engaging environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide and supervise free play activities in various school settings such as playgrounds and after-school programs.
• Set up and aid in creating play areas, encouraging self-directed play among children and young people.
• Plan and execute particular play activities requested by pupils when suitable.
• Maintain positive rapport with children, young people, parents, carers, and colleagues to support inclusive relationships within the play environment.
• Adhere strictly to safeguarding policies to protect the welfare of all learners.
• Support disabled children through thoughtful planning and adaptive play practices.
• Ensure health, safety, and welfare standards during play, and follow protocols during emergencies.
• Assist with providing food and beverages during play sessions.
• Foster community playwork opportunities by liaising with other organizations where appropriate.
• Contribute to administrative duties such as financial transactions and record keeping related to play activities.
• Assist with children's arrival, departure, and transportation beyond the play environment.
• Engage in reflective practice to enhance personal playwork skills and aid in developing the wider team.

Qualifications and Experience

• Holder of an NVQ Level 2 in Playwork or possess equivalent experience.
• Experience working with or caring for children of relevant ages.
• Familiarity with Playwork Principles and commitment to their practical application.
• Strong awareness and dedication to equality of opportunity.
• Capability to facilitate self-directed play safely.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety, and emergency procedures.
• Ability to build positive, inclusive relationships with all stakeholders.
• Experience supporting disabled children within play contexts.

About The Mercian Trust

The Mercian Trust is dedicated to social mobility and justice by providing high-quality equitable education intending to empower vulnerable and disadvantaged learners. It is among the largest local trusts, recognized nationally for its efforts in supporting disadvantaged students and pioneering youth mental health initiatives.

The Trust invests heavily in digital infrastructure to modernize teaching, learning, and leadership in preparation for future workplaces shaped by advanced technology and AI. It has earned acclaim for organizing regional conferences addressing pressing youth issues such as suicide and violence.

Benefits

• Access to discounts on everyday purchases via Eden Red.
• Comprehensive free health plan through UK Health Care.
• Cycle to work scheme facilitated via Halfords.
• Eligibility for the Blue Light Card offering several benefits.
• Leading continuing professional development tailored to the education sector.

Additional Information

All appointments are contingent upon enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references to safeguard young and vulnerable individuals. The Trust celebrates equality and community cohesion, welcoming applications from diverse sections of society.

Applicants are encouraged to apply promptly as the vacancy may close early in case of high-volume suitable applications.