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Play Development Lead

16,400 per year (pro rata)
Springfield Project
Full-time
20th June 2026
Listed today

Vacancy at The Springfield Project

Play Development Lead

Salary £ 26,605 - £27,717 (£16,400 - £17,085 pro rata)

Details

See full JD in attachements below.

JOB PURPOSE:  
·        To champion and embed a play-based approach across the Child Friendly Neighbourhood programme, ensuring play supports wellbeing, belonging, creativity and community connection.
· To lead quality, inclusive and child-led play opportunities for primary-aged children and families across term-time, holiday and community provision.
· To support colleagues across youth, creative and wider Springfield Project provision to incorporate playful, relationship-based approaches within delivery.
· To lead high-quality, inclusive and child/youth-led play opportunities for children and young people aged 5–18 and families across term-time, holiday and community provision. · To support colleagues across children’s, youth, creative and community provision to incorporate playful, relationship-based approaches within delivery.
· To contribute to the development of Sparkhill as a playful, welcoming and child-friendly neighbourhood aligned to the CFN vision and Springfield Project values. 
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
 
Programme Development
· Lead the development and delivery of a neighbourhood-wide play offer, including playschemes, Playstreets, out-door play and enrichment activities
· Facilitate self-directed play, enabling children and young people to explore their own interests, ideas and relationships
· Promote understanding of the importance of play for wellbeing, belonging and community connection
· Support the development of playful environments, events and opportunities across Sparkhill
· Continuously review and improve provision based on participation, feedback and learning.
Participation and Community
Engagement Ensure the voices and experiences of children, young people and families shape provision, environments and activities
Build positive relationships with children, young people, families and community partners
Encourage participation, co-production and family involvement in activities and neighbourhood initiatives
Promote play as an important part of healthy communities, relationships and belonging
Leadership & Team Working
Lead and support a team of sessional playworkers and volunteers
Model and champion high-quality play work practice across the wider CFN programme Support staff development through mentoring, supervision and reflective practice
Contribute to a positive team culture and organisational values
Safeguarding & Inclusion
Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) for the service area
Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed at all times Promote the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children Ensure all provision, including playschemes, events, outreach work and groups, are delivered safely
Create an inclusive environment where diversity is respected and celebrated
Challenge discriminatory behaviour appropriately
Quality, Monitoring & Evaluation
· Maintain accurate records in line with data protection and confidentiality requirements
· Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes
· Support service reviews and continuous improvement

Partnerships & Strategic Contribution
Work with partners to enhance opportunities for children and families
Contribute to the ongoing development of the Child Friendly Neighbourhood programme
Participate in meetings, including Steering Group where required
General Responsibilities 
Follow organisational policies and procedures
Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, including evenings and up to 2 Saturdays per month
Participate in supervision, appraisal and training Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role

· To lead quality, inclusive and child-led play opportunities for primary-aged children and families across term-time, holiday and community provision.

· To support colleagues across youth, creative and wider Springfield Project provision to incorporate playful, relationship-based approaches within delivery.

· To lead high-quality, inclusive and child/youth-led play opportunities for children and young people aged 5–18 and families across term-time, holiday and community provision. · To support colleagues across children’s, youth, creative and community provision to incorporate playful, relationship-based approaches within delivery.

· To contribute to the development of Sparkhill as a playful, welcoming and child-friendly neighbourhood aligned to the CFN vision and Springfield Project values.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

· Lead the development and delivery of a neighbourhood-wide play offer, including playschemes, Playstreets, out-door play and enrichment activities

· Facilitate self-directed play, enabling children and young people to explore their own interests, ideas and relationships

· Promote understanding of the importance of play for wellbeing, belonging and community connection

· Support the development of playful environments, events and opportunities across Sparkhill

· Continuously review and improve provision based on participation, feedback and learning.

Engagement Ensure the voices and experiences of children, young people and families shape provision, environments and activities

Build positive relationships with children, young people, families and community partners

Encourage participation, co-production and family involvement in activities and neighbourhood initiatives

Promote play as an important part of healthy communities, relationships and belonging

Lead and support a team of sessional playworkers and volunteers

Model and champion high-quality play work practice across the wider CFN programme Support staff development through mentoring, supervision and reflective practice

Contribute to a positive team culture and organisational values

Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) for the service area

Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed at all times Promote the safety, wellbeing and protection of all children Ensure all provision, including playschemes, events, outreach work and groups, are delivered safely

Create an inclusive environment where diversity is respected and celebrated

Challenge discriminatory behaviour appropriately

· Maintain accurate records in line with data protection and confidentiality requirements

· Contribute to monitoring, evaluation and reporting processes

· Support service reviews and continuous improvement

Work with partners to enhance opportunities for children and families

Contribute to the ongoing development of the Child Friendly Neighbourhood programme

Participate in meetings, including Steering Group where required

Follow organisational policies and procedures

Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, including evenings and up to 2 Saturdays per month

Participate in supervision, appraisal and training Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role

Benefits

Annual Leave
Employees receive 29 days’ annual leave each year (pro rata for part time staff), as well as bank holidays. The Springfield Project also offers concessionary leave at Christmas.

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
We understand that employees may need support in dealing with a variety of issues throughout their lives. The EAP is a 365 days-a-year, 24/7 independent, confidential counselling and information service, provided free of charge to all Springfield Project employees. Support is available on a range of issues which may include such areas as work related concerns, emotional, legal, financial and health issues.

GP helpline
Available 24/7 wherever you are in the world. It is quick and easy to get an appointment, and a GP will offer you a clear course of action and can issue a private prescription.

Royal London Pension Scheme

BHSF health cash plan

Salary exchange

Annual leave purchase policy

Notes

22.5 hours per week (The role will require flexibility to meet service needs, including evening work and up to 2 Saturdays per month).

No CVs accepted. All applicants must submit an application form as part of our safer recruitment process

Attached documents

TitleFileJob description