Job Introduction
We are seeking an enthusiastic, motivated and creative Wraparound Care and OPAL Play Lead to take responsibility for the leadership development of our school-led wraparound care provision and the continued development of our exciting OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning) programme alongside our Senior Leader for play.
The successful candidate will lead the day-to-day running of Breakfast Club and After School Club, which cater for pupils from both Manor Leas Junior Academy and our neighbouring Infant School, as well as driving forward the development of OPAL across the school.
Working within a dedicated and friendly team, you will oversee the delivery of a varied programme of activities, ensuring that all children have access to a safe, welcoming, inclusive and stimulating environment where they can learn, play, explore and have fun.
You will be passionate about the importance of play in children's development and will champion opportunities for children to develop their creativity, confidence, independence, resilience and social skills through high-quality play experiences.
Experience of working within a school or childcare setting is essential, alongside experience of leading or supervising staff. The successful candidate should hold a relevant Level 3 childcare or playwork qualification, or be willing to work towards one, and have a good understanding of safeguarding, child development and play.
We are looking for a team player who puts the interests of pupils at the heart of everything they do.
Flexibility, creativity and the ability to think on your feet are essential, along with excellent communication skills when working with the wider school team, children and parents/carers. The ability to have fun, motivate others and create an inclusive and welcoming environment is essential.
We are a friendly school, with a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating, located off Hykeham Road in Lincoln. We have 270 children currently on roll and are KS2 only. Our wraparound care provision is also open to our neighbouring Infant School, meaning pupils attending will be aged between 4 and 11.
Job role and responsibilities
Leadership of Wraparound Care (Breakfast Club and After School Club)
• Leading the day-to-day operation of Breakfast Club and After School Club.
• Supervising, supporting and motivating the wraparound care team.
• Overseeing and assisting staff to provide appropriate, fun and engaging activities.
• Planning a varied and inclusive programme of activities to meet the needs and interests of children aged 4–11.
• Supporting children to develop their self-esteem, independence and social skills.
• Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with individual pupils and their parents/carers.
• Ensuring health and safety requirements are met and liaising with the Senior Leadership Team.
• Monitoring pupil attendance and liaising with the school office.
• Maintaining accurate registers, records and administrative documentation.
• Safeguarding children and promoting their health, safety and wellbeing, including ensuring safe collection arrangements at the end of each session.
• Being a positive role model for pupil behaviour and promoting the school's values.
• Promoting the growth and development of the wraparound care provision.
• Leading on the DfE Breakfast Club scheme, subject to confirmation and implementation by the DfE.
Development of Play and Learning
• Taking the lead in implementing and embedding the school's OPAL programme.
• Championing the importance of outdoor play and ensuring that play is valued as an essential part of children's learning and development.
• Developing exciting, creative and inclusive play opportunities for all pupils alongside the Senior Leader for Play.
• Working with staff and pupils to develop a stimulating outdoor environment which encourages imagination, exploration, collaboration and independence.
• Introducing and developing opportunities for children to engage in a wide range of play experiences, including the use of loose parts and open-ended resources, alongside the Senior Leader for play.
• Working with local companies to source loose parts.
• Supporting and training staff to understand their role in facilitating high-quality play and encouraging appropriate risk-taking.
• Promoting a positive approach to risk-benefit assessment, ensuring children can experience challenge and adventure within a safe and well-managed environment.
• Overseeing the organisation, maintenance, storage and safe use of OPAL equipment and resources.
• Working with pupils to encourage ownership, responsibility and positive behaviour during playtimes.
• Monitoring and evaluating the impact of OPAL, identifying opportunities for further development and improvement.
• Engaging with parents, staff and the wider school community to promote the benefits of OPAL.
Support for the school
• Monitoring and maintaining effective working relationships with colleagues and parents.
• Contributing to the maintenance of pupils' safety and security.
• Reviewing and developing your own professional practice.
• Recognising the importance of confidentiality, child protection procedures, Health and Safety and the policies of the Board of Trustees.
• Undertaking relevant training and professional development to support the development of the provision.
• Sourcing funding streams
Qualifications, experience and personal qualities
Essential:
• A relevant Level 3 childcare or playwork qualification, or a willingness to work towards one.
• Experience of working with children aged 4–11 in a school, childcare or play setting.
• Experience of leading, supervising or coordinating a team.
• A sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities.
• Knowledge of children's development and the importance of play in supporting learning and wellbeing.
• Good organisational and administrative skills, including maintaining accurate records.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to plan and deliver engaging, inclusive activities.
• The ability to use initiative, solve problems and respond positively to changing situations.
• A flexible, enthusiastic and creative approach to work.
Desirable:
• Experience of managing or leading a breakfast club, after-school club or other wraparound childcare provision.
• Experience of developing or delivering an outdoor play programme.
• Knowledge or experience of the OPAL approach to play.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Food Hygiene qualification or experience of food preparation and safe food handling.
• Experience of managing bookings, payments and childcare administration.
• Experience of undertaking risk assessments, including risk-benefit assessments.
• Safeguarding training at an appropriate level, with a willingness to undertake Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead training and responsibilities.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about giving children the very best experiences, both inside and outside the classroom, and who can bring energy, enthusiasm and fresh ideas to the continued development of our provision.
An application form can be requested by emailing Nicky.Hodgson@manorleas.co.uk, along with any enquiries relating to the role. Alternatively, an application form can be downloaded from the academy website: www.manorleas.co.uk.
Fluency Duty
In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.
The school advertising the vacancy will contact you directly regarding the outcome of your application and any interviews. When interviews are taking place schools will follow all Government and Public Health England Guidelines.
All shortlisted candidates will need to verify their eligibility to work in the UK at interview.
