Location
London Borough of Sutton, The Old Rectory, Festival Walk, Carshalton

Hours
Flexible working patterns may be required, including moving staff between sites at short notice.

Salary
£31,158 per annum

About the Borough
The London Borough of Sutton is situated less than 30 minutes by train from Central London, with direct connections to London Victoria and London Bridge. Located in zone 5 with excellent transport links, Sutton boasts award-winning parks and open spaces, low crime rates, affordable housing, and great schools. The borough enjoys high levels of resident engagement and satisfaction, delivering quality services while addressing financial challenges and involving residents in key issues and local developments.

Sutton is investing continuously in the health, wellbeing, and education of its residents and future generations, as outlined in the “Ambitious for Sutton” corporate plan. Home to the Royal Marsden Hospital and the Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton is developing the London Cancer Hub, aiming to become the world’s leading life-science district specialising in cancer research and treatment. This vision will create around 13,000 jobs and contribute £1.2bn annually to the UK economy, fostering a vibrant community of scientists, doctors, and innovative companies. With ongoing regeneration including new homes and schools, Sutton is committed to supporting residents and vulnerable groups to maintain independence and balance support with independent living.

The Council is a key driver within the South London Partnership of five outer south west London boroughs focused on strategic growth, regeneration, and investment. Sutton aims to shape the borough’s future and adapt to residents’ needs to make it a great place to live, work, and raise a family.

About the Service and Team
The After School Club operates in two locations within the borough: one in Central Sutton and one at The Grange Play Centre in Beddington Park. The Holiday Club runs at The Grange. We provide high-quality play opportunities for children aged 4 to 12 years. Working closely with parents and other agencies, we ensure children receive the appropriate support to engage fully in activities. We are an inclusive setting offering excellent care for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Our team is enthusiastic and vibrant, dedicated to providing the best for children.

About the Role and Our Ideal Candidate
We are seeking a Playwork Practitioner with experience working with children aged 4-12 years. The ideal candidate will be able to manage their own time efficiently and work effectively as part of a team. A warm and caring personality is essential, being friendly and approachable to families. Strong communication skills are required to engage with staff, parents, and children at all levels. Commitment to equal opportunities for all children and families is vital. Flexibility to accommodate varying working patterns, including short-notice site changes, is necessary. Candidates should demonstrate learning and reflection on inequality, inclusion, racism, and the experiences of people from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds in accessing services. Excellent people skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to build professional, supportive relationships with parents and partners are important.

Our Offer to You
We value and nurture talent, offering a supportive, friendly, and collaborative environment to grow your career and skills. We encourage ideas and innovation at all levels, supported by a dynamic and experienced management team. Benefits include generous annual leave entitlement of 26-32 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata if part-time), enhanced family leave options, two volunteering days per year, flexible working schemes, adjustable working arrangements with technology support, a learning and development portal, discounts on local shops and leisure facilities, interest-free season ticket loans, Local Government Pension Scheme, bicycle loan and cycle to work schemes, electric vehicle leasing, and confidential health, wellbeing, and counselling support.

Application Process
Apply online outlining your skills, abilities, and experience that make you an ideal candidate. Please refer to the job profile requirements and ensure your CV details are uploaded correctly. Sutton values authenticity and expects personalised responses demonstrating your own skills, experience, and motivation. We embrace transparency and PRIDE values throughout the recruitment process. The closing date is indicative; early application is advised as the vacancy may close once sufficient applications are received. Sutton anonymises applications to reduce bias and promotes diversity in interview panels. We are committed to removing barriers and enhancing workforce diversity.

Additional Information
Sutton is proud to be a diverse and welcoming borough, striving to reflect the community it serves and fostering a sense of belonging among staff. We celebrate differences and welcome applications from underrepresented groups. Family-friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, staff engagement forums, and inclusive staff networks support our diversity agenda. We are a disability confident employer and guarantee interviews for disabled applicants meeting essential criteria. As an accredited London Living Wage Employer, all employees receive the London Living Wage regardless of contract type or length. Sponsorship for work visas is subject to eligibility and budget and evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Experience
- Experience working with children aged 4-12 years
- Ability to manage own time efficiently
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team

About you
- Warm, caring, friendly, and approachable personality
- Effective communication skills with staff, parents, and children at all levels
- Commitment to equal opportunities for all children and families
- Flexibility to accommodate changing work patterns and site locations at short notice
- Demonstrable learning and reflection on inequality, inclusion, racism, and experiences of Black and ethnic minority communities in accessing services
- Excellent people skills and emotional intelligence
- Ability to build professional, supportive relationships with parents and partners

Qualifications
- Not explicitly stated; relevant experience and personal qualities are essential