Before and After School Club Playworker

Ref: 001615

Before & After School Club Playworker

Thornham St. James CE Primary School

"Journeying Together, We Shine"

Salary: 25,711 (full time full year equivalent) | Actual Salary: £9,643 per annum (Grade 1)

Working Hours: 16.5 per week, term time only

Working Pattern: Monday-Friday 7.30am-9.00am | Monday-Thursday 3.30pm-5.30pm | Friday 3.30pm-4.30pm

Contract: Initially for one year with a view to extend.

Based: Thornham St. James CE Primary School, Castleton Road, Royton, Oldham OL2 6XT

Closing Date: Sunday 12 July 2026

Interview Date: w/c Monday 15 July 2026

About Us:

The Trust, Governors and Headteacher are seeking to appoint a caring, enthusiastic and reliable member of staff to join our Before and After School Club team as we continue the next exciting phase of our school journey.

At Thornham St. James, our Christian vision of 'Journeying Together, We Shine' underpins everything we do. We believe in nurturing each individual's potential in a school that places relationships, high aspirations and a deep love of learning at the heart of our work.

Our wraparound provision is an important part of school life. It gives children a positive, safe and happy start and end to the school day, helping them to shine alongside their families and our wider school community.

As part of Crompton House Multi Academy Trust, we offer the opportunity to work with a committed school team and to be part of a wider trust community that shares our vision, values and ambition for children.

About the role:

We are looking for an enthusiastic Before and After School Club Playworker, with an NVQ Level 3 in childcare or equivalent qualification, or a willingness to work towards the qualification to join our team.

This role will involve supporting children across the primary age range in our Before and After School Club, supervising and joining in their play, providing snacks and drinks, maintaining a safe environment and building positive relationships with children, parents and colleagues.

The successful candidate will:

• Support and live out our Christian vision and ethos in the way they work with children, families and colleagues.
• Demonstrate a commitment to our school values and to helping every child shine.
• Have a passion for promoting children’s wellbeing, play, independence and confidence.
• Have practical knowledge of child development and child-related issues, or a willingness to develop this knowledge.
• Have an awareness of play principles and the importance of high-quality wraparound provision.
• Be able to support the learning and wellbeing of children of different ages across school as required.
• Relate well to both children and adults and work well as part of a caring, hardworking team.
• Have a sound understanding of safeguarding and a commitment to keeping children safe.

In return, we offer:

• Fantastic, kind-hearted children who are eager to learn, play, reflect and grow.
• A nurturing and talented team who are dedicated to making a real difference.
• A school where relationships, care and high expectations matter.
• Opportunities to work as part of Crompton House Multi Academy Trust, alongside colleagues who share our vision and ambition.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential advice and support.
• Subsidised wraparound childcare for staff with children attending our school.

At Thornham St. James, we believe that every role in school is about service, compassion and ambition. If you are ready to journey with us and help every member of our community to shine, we would love to hear from you.

For further information or to arrange a visit to the school, please contact the Headteacher, Mrs Felicity Wainwright, head@stjamesthornham.oldham.sch.uk or Office Manager, Mrs Victoria Knight, info@stjamesthornham.oldham.sch.uk / 0161 653 1578.

Completed application forms should be returned to info@stjamesthornham.oldham.sch.uk

Applicants should demonstrate how they meet the criteria in the person specification in their supporting statement. Only accurate and fully completed applications will be considered. Supporting statements should be no longer than 2 sides of A4.

Thornham St James is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and requires all staff and volunteers to share and demonstrate this commitment. The successful candidate will have to meet the requirements of the person specification and will be subject to pre-employment checks including a health check, an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. Please refer to the school website for the safer recruitment and safeguarding policy.

The school will carry out an online search as part of their due diligence for all shortlisted candidates in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education 2025.

We strive to create a fair and inclusive workplace that is as diverse as the communities we serve. We positively welcome applications from all candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.

Please note: Due to safer recruitment requirements, we cannot accept CVs. Please use the application form that accompanies this advertisement.