Job Description and Person Specification: Role Play Centre Assistant

Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent,

Contracted Weekly Hours: 37.5hrs weekly (Wednesday – Sunday between 8:45 – 17:30)

Salary: £ per hour (meets NMW)

Location:

Birchen Grove Garden Centre is one of North London’s hidden gems. Surrounded by woodland and located right next to the beautiful Welsh Harp nature reserve, you could be forgiven for thinking you were in the heart of the countryside. But, in fact you are just 5 minutes’ drive from the new Wembley Stadium, Brent Cross Shopping Centre and the North Circular Road. Plus, there are 250 free parking places! Having been established for twenty-five years, Birchen Grove Centre is the largest garden centre in Greater London, and it carries an unrivalled stock of indoor and outdoor plants, garden furniture, equipment and garden sundries!

Purpose of the Role:

The Role Play Centre Assistant will support the delivery of fun, imaginative play experiences for children, helping to maintain themed areas and ensuring a safe, clean, and welcoming environment. The role involves engaging with families, encouraging creative play, and assisting with operational tasks.

Responsibilities:

• Assist in setting up and maintaining themed play areas to ensure they are safe and inviting.
• Encourage imaginative play and positive social interaction among children.
• Provide excellent customer service to parents and carers, answering questions and offering assistance.
• Monitor safety and cleanliness throughout the centre, reporting any issues promptly.
• Support the supervisor and work collaboratively with other team members.
• Adhere to safeguarding and health and safety policies at all times.
• Maintain accurate attendance and incident records as required.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Experience in childcare, particularly with pre-school children.
• A caring, patient, and empathetic nature (without prejudice or bias).
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to the needs of the children.
• Basic understanding of safeguarding practices.
• Good communication skills, with the ability to build trusting relationships with children and their families.

Desirable:

• Qualifications in Early Childhood Education or a related field.
• Enhanced DBS check (or willingness to obtain one)
• Experience working in DEI settings.

Please note: If you do not fulfil all of the criteria below but are interested in aspects of the role, please still apply explaining your ability and interest. You are welcome to email jobs@polhillcentre.co.uk to discuss.

Additional Requirements:

• Eligibility to work in the United Kingdom.
• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance.

Relationships:

• Role Play Centre Supervisor (or any duly company representative) – line manager
• ANY Volunteers (supervisory responsibility)
• Parents/carers and children from diverse communities
• Other staff including Polhill colleagues

Please note: This job description and person specification are intended as a general guide to the duties and responsibilities of the role and should not be regarded as exhaustive. Birchen Grove Garden Centre is an equal opportunity employer, and individuals from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

Benefits:

• Company pension scheme
• Training & development opportunities
• Staff discount
• Staff welfare opportunities

How to apply:

Please forward your CV and Covering Letter by email to jobs@polhillcentre.co.uk