Salary: BG6, N6 - N7 £25,989 - £26,403
Actual Salary: £3,754 - £3,814
Contract: Permanent / 6.25 total weekly hours - 75 minutes per day, Monday - Friday, term-time only
Closing date: 27 April 2026
Interview date: 1 May 2026
Champion Play. Spark Joy. Make Lunchtimes Matter.
Do you believe that play is powerful? That children learn best when they are active, curious, creative and connected? Are you passionate about helping children thrive socially, emotionally and physically — and about supporting adults to make playtimes the best part of the day?
At Fonthill Primary Academy, we are seeking an enthusiastic, skilled and child‑centred Play Coordinator to lead and develop our lunchtime provision and take our play offer to the next level.
Why play matters at Fonthill
At Fonthill, play is not an add‑on — it is an essential part of who we are.
Our vision underpins everything we do:
- We are bold in our intentions and take action.
- We courageously advocate and care unconditionally.
- We celebrate the unique individual and lay the foundations of success for all.
We believe deeply in the role that high‑quality, inclusive play has in:
- Supporting children’s wellbeing, confidence and emotional regulation
- Developing social skills, cooperation and problem‑solving
- Building positive relationships and a strong sense of belonging
- Bridging the gap between classroom learning and real‑world experiences
This role is central to bringing that belief to life every single day.
About the role
As Play Coordinator, you will lead our lunchtime provision, ensuring that playtimes are safe, joyful, purposeful and inclusive for all children.
You will:
- Champion child‑led, meaningful play across the school
- Lead and line‑manage our play team, building confidence, consistency and shared purpose
- Support staff to create a positive, calm and engaging lunchtime culture
- Develop a rich, varied play offer where every child can find something that excites and motivates them
- Work closely with senior leaders and the curriculum lead for play to develop OPAL‑informed practice and embed a long‑term vision for play
Our play spaces
Fonthill is exceptionally well‑resourced for a one‑form‑entry school. Our outdoor environment includes:
- Large playgrounds and courtyards
- Raised beds and fruit trees
- Dedicated outdoor learning areas for EYFS and KS1
- A Forest School area
You will have the opportunity to use these spaces creatively, developing play that is adventurous, inclusive and responsive to children’s interests.
Who we’re looking for
We are looking for someone who:
- Loves working with children and understands the developmental importance of play
- Can build warm, respectful relationships while maintaining clear boundaries
- Has the confidence to lead and support other adults positively
- Believes in inclusive practice and adapting play so all children can succeed
- Is calm, reflective and proactive — able to respond to challenges thoughtfully
- Shares our values of kindness, ambition and unconditional care
Experience in a school, childcare, playwork or youth setting is important, and we welcome applicants who are excited about developing OPAL‑style play and growing professionally within the role.
Why join Fonthill?
You’ll be joining:
- A warm, supportive and ambitious school community
- A team that genuinely values wellbeing, joy and relationships
- A Trust committed to professional development and career progression
- A school where leaders listen, trust staff and believe that lunchtimes matter
This is a real opportunity to make a visible, daily difference to children’s lives.
Come and see play in action
We warmly welcome visits. If you’d like to see our play spaces, meet the team or talk more about the role, please get in touch — we’d love to show you what makes Fonthill special.
We offer:
- Enhanced CPD, including access to professional networks across the Trust
- Paid induction and training suited to the role
- Confidential access to an Employee Assistance Programme
- Free parking
- Use of the Cycle Scheme
- Paid completion of a DBS check
- Flu vaccination vouchers
- Free eye tests (where the employee is desk-based)
- Where eligible, automatic enrolment to the relevant pension scheme
- Honouring of continuous service earned in the Local Authority
Fluency Duty
This role has been identified as falling within the definition of requiring fluency in spoken English. You will be required to speak English with confidence and be able to conduct a conversation and answer questions for extended periods of time.
Trust in Learning (Academies) is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All post holders are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service clearance. Our policy and practice is in line with the Department for Education’s ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’ most recent Guidance. We ensure that all appropriate measures are applied in relation to everyone who works for the Trust who is likely to be perceived by the children as a safe and trustworthy adult. Safer recruitment practice includes scrutinising applicants, online checks, verifying identity and academic or vocational qualifications, obtaining professional and character references, checking previous employment history and ensuring that a candidate has the health and physical capacity for the job.