Active Reading is looking for a creative and highly motivated leader. Are you passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of young people? Are you a skilled leader with an understanding of Play and experienced supporting young people with SEND and learning disabilities and wish to support the development and wellbeing of young people. We are recruiting for an individual who will be managing teams, play clubs and developing innovative play-based programs.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We support hybrid working, it’s important to us that working arrangements are designed to enable our employees to excel and within this role you’ll have the opportunity to work in a way that suits your lifestyle.

About the role:
As the Educational Play and Support Operational Team Leader within the Active Reading team, you will play a vital role in supporting the development of young people through engaging and interactive play initiatives, predominantly ages 5 - 13.   The role will be based at the Ranger Station at Prospect Park and various locations around Reading.  Ideally you will be required to have a driving licence as you will need to travel around the Borough to different locations.

Your primary responsibilities will include managing play referrals and requests for support, team rotas and training, overseeing play activities such as an Ofsted registered play club, play support in school and at the Ranger station, delivering front line support direct and leading a dedicated team of activity Rangers.

Duties will include:

• Coordinate and manage a diverse range of play-based services that focus on increasing physical activity, educational attainment and improving wellbeing of young people.
• Oversee the play referral and assessment process in, ensuring effective communication with relevant stakeholders.
• Lead and inspire a team of passionate individuals, providing guidance, mentorship, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and development.
• Manage a play club and supervision of the day-to-day leader and team, ensuring the setting is safe, welcoming and meets high expectations set.
• Collaborate with external partners, organisations, and stakeholders to enhance service delivery and promote community engagement.
• Your role will include direct support and you will act as a positive role model for young people, this may consist of supporting with our onsite activities, low ropes, mini golf, archery, football and sports courts bookings.

Qualifications or experience:

• Play work qualification or similar equivalent and previous experience in team management and program coordination, preferably in a school, youth, or similar environment.
• Strong understanding of play-based learning and its benefits for young people.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and build strong relationships.
• Demonstrated passion for supporting the personal development and well-being of individuals.
• Experience supporting the leadership of play clubs, after school clubs or in school support.

About You:

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of young people and lead a dedicated team in a dynamic environment, we want to hear from you. You will need to be both passionate about your work and excited about the opportunity to deliver a wide variety of activities and sporting opportunities for our community, with the experience and ability to assess referrals and deliver play support for young people referred to the service, support team development and create an inclusive and welcoming environment.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do
Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential
Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way
Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer
We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave
• A wide range of flexible working opportunities
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted
• Season Ticket Loan - a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Dan Peters - Reading Education Play and Support Service Manager - Daniel.Peters@reading.gov.uk or call 0118 937 2636.

Closing Date:    20 September 2023

Interview Date: To be confirmed              

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.