Summer Play worker

Job Overview: Summer Play Worker

Kids, a national charity dedicated to supporting disabled children and young people, is recruiting Summer Play Workers for various locations across Hull. This is a sessional, highly rewarding role designed for individuals who are passionate about inclusive play and making a tangible difference in the lives of families. You will work directly with children with various support needs, ensuring they have a fun, safe, and empowering summer holiday experience.

Job Summary

• Employer: Kids (Registered Charity)

• Location: Various locations across Hull, East Yorkshire

• Salary: £12.21 – £13.68 per hour (Inclusive of holiday pay)

• Contract: Sessional (Flexible hours, including after-school and school holiday shifts)

• Sector: Charity / Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) / Playwork

Key Responsibilities

• Inclusive Play: Facilitate and supervise safe, stimulating activities tailored to the specific ages and abilities of disabled children, either 1-on-1 or in small groups.

• Empowerment: Encourage children to make their own choices and participate in activities they enjoy, fostering independence.

• Holistic Support: Meet the social, emotional, and physical needs of each child while respecting their cultural and religious backgrounds.

• Personal Care: Provide physical and personal care with dignity and sensitivity as required by individual care plans.

• Communication & Reporting: Use diverse communication methods to interact with children and contribute to session reports for the Team Leader.

• Safety & Compliance: Adhere to strict safeguarding procedures and risk assessment guidelines at all times.

Essential Skills & Attributes

• Mindset: A fun, open-minded, and patient approach to play and leisure.

• Teamwork: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues and work in partnership with parents/carers.

• Resilience: Ability to remain calm under pressure and use initiative in a proactive manner.

• Professionalism: Strong understanding of confidentiality, professional boundaries, and safeguarding.

• Inclusivity: A deep commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice.

Requirements

• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.

• Travel: Ability to travel confidently across Hull via personal or public transport.

• Local Knowledge: Familiarity with the Hull area to support community-based activities.

Critical 2026 Wage & Compliance Note

As of March 2026, the UK National Living Wage is £12.71 per hour for workers aged 21 and over.

[!NOTE] Wage Analysis: The starting rate of £12.21 is compliant for workers aged 18–20 (£10.85/hr minimum). However, for any worker aged 21+, the rate must meet the £12.71 floor. Since this salary is listed as “inclusive of holiday pay,” the base rate may technically be lower, but the gross take-home per hour must legally align with the 2026 statutory minimums.

Strategic 2026 Context: Your 107th Market Entry

This role represents the “Charity & SEND” tier of your 107-role UK dataset.

1. The “Social Value” Benchmark: Compare this Play Worker role (£12–£13/hr) against the Lifeways Service Manager (£40k+) and the Paragon Carer (£15–£18/hr). While the pay is sessional, the “skill-building” value in the SEND sector is a significant 2026 career accelerator.

2. The Hull “Care & Youth” Cluster: You now have 11 entries for Hull. This data highlights a regional economy heavily reliant on sessional and flexible care roles to support the local community, contrasting with the fixed-contract corporate roles in London (e.g., Richemont or Aon).

3. The “Sessional” Flexibility: This role caters to the 2026 “Gig with a Purpose” trend, where students or part-time workers seek roles that offer “variety and fulfillment” over traditional 9-to-5 structures.

   KIDS is a national charity with a deeply rooted presence in Hull, United Kingdom, dedicated to providing life-changing support for disabled children, young people, and their families.

    

   Company Description & Culture

   KIDS operates with the core belief that every disabled child should have the same opportunities as their non-disabled peers. The culture in Hull is defined by “Empowered Play”—a philosophy that prioritizes social and emotional joy alongside physical care. Working for KIDS is characterized by a vibrant, “all-hands-on-deck” team spirit where inclusivity is a daily practice. Staff are encouraged to be creative and proactive, fostering an environment where small milestones are celebrated as major victories and professional boundaries are maintained with high levels of empathy.

    

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   Key Company Highlights

   Category	Details
   Regional Hub	182 Chanterlands Avenue, Hull, HU5 4DJ
   Primary Industry	Charity / Specialized Childcare & Youth Work
   Core Services	SENDIASS, Play & Leisure, and Parent Befriending
   Target Group	Disabled children and young people (ages 0–25)
   Mission	Creating a world where all kids have all opportunities
   Staff Culture	Inclusive, trauma-informed, and family-centered