Playground Supervisor

We have an exciting opportunity for a suitably qualified and enthusiastic, Playground Supervisor at Durham High School.

This is an essential role at the heart of keeping our children safe at lunchtime, providing a calm, inclusive and purposeful playground environment that reflects the school’s values and high standards of wellbeing and positive behaviour.

Key responsibilities:

• Supervise KS1 and KS2 pupils during lunchtime, ensuring safety and wellbeing
• Promote positive, inclusive and respectful play; act as a positive role model
• Manage minor behavioural issues consistently and calmly
• Support pupils’ social development and independence
• Supervise children in classrooms during inclement weather
• Remain vigilant, reporting hazards or concerns promptly
• Administer basic first aid if required and report incidents appropriately
• Communicate effectively with staff regarding pupil wellbeing
• Follow all school policies, including safeguarding and health & safety
• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality at all times

Hours: 12.30 – 1.30pm Monday to Friday (term time only)

Start date: March 16 2026

Person Specification

Essential

• Enjoys working with children aged 5–11 and understands their needs.
• Calm, patient, approachable and consistent in behaviour management.
• Strong communication skills with pupils and staff.
• Promotes inclusive, respectful and positive play.
• Reliable, punctual and professional.
• Physically able to work outdoors in all weather and remain active.

Desirable

• Previous experience in a school or childcare setting.
• Experience supervising playground/lunchtime activities.
• Basic first aid knowledge or willingness to train.

How to Apply

Please complete the application form (https://www.durhamhighschool.com/parents/vacancies/) and submit as a pdf document, with a covering letter of no more than two sides of A4 (pdf), outlining your reasons for applying and why you will be a good fit for our school community.

Your application should be addressed for the attention of the Headmistress and sent by email to: headmistress@durhamhighschool.com

Closing date for applications: Friday 13 February, 9.00am

Interviews will be held week commencing 16 February.

Hourly Rate:

The role will be paid at £13.07 per hour.

Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment

Durham High School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure check. In addition, as part of the shortlisting process, Durham High School will carry out an online search on the shortlisted candidates as part of its due diligence, as per the governments ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education ’ document (September 2025)

Equal Opportunities

The School is committed to the principles of equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion. We are committed to attracting and retaining the very best staff and ensuring that our staff body reflects the diversity of our students and local community.

Benefits

The successful applicant will benefit from:

• Being part of a fantastically vibrant and supportive community with the most amazing and enthusiastic pupils.
• Super facilities and small class sizes
• Royal London defined contribution pension scheme
• Lunch provided each day during term time
• Up to 50% staff fee remission scheme for staff children from Reception to Sixth Form
• Employee assistance programme (Education Support)
• Blue Light reward card
• Access to in school counsellor
• Free onsite parking