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JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Play Leader
BRIEF OUTLINE OF JOB:
The job holder will contribute to the day-to-day operational running of ‘Hullabazoo Indoor Play’ at ZSL
Whipsnade zoo and will help to create an exciting visitor ‘indoor play’ experience and ensure the
learning objectives of the play facility are met.
The job-holder will contribute to the overall impression and experience of the indoor play facility,
including the play area, and birthday party offer, to exceed visitor expectations. This role will report to
the Senior Play Supervisor, and will work with a Play Leader (Deputy Supervisor) and one other Play
Leader.
MAIN DUTIES:
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Ensuring that visitors of all ages in Hullabazoo indoor play are safe and secure at all
times.
Ensuring that equipment and facilities available in Hullabazoo are kept clean and in accordance
with health and safety regulations; and are used in an appropriate way.
Attending to individual children’s needs as they arise. Also attending to other visitors needs as
they arise and ensure exemplary customer service at all times.
To ensure the visitor satisfaction score targets of Hullabazoo are met or exceeded and respond to
customer feedback to continually improve the visitor experience.
To be contribute towards, and assist the Senior Play Supervisor and Play Leader (Deputy
Supervisor) to ensure the efficient management and running of the play facility at all times and the
reception area where visitors are welcomed and checked in.
Sometimes it may be necessary to limit the amount of visitors in the play centre and therefore,
with management from the Senior Play Supervisor or Play Leader (Deputy Supervisor) the Play
Leaders, should manage this system of limiting play usage with the use of timed sessions and
ensure excellent visitor communication and customer service at all times.
To ensure the learning objectives of Hullabazoo are met, as communicated by the Senior Play
Supervisor.
As well as Indoor Play facilities, Hullabazoo has catering facilities including seating and servery
plus a birthday party room, first aid post and retail products sold via the facility reception post. The
Play Leaders should work with the Senior Play Supervisor and Play Leader (Deputy Supervisor) to
ensure excellent customer service and impression of the facility and be aware of areas for
improvement.
Participating in meetings or conferences as part of the team or otherwise, as
appropriate.
Maintaining good relationships with visitors, the community and other professional colleagues in
the field of childcare.
Carry out any other duties within the scope of the post. Flexible attitude to working requirements to
meet the needs of ZSL Whipsnade Zoo.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
VOCATIONAL AND TECHNICAL SKILLS: Educated to NVQ Level 1 qualifications in child care or play
work (or equivalent qualification and experience) and ideally pediatric trained desirable. Knowledge of
relevant health and safety issues surrounding childcare. A good understanding of the English
language both verbal and written at all levels.
EXPERIENCE: Excellent organisational skills required with the ability to manage multiple tasks and
priorities. People management and customer service skills desirable.
INTERPERSONAL SKILLS: Outgoing, friendly and enthusiastic. The job-holder needs to be confident
and authoritative with ability to deal with children, parents and staff. A pleasant, professional and
articulate manner at all times. The job-holder should be confident working alone and on their own
initiative, as well as in a team environment. Ability to work as part of a team, sharing with colleagues
the overall aims of Hullabazoo indoor play and always aiming to achieve these.
RESPONSIBILITIES
HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: No direct line management. Reporting to Senior Play
Supervisor and working in a team with one other Play Leader and a Play Leader (Deputy Supervisor).
PHYSICAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT: Contributes towards management of play equipment, retail
product and overall Hullabazoo indoor play and party facilities.
COMMUNICATION: Well developed communication skills, both orally and written will be required.
The job-holder will be expected to use a degree of initiative and creativity in providing information in
the most appropriate way.
LIAISON: The ability to work well with personnel from all areas of ZSL’s operation is essential.
MENTAL DEMANDS
JUDGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING: The job-holder should plan their own work and priorities with
regular feedback to their line manager.
ORIGINAL THOUGHT AND PROBLEM SOLVING: The job-holder must show creative ability in
contributing towards plans for the effective running and operation of Hullabazoo indoor play. They will
be expected to deal with day to day issues and decisions.
CONCENTRATION: The job-holder must be highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks.
FLEXIBILITY: The job-holder must be flexible in their approach as the position requires regular
weekend and bank holiday working. They will be expected to manage their time.
WORKING CONDITIONS: The job-holder will enjoy good conditions in a busy and friendly
environment.