The Play Development Officer will support the delivery and development of PlayBoard’s school-based programmes, including Positive Playgrounds and Taking Outdoor Play Seriously (TOPS). Working with schools, children, parents and partner organisations across Northern Ireland, the postholder will deliver play-focused training and activities that enhance children’s play experiences, promote inclusive and child-led play, and build the capacity of school staff to provide and sustain high-quality play opportunities.

Key tasks include:

Programme Delivery

Deliver and support PlayBoard’s school-based programmes, including Positive Playgrounds and Taking Outdoor Play Seriously (TOPS), across identified schools throughout Northern Ireland. Plan, coordinate and facilitate play-focused training, workshops and practical activities for children, school staff and parents. Support schools to develop sustainable play policies, practices and environments that enhance children’s play experiences and well-being.

Training and Capacity Building

Provide training, guidance and mentoring to school staff, playground supervisors and parents to strengthen play opportunities throughout the school day. Promote inclusive, child-centred and child-led approaches to play and develop resources that support the implementation of best practice.

Child-Centred Practice

Promote children’s right to play in line with Article 31 of the UNCRC. Encourage pupil voice and participation to ensure children’s views inform programme development and delivery. Support inclusive play opportunities that meet the needs of children of all abilities and backgrounds.

School and Stakeholder Engagement

Build and maintain effective relationships with schools, families, statutory agencies and community partners. Represent PlayBoard at meetings, events and networks and work collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders to support successful programme delivery.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Compliance

Monitor, evaluate and report on programme activities, outcomes and impact. Maintain accurate records and prepare reports, case studies and feedback summaries. Ensure compliance with safeguarding, GDPR, equality, health and safety, and organisational policies and procedures.

  • Salary: Salary Pts: 23-25 (£30,151 – £32,020) Pro Rata
  • Hours per week: 20-25 hours per week. Additional hours may be available subject to service demand.
  • Contract: This is a fixed term contract until 30 June 2027, subject to funding.
  • Closing date: Friday 26 June 2026 at 12:00pm

Join the PlayBoard team – apply now!

For enquiries, please contact Lauren Robinson, Director of Corporate Services & Finance, T: 028 9080 3380 or E: lauren.robinson@playboard.co.uk