Job Description
Job Title: Play Assistant
Section: Hullabazoo Indoor Play
Department: Commercial
Directorate:
Responsible to:
Current job holder:
Approved by:
Head of Department/ Director:
Job Evaluation Committee Reference Number:
Grade Allocated:
Date Allocated:
Job Overview
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 Deputy Play Supervisor and will work alongside the Permanent Play Leaders.
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, Deputy Supervisor and
Permanent Play Leaders to ensure the efficient 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 Deputy Supervisor. The
Seasonal Play Leaders or Assistant 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 Deputy
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 Seasonal Play Assistant should work with the Deputy Supervisor and Permanent Play
Leaders to ensure excellent customer service and impression of the facility and be aware of
areas for improvement.
Participating in team meetings where 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.
Person Specification
Knowledge and Experience:
Desirable:
 NVQ Level 1 qualification in child care or Playwork or appropriate experience.
 People management and customer service skills desirable.
Essential:
 Knowledge of relevant health and safety issues surrounding childcare would also be
beneficial.
 A good understanding of the English language both verbal and written at all levels.
 Excellent organisational skills required with the ability to manage multiple tasks and
priorities.
 People management and customer service skills desirable.
 Outgoing, friendly and enthusiastic.
 Confident and authoritative with the ability to deal with children, parents and staff.
 Be pleasant, professional and articulate at all times when dealing with children, parents and
staff.
 Have the ability to use own initiative and work well in a team environment.
 Ability to work as part of a team, sharing best practice with colleagues to achieve the overall
aims of Hullabazoo indoor play area.
Responsibilities:
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No direct line management.
Report to the Deputy Play Supervisor and working in a team with the Permanent Play
Leaders.
Contributes towards management of play equipment, retail product and overall Hullabazoo
indoor play and party facilities.
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.
The ability to work well with personnel from all areas of ZSL’s operation is essential.
The job-holder should plan their own work and priorities with regular feedback to their line
manager.
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.
The job-holder must be highly organised and able to manage multiple tasks.
Working Conditions:
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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.
The job-holder will enjoy good conditions in a busy and friendly environment.