Job vacancy - Playroom Worker Post

Playroom Worker role Starting September 2026

12 hours per week.

3 days per week - Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

12 month contract - School term time contract.

(12 x 38 weeks contract September 2026 until August 2027).

Salary - £13.45 per hour (This rate includes annual leave and sick leave).

•Minimum Level 3 qualification in childcare.

•2 Years work experience in childcare/early years settIng.

•Ability to work as part of the small team.

•Good knowledge in safeguarding practice/ ofsted requirements.

•Session Cover: 

Playroom worker to cover and lead playroom sessions if required (this is not covering co-ordinator role).

•Subject to dbs check.

The playroom operates term time only. Annual leave taken during school holidays.

The Playroom is open Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 10am to 1pm.

Kindly note: there is no childcare for staff.

The Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project (BUCFP) is for the people of Brighton and Hove who are unemployed and low-waged. We offer low cost meals, laundry facilities, computer facilities, courses, benefits advice, parent support and quality childcare and education.

We operate an OFSTED registered environment which we call our ‘playroom’ that offers free drop in places for the children of our centre users. Our ‘playroom’ is run by qualified childcare professionals and volunteers. Parents/carers stay on the premises while their children are with us.

We have a balanced indoor and outdoor child-led childcare setting that values children’s learning, play development and connection to nature. Applicants must have experience of working well within a team; good communication skills; good knowledge of the OFSTED welfare requirements and childcare legislation/policy and safeguarding.

The post will report to the Playroom Co-ordinator and the role is to support the day to day running of the playroom; support the welfare and educational needs of the children that attend the playroom; support the implementation of OFSTED welfare requirements.

The Playroom works with a diverse range of families and children, many of whom have English as an additional language, this we embrace and work hard to establish and maintain positive and respectful relationships with parents and children. The playroom service is free at the point of delivery and many of our parents become BUCFP Centre volunteers. The successful applicant will need to feel comfortable working within a mixed team of paid and volunteer workers.

Unfortunately due to the nature of our set up we are unable to offer our staff a childcare service here. This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check and registration to the update service.

CLOSING DATE: 10am deadline - Friday 24th July 2026

INTERVIEW DATE: Friday 31st July 2026

To applY Please Contact:

playroom.project@bucfp.org

for apPlication paCk (job dEscriptions, duties and responsibilities).

AGM 2026

Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project

The last two years

  • Our charity, like many others, has had a very difficult time financially. 

  • We were spending more money than we were receiving, costs kept going up.

  • Our financial deficit was: 

    • April 2025: -£29,435 

    • April 2026: -£29,614 

  • We were worried that the centre might have to close. 

  • We even started planning a "Save Our Centre" campaign. 

🎉 🎉 The Good News! 🎉 🎉

Everything has changed

After more than 2 years of planning and hard work, competing against lots of other charities, we were recently successful in receiving a large

“National Lottery Community Fund Grant” 

This means:

  • Our centre is safe and secure for at least the next 3 years. 

  • We can continue supporting local families and individuals. 

  • We can improve our building and services. 

  • We can plan for the future with confidence. 

Building Closure

Now we have a secure future we want to give the building a bit of love. 

The Centre will be closed from Thursday 20th Aug to Tuesday 1st Sept 2026.

During this time we will: 

Deep clean the building

Carry out maintenance

Have a good clear out

Plan for new activities, education and support

Make improvements ready for reopening


For any questions about this funding or our finances please speak to Lisa 

June Update

Well that was a hot one. We’ve had lots of things going on in the centre, allotment and playroom. Veronika has been busy making sure all the children are helping out the wildlife with feeding as well as making sure all the vegetables and plants have been watered. The children love tending to all things nature.

Nurse Joanne had her last session with us this month, we are hoping she comes to us again, if you would like more sessions like this please let us know.

This month Marie Curie held a life cafe here at the centre, staff took part to see what it was about and we would be interested to hold more if there's interest.

We still have vape packs available, please let staff know if you would like one. We just need a few details and permission to contact you to see how you are getting on with giving up smoking.

Remember it's our AGM on Friday the 3rd July, everyone is welcome to attend, you can join up for membership on the day.


Please note – the centre will be closed on 10th July all day, this is because we have the annual volunteer celebration.

🌼 May at BUCFP – What a Month! 🌼

Was May hot enough for you? ☀️ We’ve had a brilliant and busy month at BUCFP, with lots going on in and around the centre.

🩺 Health Checks with Joanne

We were delighted to welcome Joanne, our community nurse, who carried out free health checks. These sessions helped spot things like high blood pressure, cholesterol concerns, and other heart-related issues.
Good news – Joanne is happy to come back in June! If you’d like an appointment, please let a member of staff know.

🥕 Community Kitchen Visit

We also welcomed the Community Kitchen team from the Brighton and Hove Food Partnership. They shared handy nutrition tips and basic food preparation skills – and best of all, everyone went home with a freebie! 🎁

🚭 Vaping Support Scheme

The centre has been chosen to take part in a new scheme offering vapes to regular smokers as an alternative to smoking.
Please see Joy or Claire in the office to collect your pack while stocks last. All we ask is a little feedback after 4 weeks.

💻 CV Workshop – Get Job Ready!

Our brilliant IT volunteer James will be running a CV workshop on 26th June. If you’d like to take part, pop into the office to put your name down ✍️

🎉 Volunteer Celebration Day

Just a reminder that the centre will be closed on Friday 10th July so we can celebrate our wonderful volunteers.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who gives their time – you are the heart of the centre 💖

Trustees Wanted Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project

Help lead a vital grassroots charity supporting people across Brighton.

The Brighton Unemployed Centre Families Project (BUCFP) is seeking new Trustees to join our board and help guide the organisation as we continue to provide essential services to individuals and families facing hardship, poverty, and social exclusion.

About Us

We are a long-standing community organisation offering support, advice, food, and a welcoming space for those in need. Our work is rooted in dignity, inclusion, and practical help.

The Role of a Trustee

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in ensuring the charity is well-run, sustainable, and true to its mission.

Responsibilities include:

  • Providing strategic direction and oversight

  • Ensuring financial stability and accountability

  • Supporting good governance and compliance

  • Acting in the best interests of our beneficiaries

  • Contributing your skills, insight, and experience

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome people from all backgrounds. You don’t need prior trustee experience—just commitment and care for the community

We are especially interested in people with:

  • Legal or governance knowledge

  • HR, fundraising, or communications skills

  • Lived experience of the challenges our community faces

Why Join Us?

Make a real difference in people’s lives

Be part of a supportive and passionate team

Gain valuable experience in charity leadership

Help shape the future of an important local organisation

🌼 April Update 🌼

April has been a busy and joyful month here at the centre! We made the most of the sunshine with lots of Easter fun for children, including an Easter egg hunt and Easter games. Smiles all round and a brilliant time was had by everyone 🐣☀️

Our amazing allotment volunteers have continued their fantastic work every Monday. If you fancy getting your hands a little muddy and being part of the team, please have a chat with Carol or Claire—we’d love to welcome you 🌱

We’re also pleased to welcome a health worker from the NHS during April, May and June, offering free health checks. These include blood pressure checks and screening for early signs of heart disease. Appointments need to be booked in advance, so please speak to a member of staff and check the posters around the centre for more details ❤️

Don’t forget all the usual groups and support we have on offer! From yoga and art club to creative expression, IT support, laundry facilities, low-cost lunches, welfare rights advice and ESOL classes—there’s something for everyone. Pop in, pick up a leaflet and see what’s happening 📄😊

🌟 A HUGE THANK YOU to all our wonderful volunteers! 🌟
Everything we do here at the centre is made possible by your time, energy and kindness. Whether you’re helping in the garden, supporting activities, or lending a hand behind the scenes—we truly couldn’t do it without you