Recruiting into Physical Education, Activity and Childcare

Can you believe it – it’s March 2020 already!? We’ve decided that this year, we want to do things a little differently to how they have been done before – starting right here, with a Blog about working in Recruitment at Fit For Sport, and in the industry of Community Sports, Physical Education and Activity, and Childcare in general. As the UK’s leading provider of provisions to both Primary Schools and Leisure Centres alike, for over 28 years, who better than to guide you to your dream job within this space? That’s right – nobody :D!

Now, of course, there are strict safer recruitment policies in play, and every successful candidate MUST possess or be willing to undergo a FULL DBS check and safeguarding, but that’s all stuff we can train you on and provide you with.

So…what does good look like?

Well, Ladies & Gentlemen, the answer is simple – good for us can come in many shapes and sizes and doesn’t necessarily have to look like anything we’ve seen before. You could come from a childcare background, with experience working within nurseries or nannying environments. You could come from a sports coaching background, specialising in multi-sport, participation-based, community sports provisions. You could come from a teaching background, perhaps even having NQT status but have realised that classroom-based learning isn’t quite where your biggest strengths lie and in fact, you educate and inspire better through activity-based, sports and active learning. Or, perhaps you have no experience at all and fancy a change in scenery – we’ll be here to help guide you.

Ultimately, good for us comes down to who you are, and why you want to work in this space. It comes down to the bundles of energy and enthusiasm you exude from our opening conversation; it comes from the questions you ask us at screening and interview stages to truly educate yourself on what we do, what you’ll be doing and how you’ll be doing it.

It doesn’t take knowledge of rocket science to build a successful career working in community sports, physical activity and education, and childcare; it takes the want and desire to make a difference, to be the voice of reason, to be the inspiration that child needs to try a new activity or make a new friend.

So…how do you get involved?

There are several ways in which you can immerse yourself in what is arguably one of the most rewarding industries to work in, depending on the level of experience you have. Here’s a little overview of the positions we have at Fit For Sport, and the types of qualifications and experience rewired for each:

Activity Apprentice/Assistant | The perfect entry-level role! Aged 17+ with no real qualifications or experience? Our apprenticeship programme will be great for you, giving you at least one year of real-life, paid work experience coupled with four accredited qualifications from our partners, Lifetime Training.

Activity Leader | Have you got a few months of experience behind you? Perhaps a level one qualification in a particular sport such as Football, Gymnastics or Swimming? Perhaps you’ve been doing some TA/LSA work within a Primary School setting and fancy trying your hand getting active and engaging children to live healthier active lifestyles. Or what about childcare? Gained some experience in a private nursery? Got a level one or two in Childcare/Early Years? An Activity Leader role sounds right up your street!

Activity Leader – PE | Our specialist sports role, as an Activity Leader – PE, your primary aim is to deliver high quality, engaging Physical Education lessons and create detailed and meticulous lesson plans, in line with the National Curriculum. There is also a much larger element of reporting, evaluating the progress of children in each class and implementing behavioural management techniques. In order to excel in this type of role, you will need to have direct experience delivering PE classes in line with the National Curriculum at the primary school level. It would be advantageous if you possess a degree in a relatable field too and have had working exposure to primary schools in general. We have promoted up to this position from within though, so if a lack of experience is halting your application, maybe a stint as an Activity Leader first would be your best route to market.

Activity Leader – Childcare | Our specialist Early Years and Childcare role, this position requires ALL eligible candidates to possess a minimum of a Level 3 in childcare and/or Early Years Education. We would, of course, consider those qualified up to degree level and with direct experience in an Early Years Practitioner role. Although essential qualifications are required to be a successful applicant to this type of position, these are the youngest and most impressionable children we work with, so the right attitude enhanced energy and enthusiasm and a slightly childish, almost silly at times side to your personality will go a heck of a long way in making you a success.

Deputy Site Manager | This is the perfect role for those of you who are looking to progress your career within this industry and believe you are ready to take on the responsibilities of managing other employees at your site, supporting the Site Manager. If you’ve had some solid experience working with children, possess some vocational qualifications (I.E. a Level Two in Coaching Football OR a Level Two in Dance and Drama) and have at least six months experience of people management then this is the perfect way for you to step into the business.

Site Manager | The Great Dane of provision delivery roles, this is for those big dogs out there who already have at least a year of people management experience, have previously worked in a similar setting working with children and who realise they are at their working best when running a site to ensure maximum engagement, maximum participation and maximum profitability. Again, as like every other role, it is your passion, enthusiasm and determination to inspire and lead the next generations into a life of health and activity that will set you apart from the crowd and make you our next superstar Site Manager.

So…What happens next?

You’ve had a read of the above, matching your personal profile to a role and now you’re sat there thinking about what happens next, how do you get an application across? It couldn’t be easier! Come and visit us at https://careers.fitforsport.co.uk and fill out an application form to kick start your career and inspire the next generation.