Playgroup Assistant

Would you like to work with parents and toddlers and help them to enjoy our twice weekly playgroup?

Sometimes this is the only time in the week the children have the chance to play with each other. It also gives parents and carers some adult conversation and provides an important source of connection for them too.

What will you do?

The role involves helping and supporting Seaton Sluice Playgroup sessions for toddlers and young children. As a Playgroup Assistant you’ll help in the following ways:

· Assisting with setting up and packing away toys, play equipment and refreshments. This may include some heavy lifting.

· Being a friendly face to meet and greet children, parents and carers, helping them to feel at ease.

· Help parents and carers to register for the playgroup, to sign in and to take payment

· Supporting play activities and encouraging interaction such as singing, dancing and nursery rhymes

· Providing relief cover as and when needed during sessions.

· Being a listening ear for parents and carers for adult conversation.

Our Playgroup provides an affordable, welcoming and inclusive social space for babies, toddlers, parents and carers within the local community. With the rising cost of living and increasing social isolation for families with young children, there is a growing need for low-cost opportunities where children can learn through play while parents and carers can build supportive relationships with others.

The playgroup offers a safe and engaging environment where children can develop communication, confidence, creativity and social skills through play-based activities. Children benefit from interacting with supportive adults and peers, helping to build strong foundations for early learning, emotional wellbeing and preparation for nursery school. Through structured and free play opportunities, children begin to develop independence, routines, listening skills and confidence in social settings, supporting a smoother transition into nursery education.

For parents and carers, the playgroup provides an important source of connection, reducing loneliness and improving wellbeing through regular social interaction, refreshments and informal peer support. Families are also able to access advice and guidance in a relaxed and trusted setting, helping them feel more confident and supported in their parenting journey.

By maintaining an affordable and accessible service, Seaton Sluice Playgroup helps ensure that all families, regardless of income or background, can access opportunities for play, engagement and community support.

What skills do I need?

What skills or qualifications will you need?

No qualifications or previous experience is required, just an enthusiasm for working with adults and children.

Volunteers will have the ability to:

· greet parent, carers and children with a smile and help them feel at home

· be friendly, approachable, engaging, reliable

· to communicate and build relationships with the other volunteers and parents and carers.

The Playgroup is a relaxed environment, and volunteers will be supported every step of the way.

Volunteers can be given training on how to signpost parents and carers to other agencies and services in the area and other community groups.

First Aid and Paediatric First Aid training will be available.

What benefits you will get?

Volunteers will be giving back to the local community and making friends.

This is an opportunity to:

· build communication networking skills

· build a portfolio for use in job applications

· develop a link in with the Seaton Sluice Community Association for other volunteering opportunities

· create opportunities for linking in with other organisations for wider experience in supporting children in other age groups

· be part of a friendly and welcoming team.

Reasonable travel costs will be reimbursed

How to Apply:

Pop in for a chat, our office is generally open 10 to 12 Monday to Friday. Or email us at [email protected]. Or call us on 0191 2980323. We will send/give you an application form to fill out.

We welcome volunteers of all ages and backgrounds.

Location

This opportunity has no specific location e.g. can be carried out anywhere.