School Holiday Play volunteer

School Holiday Play volunteer

Posted for Swings & Smiles

Posted by Volunteer Centre West Berkshire

Register your interest

You will be redirected to the Volunteer Centre West Berkshire website to express your interest.

We are looking for volunteers to support us during the school holidays at our respite sessions. We are happy to support students participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards.

This role will involve supporting our fully trained play leader to deliver these sessions in a fun and exciting way. At Swings & Smiles our play team provide tailored sessions to groups of children with special needs.

You will be part of the Swings & Smiles team, working on either a 1:1 basis or as part of a group to support children with special needs during activities. 

Setting up and clearing away activities.

Training & Support

You will be given an induction and any necessary training specific to your role.

All volunteers must complete Universal Safeguarding training (annually) in line with the Swings & Smiles Safeguarding policy.

• All volunteers over 16 years old (excluding short term DofE) must be DBS checked.
• You will be supported by the Volunteer Co-ordinator who will check in with you frequently and be your contact if you have anything you need to talk about.
• You will be supervised by the senior playleader during the sessions.
• You will be assigned a volunteer buddy to show you what needs to be done and how, and help you learn more about the children and their needs.

Benefits of volunteering with Swings & Smiles

• The opportunity of meeting new people and working as part of a dedicated and motivated team of volunteers.
• The satisfaction that you are helping a charity for children with special needs.
• The opportunity to develop new and existing skills. 
• An invitation to the Swings & Smiles AGM.

Impact

These sessions allow the whole family to feel supported

• Short break session for the children
• Mental wellbeing
• Social interaction 
• Building Peer relationships

The volunteering opportunity will take place at our play centre in Thatcham.

What skills do I need?

Previous work experience with children preferable but not essential