Play Support Assistant

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

To provide the children with fun-filled opportunities and engage in play with them. 

To support with the before, during and after session requirements.

Volunteers will support children within the groups or on a 1:1 basis to take part in various activities decided on that attend the groups.

OTHER DUTIES:

Cleaning and tidying, ensuring areas are set up and creating activities and resources.

SWINGS & SMILES GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Every employee/volunteer is required to:

• Adhere to and comply with organisational policies, procedures and guidelines at all times.
• Taking all reasonable steps to manage and promote a safe and healthy working environment which is free from discrimination.
• Comply with the organisational policy on confidentiality, information governance and the Data Protection Act 1998 as amended relating to information held manually or on computerised systems.
• Respect the confidentiality of children, families and staff and volunteers at all times. 
• Promote and protect the privacy and dignity of children and their families at all times.
• Comply with the requirements of the organisational Safeguarding Policy, and at all times in such a way as to promote the wellbeing of children and other vulnerable people. 
• Be accountable and responsible for following the Health and Safety Guidelines including the fire procedures; being proactive in the identification, reporting and management of hazards.
• Comply with the requirements of the Disclosure and Barring Service Policy in relation to the undertaking of regular DBS checks, presentation of associated certificates, and immediate notification of any situation which may affect competence or professional registration.
• To promote a positive image of Swings & Smiles 
• Participate in personal professional training and development as required.

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

About Swings & Smiles

Swings & Smiles offers vital support, friendship and play for children with disabilities and their whole family through a range of specialist services.

We recognise that there is a huge lack of social opportunities for disabled children and support for their parents and siblings. In a world made for people who are 'able' it can be a real struggle for children with disabilities and their families to find somewhere they feel like they belong. Facilities are inappropriate, other people lack understanding and it can feel like the whole world is against you. Swings & Smiles is there for these children, their siblings and their parents, supporting the whole family to thrive. Some families say that the work of our charity is a 'lifeline' and we know what we provide is a vital service for many.

We have a unique and accessible centre in Berkshire where we run a 7 day a week timetable of sessions, alongside a programme of sibling support and a comprehensive outreach service. Our timetable includes respite, youth clubs, family play sessions, sessions for under 5s and groups especially for parents and siblings. While our centre is based in Berkshire, we see families from as far as Hampshire and Oxfordshire and we offer outreach to schools, groups and individuals within a 40-mile radius.

What skills do I need?

When is this role available?

This is a flexible role available on various days/times.

Details

Days and hours are flexible, we have sessions Monday to Sunday

Where does this role take place?