School Holiday Play volunteer

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.

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?

Previous work experience with children preferable but not essential

When is this role available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

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

Where does this role take place?