Our Early Years services support play and learning for children aged 0-5 and their parents. We run a range of group sessions at our settings, which could include Stay and Play, Babbling Babies, Music and Movement and Bookstart. The groups on offer will vary across settings, so speak to a local member of staff for more details of what’s offered in your area.
We need volunteers to help lead or co-facilitate these groups.
Who you will be helping
Parenting young children can be challenging at times, especially if families are facing other struggles. Early Years groups give parents a place to meet and build friendships with each other, and to find out what support is available to them locally.
Access to play and fun activities is important for childhood learning and development in the Early Years. Some children may have limited opportunities for this; these groups give families a place to have fun and learn together.
The difference you will make
Your role will be greet new attendees to the group, making sure everyone feels welcome. You will be a listening ear, giving families an opportunity to talk about challenges they face. You will signpost parents to other services in the community, ensuring they know how and where they can access the support they need. You will empower parents and families to make positive decisions and take actions for themselves when needed.
You will be helping young children to build confidence, extend their speech and vocabulary, and learn new skills through play.
Typical tasks within this role:
- Supporting the delivery of open-access services by providing practical help, preparing venue and resources for group.
- Supporting parents in understanding their child’s developmental needs and the importance of play.
- Meeting and greeting parents attending the groups, ensuring appropriate attendance forms are completed.
- Supporting families by understanding the diversity of our community and ensuring our services are inclusive and accessible to all.
- Building up knowledge and understanding of local resources and community and statutory services.
- Assisting families to access, build and maintain effective relationships with the Centres, this may involve contacting Service Users prior to groups to encourage attendance.
- Playing an active part in the team, working collaboratively to ensure the smooth running of the service.
- Undertaking training (appropriate to your role) according to the needs of the service.
Who are we looking for?
There is no typical Family Action volunteer. We want our volunteers to be as diverse as the people we support. We need volunteers with a range of life experiences, skills and knowledge. In return for giving your time and talents, you will receive quality training, ongoing support, and the reward of knowing that you are making a real difference. This role will particularly suit volunteers who:
- Are organised, energetic and committed individuals
- Are friendly and able to create a welcoming atmosphere
- Can share information or signpost families to get additional support
- Have a good standard of spoken English
- Are confident meeting new people and can support others to build positive relationships
- Can encourage families and children to engage in activities
- Have an understanding of the need to keep children safe and will adhere to our safeguarding policies.
What’s in it for you?
Family Action volunteers tell us that volunteering with us can be challenging at times, but it is also very rewarding. Many of our volunteers also report that volunteering has helped them with:
- Gaining experience in an Early Years setting
- Learning more about early childhood development
- Developing new skills, including group leadership
- Increased confidence and self-esteem
- Experience of facilitating groups and encouraging interaction between adults
- Opportunity to improve future employment prospects
- Being part of a team and becoming a part of Family Action, a national charity with 150 years of experience supporting families
- Support and guidance from project coordinator including 1-1 and group supervision
- Regular training and development opportunities.
Find out more
You may like to chat with a member of staff about whether this is the right role for you, or you may be ready to apply right now.
Either way, just click the ‘I’m interested’ button below to leave your contact details, and a member of staff will be in touch to discuss your next steps in becoming a Family Action volunteer.
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Family Action , Bram Longstaffe Nursery School , Farm Street,Barrow, Cumbria, LA14 2RX 01229 821825 [email protected] View Service
