Learning Support Volunteer at SEN College Orpington
Royal Society for Blind Children (RSBC)
RSBC Dorton College is an independent specialist college in the London Borough of Bromley. We offer day provision for 16 to 25-year-olds, and many of our students have additional needs. Dorton College are looking for volunteers to help assist in the general running of the college, getting hands on with lessons, movement and independence building exercises.
RSBC Dorton College is an independent specialist college in the London Borough of Bromley. We offer day provision for 16 to 25-year-olds, and many of our students have additional needs. We’re the only independent specialist further education provider for vision impaired young people in London and the Southeast. We offer a wide range of courses, and a bespoke curriculum supported by a diverse range of trained staff. Dorton College are looking for volunteers to help assist in the general running of the college, getting hands on with lessons, movement and independence building exercises. Role: Learning Support Volunteer Commitment: Due to the nature of the role, RSBC are looking for a regular commitment. 1 half day per week for example. Location: RSBC Dorton College of Further Education, Orpington Campus, The Walnuts, Orpington, BR6 0TE Availability: We have shifts available between Monday and Friday, the centre is open from 8am – 4pm term time only. Age: 18+ Our Mission Statement: RSBC believes that every blind young person should have the chance to live life without limits. By giving young people the essential skills and confidence to take control of their life, they can unleash their true potential. Our success depends on our values Underpinning all RSBC’s work are values embedded in trust and excellence: TRUST: Respect and accountability ENERGY: Straight talking and constantly learning AMBITION: Confronting reality and driving results MOTIVATION: Vision impaired children and young people are our number one priority, and we look for solutions, not problems What will I be doing? RSBC Dorton College is an independent specialist college in the London Borough of Bromley. We offer day provision for 16 to 25-year-olds, and many of our students have additional needs. We’re the only independent specialist further education provider for vision impaired young people in London and the Southeast. We offer a wide range of courses, and a bespoke curriculum supported by a diverse range of trained staff. RSBC are looking for volunteers here at get involved at our Dorton College helping our young people to learn, grow and develop with your support. Dorton college’s specialist approach which blends mainstream and specialist education creates a unique environment for students to grow their independence. You will be helping young people to navigate their educational environment: preparing resources, assisting with movement and making sure young people are engaging with Alongside this, you can also have the opportunity to get one on one experience, helping students to take notes and engage with the lesson, and supporting and running small group activities. Moveover, Dorton college prides itself on helping our students to grow their independence. Volunteers would also have the opportunity to get involved in sessions designed to help grow learners independent skills such as cooking sessions, local community visits and utilising public transport. This is a fantastic role if you are looking to gain experience in education or health and social care, especially in the SEN sphere. Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for volunteers who can contribute 1 half day per week, and as explained below, there are safeguarding checks to complete before you can start. Key Tasks and Main Duties Operational support tasks: Assist in preparing learning environments and resources Help supervise break and lunch periods alongside staff Support student movement around campus (training provided) Participate in enrichment or community-based events Assist with light admin or data capture tasks, such as logging attendance or session feedback Learner Engagement Opportunities: Act as a reader, note-taker, or scribe in classroom sessions Support small group activities or one-to-one work under staff guidance Help facilitate creative or independence-building sessions (e.g. cooking, tech, mobility) Who are you? We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need to have volunteered or worked in the sector before as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and willing to follow RSBC’s policies and can be an excellent ambassador for RSBC. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of sight problems. What’s in it for me? RSBC offers the opportunity to gain insight and experience into helping others with sight issues. As part of your volunteering, you will have access to Sighted Guide training, a training session designed to help you understand the issues and complexities of sight problems and give you the ability to help others navigate the world. RSBC also provides paid expenses for your volunteering experience, you can claim up to £10 per day. RSBC can also provide references and impact reports from your volunteering if required. You will be fully supported in your role by our team of expert and compassionate service delivery team. Develop or utilise your skills – As a volunteer, you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to develop new skills or use those you already have, which can help to build your CV, boost your employability and give you a sense of satisfaction. What's in it for the Community? Make a difference to people’s lives Help in your community, we are local to Orpington and a significant number of our students and staff are local to the area. Help deliver creative services to help people with sighted issues feel included in the world around them. Make a direct and tangible difference to the lives of blind and partially sighted children and young people. Safeguarding: Due to the nature of the role, before you can begin volunteering with RSBC there are some required safeguarding checks which will need to be completed. All RSBC volunteers undergo an Enhanced DBS check (paid for by RSBC) and must provide two references. All volunteers will also be booked onto safeguarding training. RSBC risk assesses all its services and activities. Next Steps: If this sounds like you, please fill out an expression of interest, and one of our volunteer team members will get back to you!
Advice, Information & Support,Befriending, Buddying & Mentoring,Community Work,Teaching & Training,Youth Activities,Support Work
Art & Craft, Counselling, Teaching, mentoring & coaching
There are no specific skills required for this role as all training and support is provided by RSBC throughout your volunteering however a keen attitude, happy demeanour and a love of biscuits is always appreciated.
This role is fantastic for those looking to grow skills in the education and health and social care sector. Especially within SEN
Due to the nature of the role, we are looking for volunteers who could commit at least 1 half day per week for this role between Monday and Friday.
BR6 0TE
RSBC Dorton College, Orpington Campus, The Walnuts, Orpington, BR6 0TE
Dorton College is a part of LSE Orpington Campus
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