Female Playcare Volunteer
The Dockland Settlements
Our busy summer play scheme provides safe, fun and affordable activities for children aged 4–11 during the school holidays. The programme gives children the chance to socialise, stay active and enjoy a wide range of experiences including trips to the seaside, Go Ape, local parks, forests, museums and other attractions. Volunteers will work alongside experienced play care staff to help supervise and engage children throughout the day. Tasks will include supporting games, sports, arts and outings
Our busy summer play scheme provides safe, fun and affordable activities for children aged 4–11 during the school holidays. The programme gives children the chance to socialise, stay active and enjoy a wide range of experiences, including trips to the seaside, Go Ape, local parks, forests, museums and other attractions. The Female Playcare Volunteers will work alongside experienced play care staff to help supervise and engage children throughout the day. Main tasks will include supporting games, sports, arts and crafts and group activities, helping children during trips and outings, assisting with meal and snack times, and helping to maintain a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment. Volunteers are part of a friendly team and will receive guidance and support from the Playcare Manager and qualified staff. You must be enthusiastic, reliable, patient, and comfortable working with children of different ages and needs. The summer scheme will run from July to September, Monday to Friday. Volunteers should be available for several full days during this period. All volunteers will be required to follow our safeguarding procedures and complete the necessary checks and induction before starting. We need ***female volunteers only*** to help us look after the girls who come to the Playcare service – as well as the boys of course!
Art & Design,Community Work,Youth Work,Sport & Coaching,Support Work,General & Helping
Art & Craft
Volunteers do not need previous Playcare experience as guidance and support will be provided. However, you should be enthusiastic, reliable, patient, and genuinely interested in working with children aged 4–11. Volunteers should have good communication and teamwork skills and be able to engage positively with children through games, creative activities, sports and conversation. You must be responsible, attentive and able to follow instructions, particularly during trips and outdoor activities. The role requires someone who is energetic, flexible and comfortable working in a busy and sometimes noisy environment. Volunteers should be committed to treating every child fairly and helping to create a safe, welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for children of different backgrounds, abilities and needs. A good understanding of professional boundaries, safeguarding and confidentiality would be beneficial, although relevant guidance will be provided. Volunteers must be punctual, dependable and willing to follow our organisation’s policies and procedures. Any required safeguarding or background checks must be completed before the placement begins.
Volunteers will gain valuable practical experience of working with children aged 4–11 in a busy playcare environment. You will have opportunities to develop skills in communication, teamwork, organisation, problem-solving and supporting group activities. The role will provide experience of helping to plan and deliver games, sports, creative activities and educational trips. Volunteers will also learn about safeguarding, risk awareness, professional boundaries and how to support children with different personalities, backgrounds and needs. Working alongside experienced playcare staff will help volunteers build confidence, improve employability and gain a better understanding of careers in childcare, education, youth work and community services. Where appropriate, volunteers may also receive a reference, following successful completion of the placement. The role can also support personal wellbeing by helping volunteers feel active, connected and part of a friendly team, while making a positive difference to children and families in the local community. This role does not require a DBS check as you will always be supervised by someone with a DBS, First Aid qualification and Playcare Qualification.
We take the kids out on trips every day of the summer (Mon-Fri) so being available all day from around 9am until 5pm is helpful. If you cannot help all day, we also have a “Base Camp” that stays local and are therefore more flexible on timings for volunteers that help there.
E14 3PS
The Dockland Settlements, Calder’s Wharf, Isle of Dogs, London
A 2-minute walk from Island Gardens tube station
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