Volunteer Play Worker – Children’s Respite Trust

Uckfieldvolunteer; Uckfield; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A community organization in Uckfield seeks volunteers for a play worker role to support children with Special Educational Needs. The role involves assisting with activities, promoting social interaction, and providing one-to-one support in a fun environment. No prior experience is required, as full training will be provided. Volunteers will gain valuable experience in education and SEN support, flexible hours are available, and expenses can be covered if needed.

Benefits

Training and ongoing guidance

Valuable experience

References for future employment

Qualifications

• Caring, patient, and positive attitude required.
• Ability to learn and adapt to individual needs.
• Good communication and teamwork skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support children with activities.
• Assist with sensory play and communication.
• Provide one-to-one or small group support.
• Encourage social interaction and confidence-building.
• Support staff with daily routines.

Skills

Caring attitude

Good communication skills

Teamwork skills

Willingness to learn

Job description

The Children’s Respite Trust believes no family should have to care for a child with a disability alone and so we provide respite at our Centre in Uckfield throughout Sussex and beyond.

For some, this care means parents get to spend time with siblings of the disabled children. For others it is simply an opportunity for some sleep, but for all families, it is a chance to do something that the rest of us take for granted, while the children have the best time possible.

As the Trust has grown, we have expanded the services providing support for children as young as 2 up to 19 with a wide range of physical and learning disabilities. The current services include a Special Educational Needs nursery called Little Stars, respite sessions in the school holidays, community care, siblings club and family care events. This combination ensures the whole family is supported.

About this opportunity

Are you passionate about inclusion, learning, and making a real impact in the lives of young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN)? We are looking for compassionate, enthusiastic volunteers to join our team!

As a play worker volunteer in our setting, you’ll support children and young people with a range of needs including autism, ADHD, speech and language difficulties, and learning disabilities.

• Supporting children with activities
• Helping with sensory play and assisting with communication
• Providing one-to-one or small group support
• Encouraging social interaction and confidence-building
• Supporting staff with daily routines and transitions

What We’re Looking For:

• A caring, patient, and positive attitude
• Willingness to learn and adapt to individual needs
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• No prior experience required – full training provided!

What You’ll Gain:

• Valuable experience in education and SEN support
• Training and ongoing guidance from experienced staff
• A chance to make a meaningful difference in a young person’s life
• References for future employment or study if needed

We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the children in our care and therefore have a range of procedures in place to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children get to work with us. This post is subject to vetting checks including Disclosure and Barring Service check. Applicants must also provide two references inline with our safer recruitment policy.

Expenses can be be paid if required.

Flexible hours available – weekdays, term-time and school holidays.

For more information

For more information please either come in and see us at Wealden Volunteering, or call us on 01825 760019, or email us at [e-mail]