About this opportunity
Children With Voices is a registered charity in Hackney supporting children and families through its Community Food Hub, Jumping Beans, SEND provision, alternative education, school partnerships and community events.
SEND play sessions are delivered in partnership with WeAMTV, whose name means “We are more than voices”. Together, the aim is to make sure every child feels safe, welcome and able to take part in their own way.
As a SEND Playworker Volunteer, you will support school holiday play sessions and help create a warm, inclusive environment for children aged 4 to 7 and 8 to 10.
What you’ll be doing
Session support
- Support SEND play sessions during school holiday periods.
- Help deliver fun, inclusive activities for children.
- Support children to take part in a way that feels right for them.
Confidence and participation
- Encourage children’s confidence, participation and friendships.
- Meet each child where they are and respect that every child is different.
- Support each child’s individual needs, following guidance from the session lead.
Safe and welcoming environment
- Help create a safe, calm and welcoming space.
- Work as part of a caring and committed team.
- Follow safeguarding guidance and session expectations.
Practical support
- Help set up before sessions begin.
- Support practical tasks during play sessions.
- Help pack away at the end of sessions.
What you’ll bring
- Experience with children or young people with SEND, whether through work, study, family life or volunteering.
- A caring, patient and inclusive approach.
- Good communication and teamwork.
- Reliability and enthusiasm.
- Creativity and an understanding that every child is different.
- Safeguarding awareness. Training is welcome but not essential, as an induction is provided.
This role requires safer recruitment checks, including references and a DBS check, before working with children.
What you’ll gain
- Flexible volunteering during holiday periods that fit your life.
- Practical experience supporting children with SEND.
- Useful experience for study, a career change or returning to work.
- Induction, safeguarding guidance and a reference after a period of regular volunteering.
- A warm, committed team and the chance to make a lasting difference to local children and families.