1:1 support - May - Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

Hours of work: 08:30 – 17:30 (hours to be confirmed, once child arrangement has been agreed)

Contract Type: Seasonal Fixed-Term

Salary: £526.31-£663.48 salary per week (dependent on age, experience and qualifications)

Reportable to: Camp Senior Team, Area Team and Central Office

Barracudas is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and act in the best interests of children at all times. Adhering to our safeguarding policies and procedures including safer recruitment practices, staff should play an active role in creating a supportive, safe and protective environment for all children and young people.

About us

Barracudas is the UK’s leading provider of children’s holiday camps, helping young people build confidence, develop new skills and make new friends through a wide range of activities. With 45+ camp locations across the UK, we offer exciting programmes including Sports, Arts & Crafts, Drama and more. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every child feels supported and valued. Safeguarding and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do.

Role Purpose

1:1 Support Staff play a vital role in helping children with additional needs feel safe, included and confident at camp. By using personalised strategies, building positive relationships and providing consistent, individual support, they help each child take part in activities, connect with their group and enjoy a positive camp experience. Through clear communication, patient guidance and strong supervision, they ensure the child can grow in confidence, make progress and get the most out of their time at Barracudas.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the child’s integration into camp routines, activities and their group, using strategies outlined in their One-Page Profile.
• Follow all policies and procedures to ensure the child’s safety, wellbeing and enjoyment throughout the day.
• Encourage positive behaviour and boundaries, helping create a safe, structured and fun environment.
• Promote participation, supporting the child to join activities, interact with peers and build confidence.
• Adapt communication methods (e.g., demonstrations, visual aids, modelling, role play) to help the child understand instructions and expectations.
• Maintain the child’s welfare, monitoring their emotional, social and physical needs and responding appropriately.
• Communicate with parents/guardians at registration and collection, providing clear, professional feedback on progress and daily experiences.
• Liaise with the Inclusion Officer, ensuring full understanding of the child’s needs and completing the Staff About Me page at least two weeks before starting.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities, reporting concerns immediately to the Senior Team or Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Ensure safe use of equipment during all activities the child attends.
• Carry out additional duties as required, in line with the needs of the child and the wider camp.
• Support additional camp activities, including Skills Builder sessions (where required) and swimming sessions.

Requirements

Essentials

• Experience working with children with additional needs
• Ability to adapt support strategies to meet individual needs
• Strong communication skills and a calm, patient and supportive approach
• Confident managing behaviour and responding to unexpected situations
• Able to build positive, trusting relationships with children and parents
• Able to follow support plans, guidance and safeguarding procedures
• Organised, proactive and able to use initiative when supporting a child

Desirables

• Experience in SEN, inclusion support or 1:1 roles
• Qualified Teachers (QTS/QTLS) across all key stages
• Level 2 or Level 3 Teaching Assistants
• Training in behaviour support, autism awareness or communication strategies
• Experience working in schools, childcare or holiday camps
• Experience using visual supports, modelling or alternative communication methods
• Paediatric First Aid Certificate

Employment in this role is subject to completing all pre-employment requirements, including being aged 18 or over by the start date, providing proof of eligibility to work in the UK, supplying satisfactory references, and holding or obtaining an Enhanced DBS check. All staff must complete mandatory training, including online modules, an in-person Induction Training Day and any additional role-specific briefings delivered by Central Office.

This role involves working with children and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. A successful applicant will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, including a check of the children's barred list.