Arts & Crafts Instructor - May - Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire

Hours of work: 08:30 – 17:30

Contract Type: Seasonal Fixed term.

Salary: £516.78 – £663.48 salary per week (dependent on age, experience, and qualifications).

Reportable to: Camp Senior Team, Area Manager 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.

Working Pattern: Arts & Crafts Instructor contracts are seasonal roles based on a 5-day working week. At larger camps with two Arts & Crafts Instructors (typically those with 7+ groups), your weekly schedule may include an allocated day off. Your working pattern will be confirmed in advance by your Recruiter or Camp Manager.

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: Arts & Crafts Instructors create a fun, inspiring and creative environment where children aged 4–14 can explore new skills and express themselves. By planning and delivering engaging craft sessions, maintaining a safe and inviting workspace and supporting children of all abilities, they help every child feel confident, included, and excited to take part. Through strong supervision, clear communication and a nurturing approach, Arts & Crafts Instructors ensure children enjoy a positive, imaginative, and memorable camp experience.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up and maintain the arts & crafts area, ensuring it is tidy, well-organised, inviting and fully stocked with appropriate resources.
• Plan and deliver a wide range of creative, age-appropriate activities, using available resources and adapting ideas to suit different groups.
• Provide clear safety instructions and demonstrations, ensuring children understand how to use tools and materials safely.
• Work collaboratively with supporting staff, guiding them during sessions, and ensuring smooth delivery of activities.
• Ensure active supervision throughout the day, including during transitions, breaks and lunch periods.
• Support children’s individual needs, making reasonable adjustments for additional needs, dietary requirements, or medical conditions.
• Encourage participation and creativity, offering praise, reassurance and support to help children feel confident and engaged.
• Create prototypes and displays to inspire children and showcase their work.
• Deliver and oversee the Discovery Squad Skills Builder, ensuring resources are used correctly and sessions follow the programme manual.
• Liaise with other Arts & Crafts Instructors (where applicable) to coordinate planning, resources, and shared responsibilities.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities, reporting concerns immediately to the Senior Team or Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Follow all Health & Safety procedures, including equipment checks, hygiene expectations, and wider camp protocols.
• Carry out additional duties as required, in line with the needs of the camp and the organisation’s objectives.
• Support additional camp activities, including Skills Builder sessions (where required) and swimming sessions.

Requirements:

Essentials:

• Experience delivering arts and crafts or creative activities.
• Ability to plan and adapt engaging creative sessions for children.
• Strong communication skills and a warm, supportive approach.
• Confident supervising groups and responding to unexpected challenges.
• Able to build positive relationships and encourage children of varied ages.
• Organised, proactive and able to use initiative when preparing and delivering activities.
• A proactive approach to safeguarding, inclusion, and wellbeing.

Desirables:

• Experience working with children in schools, clubs, or holiday camps.
• Experience supporting children with additional needs.
• Training or qualifications in art, design, craft, childcare or creative facilitation.
• Paediatric First Aid qualification.
• Safeguarding training or 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.