Dance & Drama Instructor - Summer - Canterbury, Kent

Hours of work: 08:30 – 17:30

Contract Type: Seasonal Fixed-Term

Salary: £516.78 – £663.48 salary per week (dependant 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: Dance & Drama Instructor roles are normally based on a 5-day working week. At camps predicted to operate with 4.5 or more groups, this role will follow a 4-day working pattern, with one allocated day off each week. 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: Dance & Drama Instructors create an energetic, expressive, and supportive environment where children aged 4–14 can explore movement, performance, and creativity. By planning and delivering engaging sessions, encouraging participation, and maintaining excellent supervision, they help children build confidence, develop new skills, and enjoy a memorable camp experience. Through clear communication, positive relationships, and a nurturing approach, they ensure every child feels included, safe and excited to take part.

Key Responsibilities:

• Set up and maintain the dance & drama area, ensuring it is tidy, inviting, and safe for all children.
• Plan and deliver a variety of age-appropriate dance and drama activities, using available resources and adapting sessions to suit different groups.
• Provide active supervision throughout the day, including during transitions, breaks and lunch periods.
• Encourage participation and creativity, supporting children to express themselves and build confidence.
• Ensure safe use of equipment, modelling correct practice and reinforcing safety expectations.
• Work collaboratively with supporting staff, guiding them during sessions, and ensuring smooth delivery of activities.
• Deliver the Dance Fusion Skills Builder course, following the programme manual and using resources appropriately.
• Liaise with other Dance & Drama Instructors (where applicable) to coordinate planning, resources, and shared responsibilities.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities, reporting concerns immediately to the Senior Team or Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Support individual needs, making reasonable adjustments for children with additional needs, dietary requirements, or medical conditions.
• Follow all Health & Safety procedures, including registration, collection, 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 in dance and/or drama (experience in both is ideal, but strong ability in one discipline is acceptable).
• Ability to plan and deliver engaging creative sessions for children.
• Strong communication skills and a warm, enthusiastic approach.
• Confident supervising groups and responding calmly 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.
• Ability to use music safely and appropriately in line with safeguarding guidance.

Desirables:

• Experience working with children in schools, clubs, or holiday camps.
• Experience supporting children with additional needs.
• Training or qualifications in dance, drama, performance, 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 through Barracudas or the Update Service. Before starting work on camp, all Group Leaders are required to complete our mandatory training, which includes annual online training modules, an in-person Induction Training Day, and any additional role-specific briefings delivered by the Senior Team. Barracudas are committed to equal opportunities in employment, and this post does require an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service Check. 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. Applicants are not required to disclose convictions or cautions that are considered "protected" under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013 & 2020). This information will not be taken into account. Guidance on protected convictions and cautions is available from the Ministry of Justice.