Group Leader - Summer - Chigwell

Work Hours: 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.

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

Group Leaders create a fun, welcoming and supportive environment for children aged 6–9. By delivering engaging activities, building positive relationships and providing excellent supervision, they help every child feel safe, included and excited to take part in camp life. Through clear communication, enthusiasm and a nurturing approach, Group Leaders ensure children grow in confidence, make friends and enjoy a memorable camp experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Set up and maintain a welcoming base room, ensuring it is tidy, organised and inviting for children.
• Follow all policies and procedures to ensure a safe, enjoyable environment throughout the day.
• Deliver the daily activity timetable, ensuring children experience the full variety of sessions promised by Barracudas.
• Plan and deliver structured, age-appropriate activities using available resources and adapting ideas to suit your group.
• Actively supervise children at all times, including during transitions, breaks and lunch periods.
• Get to know each child as an individual, incorporating their interests into their day to enhance engagement and enjoyment.
• Work collaboratively with other staff, supporting colleagues to deliver high-quality sessions.
• Encourage participation and positive behaviour, helping children feel confident and involved.
• Ensure the safe use of equipment during all activities.
• Uphold safeguarding responsibilities, reporting concerns immediately to the Senior Team or Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• 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 working with children in a school, club, camp or similar setting
• Ability to plan and deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities
• Strong communication skills and a warm, enthusiastic and supportive approach
• Confident supervising groups and responding calmly to unexpected situations
• Able to build positive relationships and encourage participation from children of varied ages
• Organised, proactive and able to use initiative when preparing and delivering sessions
• Able to adapt to changing situations and manage behaviour positively
• A proactive approach to safeguarding, inclusion and wellbeing

Desirables

• Qualifications or training in sports, arts, dance or drama
• Experience supporting children with additional needs
• Experience delivering structured sessions (sports, arts, games, drama, team challenges, etc.)
• Paediatric First Aid qualification
• Safeguarding training or certificates

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.