At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to children with additional needs at our summer camp.
- Company: Join Barracudas, the UK's leading children's holiday camp provider.
- Benefits: Earn between £526.31-£663.48 per week with flexible hours.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while having fun this summer!
- Qualifications: Experience with children and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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. 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.
Locations
1:1 support - Summer - Croydon, London employer: Barracudas Activity Day Camps
Barracudas is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for both staff and children. With a strong commitment to safeguarding and employee development, we offer comprehensive training and growth opportunities, ensuring that our team members feel valued and empowered. Working in Croydon, you'll be part of a vibrant community that prioritises the wellbeing of children while providing a fun and rewarding experience for all involved.
Contact Details:
Barracudas Activity Day Camps Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 1:1 support - Summer - Croydon, London
✨Get Involved in Local Community Events
Dive into your local community! Attend social work fairs, community service events, or workshops that can help you connect with potential employers like Barracudas Activity Day Camps. This is a fantastic way to meet people in the field and get your foot in the door.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you're a student or recent grad, hit up your university's career services to unlock seasonal internship opportunities in social work. They often have special listings or connections that could lead you directly to roles like the one at Barracudas Activity Day Camps.
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Join social work groups on platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn. These communities often share job leads, seasonal opportunities, and even advice from experienced pros. You’d be surprised how much support you can get from people who’ve been in your shoes!
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When reaching out to hiring managers or applying for roles like 1:1 support - Summer - Croydon, London at Barracudas Activity Day Camps, don’t forget to highlight your seasonal availability. Let them know you’re ready to jump in during peak times, as this can set you apart from other candidates!
We think you need these skills to ace 1:1 support - Summer - Croydon, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Compassionate Side:In social work, empathy and compassion are key. Your CV should reflect experiences where you've helped others, whether through volunteering, internships, or relevant coursework. Make sure to include any specific instances that demonstrate your ability to connect with people in challenging situations.
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Keep Your Intentions Clear:In your cover letter, make it crystal clear why you're excited about this seasonal role at Barracudas Activity Day Camps. Express your passion for social work and the impact you hope to make this season. This not only shows your motivation but also lets us see your fit with our mission and values.
Bring Your Unique Experience:Mention any unique experiences or perspectives you bring to the table—maybe you’ve worked with a specific community or tackled particular social issues. Tailoring your application to show how your grassroots experience aligns with what Barracudas Activity Day Camps values can make a big difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barracudas Activity Day Camps
✨Get Familiar with the Challenges
In social work, it's all about understanding the community you're serving. Brush up on current social issues and think of how they might come up in your interview. Be prepared to discuss real-world scenarios you might face in the role with examples of how you would handle them.
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During the interview, you'll want to demonstrate your understanding of empathy and active listening. Consider sharing personal experiences that highlight your ability to connect with clients, especially in seasonal roles where you might be working with diverse populations in need of support.
✨Speak to Seasonal Considerations
Since this is a seasonal position, be ready to discuss your availability and how you can adapt quickly to the fluctuating needs of your community. Employers want to know you can jump in at peak times and remain resilient, so come prepared to talk about your flexibility and commitment.
✨Prepare Your Collaborations
Social work often involves collaborating with other professionals and organisations. Think about your past teamwork experiences and how you can contribute to an interdisciplinary approach. Mention any relevant partnerships or community initiatives you've been part of that could resonate with the team at Barracudas Activity Day Camps.
