At a Glance
- Tasks: Inspire kids through dance and drama, creating fun and engaging sessions.
- Company: Join a vibrant camp in Chigwell, Essex, dedicated to creativity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive weekly salary, supportive team, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Enjoy a 4-day work week with opportunities for personal growth and training.
- Why this job: Shape young minds while having a blast in a dynamic summer environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in dance or drama, with a passion for working with children.
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. 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.
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.
Qualifications
- 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 and Training
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.
Salary: £516.78 - £663.48 salary per week (dependent on age, experience, and qualifications).
Dance & Drama Instructor - Summer - Chigwell, Essex employer: Barracudas Activity Day Camps
At Barracudas, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture that empowers our Dance & Drama Instructors to inspire creativity in children aged 4-14. With a focus on professional development, our instructors benefit from comprehensive training and the opportunity to collaborate with a passionate team, all while enjoying a flexible 4-day working week during the summer camps in Chigwell, Essex. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a fun and inclusive environment where every day is an adventure in creativity and growth.
Contact Detail:
Barracudas Activity Day Camps Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Dance & Drama Instructor - Summer - Chigwell, Essex
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to fellow instructors, friends, or even past colleagues. You never know who might have a lead on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in person! Attend local dance and drama events or workshops. This is a great way to meet potential employers and showcase your talent directly.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing enthusiastic candidates who are keen to join our team.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to working with children. Think about how you’d create an engaging environment and support kids’ creativity – it’ll help you stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Dance & Drama Instructor - Summer - Chigwell, Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for dance and drama shine through! We want to see how much you love working with kids and helping them express themselves creatively.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in dance, drama, or working with children. We’re looking for specific examples that show how you've engaged kids in creative activities before.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon so we can easily see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get you started on this exciting journey with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barracudas Activity Day Camps
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your dance and drama knowledge. Familiarise yourself with age-appropriate activities and how to adapt them for different groups. Being able to discuss specific techniques or games will show that you're prepared and passionate about the role.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for working with children shine through. Share examples of how you've encouraged creativity and participation in past roles. A warm and enthusiastic approach can make a huge difference in how you're perceived.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect to be asked how you'd handle various situations, like managing a group of energetic kids or addressing a child's individual needs. Think of examples from your experience where you successfully navigated challenges, and be ready to share those stories.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the camp's approach to inclusion or how they support staff development. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and want to ensure it's a good fit for both you and the organisation.
