At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to children with additional needs at our exciting holiday 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 and a fun environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive team atmosphere and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience with children, strong communication skills, and a patient approach required.
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) (February Half Term Contracts to be issued on 2025 wage level. 2026 wage level effective from 1st April.)
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 – you’ll need to bring swimwear, and a spare t-shirt will be available at camp.
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).
1:1 support- Summer - Godalming, Surrey employer: Barracudas Activity Day Camps
Contact Detail:
Barracudas Activity Day Camps Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land 1:1 support- Summer - Godalming, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Barracudas. Understand their values, mission, and what they stand for. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. Focus on how your experience aligns with the role of 1:1 support staff. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for working with children! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported children with additional needs in the past. This will demonstrate your commitment and suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace 1:1 support- Summer - Godalming, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience with children, especially those with additional needs. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Barracudas!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through! Share any relevant experiences or stories that demonstrate your commitment to creating a supportive and fun environment.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the role.
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 ensures you’re considered for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barracudas Activity Day Camps
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the responsibilities of a 1:1 Support Staff. Familiarise yourself with how to support children with additional needs and the specific strategies mentioned in their One-Page Profile. This will show your commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children, especially those with additional needs. Share specific examples of how you've adapted your support strategies or communicated effectively in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your capability and confidence.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role. Prepare to talk about how you build relationships with children and parents, and how you adapt your communication methods to suit individual needs. Highlight any training or techniques you’ve used, like visual aids or role play.
✨Understand Safeguarding Policies
Since safeguarding is a top priority, make sure you’re familiar with the relevant policies and procedures. Be prepared to discuss how you would handle potential safeguarding concerns and ensure the wellbeing of the children in your care. This shows you take the role seriously.