At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead fun activities for children aged 6-9 and create a supportive camp environment.
- Company: Barracudas, the UK's top children's holiday camp provider.
- Benefits: Competitive weekly salary, training opportunities, and a chance to make a difference.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to child welfare and personal growth.
- Why this job: Inspire kids, build confidence, and have a blast while working outdoors.
- Qualifications: Experience with children and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 26900 - 34600 £ per year.
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). (February Half Term Contracts to be issued on 2025 wage level. 2026 wage level effective from 1st April.)
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 – you’ll need to bring swimwear, and a spare t-shirt will be available at camp.
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. 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).
Group Leader - May - Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire employer: Barracudas Activity Day Camps
Contact Detail:
Barracudas Activity Day Camps Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Leader - May - Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Barracudas and understand their values, especially around safeguarding and creating a fun environment for kids. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. They can give you insider tips about the interview process and what it’s really like to work there.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for situational questions! Think of examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully managed groups of children or handled unexpected situations. This will show your ability to adapt and lead.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Barracudas team!
We think you need these skills to ace Group Leader - May - Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through! We want to see how excited you are about creating a fun and supportive environment for kids.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in working with children. Whether it's from camps, schools, or clubs, we want to know how your background makes you a great fit for the Group Leader role.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, so we can easily see why you'd be an awesome addition to 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 the ball rolling on your journey to joining Barracudas.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barracudas Activity Day Camps
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Barracudas' mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their commitment to safeguarding and promoting children's welfare. This will show that you're not just interested in the job, but also in creating a safe and supportive environment for the kids.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for working with children shine through. Share specific examples of how you've engaged kids in activities before. Whether it’s sports, arts, or drama, demonstrating your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle various situations with children. Think of examples where you've successfully managed behaviour or created engaging activities. Practising these scenarios can help you respond confidently and effectively during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the camp's approach to inclusion and how they support staff in delivering activities. This shows that you're genuinely interested in the role and want to contribute positively to the team.