Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies 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 £526.31-£663.48 per week and gain valuable experience.
- 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.
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 - Croydon, London 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 - Croydon, London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, check out Barracudas' website and social media. Understanding their values and mission will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience working with children and how you can support them.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for working with kids! During the interview, share specific examples of how you've supported children in the past, especially those with additional needs. This will demonstrate your commitment to creating a safe and inclusive environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the position and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace 1:1 support - Summer - Croydon, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children shine through! We want to see that you genuinely care about making a difference in their lives, especially those with additional needs.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially with children who need extra support. We love seeing how you've adapted your approach in the past to meet individual needs, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your thoughts well. We appreciate a well-organised application that makes 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 role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Barracudas Activity Day Camps
✨Know Your Role
Make sure you understand the specific responsibilities of the 1:1 Support Staff role. Familiarise yourself with how to support children with additional needs and the importance of creating a safe, inclusive environment. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported children, especially those with additional needs. Highlight your communication skills and any strategies you've used to build positive relationships. This will demonstrate your capability and readiness for the role.
✨Understand Safeguarding Policies
Since safeguarding is a top priority, brush up on Barracudas' policies and procedures. Be ready to discuss how you would handle various situations to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the children. Showing that you take this responsibility seriously will impress the interviewers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the camp's approach to inclusion and support for children with additional needs. This not only shows your enthusiasm for the role but also helps you gauge if the camp's values align with yours. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers!