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 with opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with training and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while having fun and gaining experience.
- 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)
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.
1:1 support- Summer - Upminster 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 Upminster, you will be part of a vibrant community that prioritises the wellbeing of children while providing a fun and rewarding experience for all staff.
Contact Detail:
Barracudas Activity Day Camps Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 1:1 support- Summer - Upminster
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Barracudas! Familiarise yourself with their values and mission. When you show genuine enthusiasm for their commitment to safeguarding and supporting children, it’ll really shine through in your conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since the role involves interacting with children and parents, being able to express yourself clearly and confidently is key. Try role-playing scenarios with friends or family to get comfortable.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to share your experiences! Think of specific examples where you've supported children with additional needs. This will help you demonstrate your ability to adapt and provide the right support during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you can keep an eye on any updates or new opportunities that pop up at Barracudas.
We think you need these skills to ace 1:1 support- Summer - Upminster
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 much you care about making a positive impact on their lives.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, especially with children who have additional needs. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission at Barracudas!
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 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 get the ball rolling on your journey with Barracudas.
How to prepare for a job interview at Barracudas Activity Day Camps
✨Know the Role Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the 1:1 Support Staff role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they relate to supporting children with additional needs. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the position.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with children, especially those with additional needs. Prepare specific examples that highlight your ability to adapt support strategies, manage behaviour, and build positive relationships. This will show the interviewers that you have the skills they're looking for.
✨Emphasise Communication Skills
Strong communication is crucial in this role. During the interview, highlight your ability to communicate effectively with children, parents, and colleagues. Share examples of how you've used different communication methods, like visual aids or role play, to help children understand instructions and feel included.
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Safeguarding
Barracudas places a high priority on safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Be prepared to discuss your understanding of safeguarding policies and procedures. Share any relevant training or experiences that showcase your commitment to creating a safe and supportive environment for children.
