Bright Path Learning Support Coach P1 - Volunteer in Harrow

Join to apply for the Bright Path Learning Support Coach P1 - Volunteer role at Blue Magpie Foundation.

Overview

Support children aged 5–11 who need extra help with reading, numeracy and confidence. As a remote Bright Path Coach, you’ll provide one-to-one guidance that helps young people from tough backgrounds feel seen, supported and able to thrive.

What difference will you make?

Volunteers are at the heart of our work, and this role has a direct, transformative impact on the young people we support. Many of the children referred to our Bright Path Programme have faced challenges far beyond their years. Some are growing up in homes affected by poverty, instability or trauma. Others are struggling at school because they have fallen behind in reading, writing or numeracy, and simply need patient, consistent attention that the classroom cannot always provide. For these children, having a stable adult who shows up every week is not only educational support – it is emotional safety, encouragement and a gentle reminder that they matter.

Your work as a Bright Path Coach strengthens our entire mission. Our organisation is committed to helping young people build confidence, resilience and a sense of possibility. When a volunteer steps in to guide a child through reading practice, explain a tricky maths concept, or simply ask how their day has been, it creates a moment of connection that children in difficult circumstances often lack. These moments accumulate; they lift attendance, improve well-being, and restore a sense of capability that carries over into school, home and friendships.

The support you offer also enables us to reach more children across the UK. Because the role is fully remote, we can match volunteers to learners who cannot access local support or live in areas with very limited provision. This means your involvement directly expands our reach and ensures we never have to turn away a child who needs help.

At an organisational level, your contribution strengthens our evidence base, improves outcomes, and enhances our credibility with referral partners, local authorities and funders. Each session you deliver becomes part of the wider story of how targeted, compassionate intervention can change a child’s educational path. This helps us secure further support, build new partnerships and continue growing the programme in a sustainable way.

Most importantly, your presence offers something that cannot be quantified by numbers alone. You give a young person belief – belief that they can learn, that they can improve, and that there is an adult who genuinely cares about their effort. For a child navigating hardship, this can be the turning point.

By volunteering with us, you are not only strengthening our organisation; you are shaping futures, restoring confidence, and contributing to a kinder, more hopeful path for the young people we serve.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who is calm, patient and genuinely committed to helping children who may be facing difficult circumstances. The ideal volunteer will have a natural warmth, steady communication style and the ability to make young learners feel safe, encouraged and understood.

• At least three years of experience in one of the following areas:

• Advice or advocacy
• Mentoring or coaching
• Social care or counselling
• Teaching, tutoring or education support
• Training or facilitation

This experience is essential, as many of our learners need guidance from someone who understands how to support children who may be anxious, easily discouraged, or carrying emotional weight from their home environment. The volunteer should also feel confident supporting primary-aged children with basic literacy and numeracy. You do not need formal teaching qualifications, but you should be comfortable explaining concepts simply, practising reading aloud, and helping children build confidence in their abilities.

Reliability is a key quality. These young people need someone who shows up consistently each week, builds trust gently, and helps them form positive learning habits. Compassion, good listening skills and the ability to stay calm if a child becomes overwhelmed are extremely important. Finally, we are looking for someone who understands the importance of safeguarding, boundaries and professionalism when working with vulnerable children. You should feel comfortable working remotely, using Zoom or similar platforms, and keeping brief notes after sessions. Above all, we want someone who believes in the potential of every child, and who is ready to play a small but meaningful part in helping them grow.

What will you be doing?

We are seeking dedicated volunteers who can offer steady, caring one-to-one remote learning support to primary-aged children who are struggling with literacy, numeracy and self‑confidence. Many of the children referred to us need more than help with schoolwork. They need a calm, patient adult who will meet them where they are, guide them gently, and show them that progress is possible. Your presence becomes a source of encouragement, stability and trust.

As a Bright Path Coach, you will meet weekly with a young learner online. Each session focuses on practical support reading together, practising phonics, building vocabulary, strengthening number skills and helping with homework tasks. You will model positive learning habits, celebrate small achievements, and help the child build the confidence to try challenges that once felt too difficult. Sessions are relaxed and child‑centred, giving space for reassurance when the learner is anxious, and praise when they meet a goal.

After each session, you will record a short reflection on what was covered and how the child responded. These brief notes help us monitor progress and tailor future support. You will never work alone; anything that worries you, or needs further attention, is passed on to our Programme Manager, who oversees safeguarding, wellbeing and family communication.