At a Glance
- Tasks: Support children with additional needs in fun, safe activities and help them build independence.
- Company: North Somerset Council, dedicated to creating an inclusive community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, local government pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and contribute to a fair and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on young lives while gaining hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: GCSE Maths and English or willingness to work towards it; experience with children is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
About Us
North Somerset Council is committed to providing high-quality services to our community. We are committed to creating a fair, green, and more inclusive environment for all our residents. Join us and contribute to making a positive impact on our community.
The Role
We are seeking enthusiastic, caring and reliable buddies to join our SENDCAS short breaks team. We are looking for individuals who can commit to working both during term time and school holidays. As a Buddy, you will work alongside Playworkers and Team Leaders to help create a safe, fun, and inclusive environment where children and young people with additional needs can relax, play, explore new activities and build independence. You will work as part of a supportive team to plan and deliver creative play and leisure activities during term-time sessions and school holidays. These run term time Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, and Saturday mornings. During the holidays, the activities run all week, for a full day.
This role is ideal if you are:
- Passionate about making a positive difference
- Looking for flexible work alongside study or other commitments
- Keen to gain hands‑on experience working with children and young people with SEND
Key Responsibilities
- Support children and young people with SEND to take part in fun, safe and stimulating activities
- Work as part of a supportive team to ensure high-quality care and supervision
- Respond sensitively to children’s emotional, physical and developmental needs
- Encourage independence, confidence and life skills
- Communicate effectively with children, parents/carers and colleagues
- Help create an inclusive environment where every child feels valued and respected
- Follow safeguarding, health & safety, equality and council policies at all times
- Attend mandatory training, supervisions and team meetings
- Commit to term time and holiday working
This position is exempt under the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions) Order 1975 and is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.
About You
We are looking for an individual who is passionate about supporting children with additional needs and who possesses the following skills and experience:
Essential Criteria
- Maths and English GCSE grade C or above, or equivalent (or must be prepared to work towards this within 12 months of start date).
- Experience (paid or voluntary) working with children or young people with additional needs
- An ability to record observations of children interests, participation and comply with any written procedures.
- Basic IT skills, e.g. Word, email
- Ability to work effectively as part of a dynamic, positive team.
- An ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with children and parents/carers is essential.
- Ability to engage with or experience of working with young people who have special needs, including challenging behaviour, medical conditions or physical disabilities.
- Understand and respect personal boundaries and responsibilities.
- Understanding of the impact of discrimination faced by disadvantaged groups.
- Ability to recognise and manage challenging situations in a calm and professional manner.
- Ability to work flexibly, creatively using own initiative and within policies and procedures.
- Willingness to undertake further training as necessary.
- Satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure certificate (arranged prior to a start date) and to sign up the DBS update service and maintain annual renewal.
Desirable Criteria
- Relevant childcare/early years, health and social care, LSA qualification
- Paediatric First Aid and Food and Hygiene certificate is desirable.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits
- Local Government Pension
- Opportunities for professional development
- Inclusive Staff groups including Carers, Disabled, LGBTQ+, REACH (Race, Ethnicity, and Cultural Heritage), and Young Staff Forums
- Dedicated in house Wellbeing Team
Equal Opportunities
At North Somerset Council we want all our employees to feel valued and appreciated. We aim to ensure equality of opportunity and prevent discrimination irrespective of your sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion or belief, race, age, disability, including neurodiversity, if you are married or in a civil partnership or are pregnant or currently on maternity leave. We strive to create a workplace that reflects the communities we serve and where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We reserve the right to close this advertisement early or extend the closing date depending on the number of applications received.
Buddy - Children & Young People SENDCAS in Weston-super-Mare employer: North Somerset Council
North Somerset Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a fair, green, and inclusive environment for all. As a Buddy in the SENDCAS short breaks team, you will enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises professional development and employee wellbeing, alongside competitive salaries and benefits. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people with additional needs while working in a community-focused setting that values diversity and empowerment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Buddy - Children & Young People SENDCAS in Weston-super-Mare
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research North Somerset Council and their values. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact in the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. This can give you insider info about the role and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to working with children and young people with SEND. Think about your experiences and how they align with the role, so you can share real-life examples that demonstrate your passion and skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to a fair and inclusive environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Buddy - Children & Young People SENDCAS in Weston-super-Mare
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for working with children and young people shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a positive difference in their lives!
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have, whether it's paid or voluntary. We’re looking for individuals who can connect with children with additional needs, so share those stories that showcase your skills!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your qualifications and experiences, as this will help us understand why you’d be a great fit for 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 ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Somerset Council
✨Know Your Role
Familiarise yourself with the Buddy role and its responsibilities. Understand how you can support children with additional needs and think about specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your passion and skills in this area.
✨Show Your Enthusiasm
During the interview, let your passion for working with children and young people shine through. Share stories that highlight your caring nature and commitment to making a positive difference in their lives.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle various situations with children, especially those with SEND. Think about past experiences where you’ve successfully managed challenging behaviours or supported a child’s independence.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the team and the work environment. Inquire about the types of activities you might be involved in or how the team supports each other in creating an inclusive atmosphere.
