The role
This role is to:
- assist library staff and volunteers with a programme of activities for children
- to join in a range of structured children’s activities which will include:
- bounce and rhyme
- craft and storytime
- colouring
- board games
- LEGO construction
- quizzes
This role is suitable for you if:
- you're enthusiastic about encouraging children’s learning, play and development
- you're looking for experience in helping with young children’s activities
- you want to help children’s and parents’ participation in libraries
- you're a parent, grandparent or are looking for a career in working with children
As a children's activities helper you will be:
- helping prepare for children and toddler activities in advance of sessions, including preparing craft materials and setting out equipment
- welcoming children and parents as they arrive
- helping with refreshments if provided
- helping clear equipment and materials at the end of sessions
- joining in with singing of rhymes, songs and dance movements as appropriate
- making sure charges and donations are taken, where appropriate
Required skills, experience, interests and knowledge
You will need:
- reliability and the ability to make a regular commitment to the library
- clear communication skills
- a patient and sympathetic attitude
- enjoyment in assisting children and their parents or carers
- enjoyment in encouraging children to take part in activities
- the ability to join in and share songs, stories and crafts
- the ability to manage physical activities with children
- an interest in children’s play and development
Benefits of volunteering
By volunteering in this role, you will get:
- new skills, experience and knowledge of helping with children’s learning, play and development
- a boost to your communication skills and confidence
- friends and social contact
- evidence for your CV
- reference for future employment
Commitment
We would appreciate a commitment for at least 12 months.
Location
This role will be based at one of Bracknell Forest’s libraries. This will be agreed between you and the library supervisor.
Travel
No travel is expected for this role. If needed, volunteers can ask for reimbursement of reasonable expenses for travel.
Training and support
You will receive the following training:
- induction, safety, safeguarding, general information about libraries
- confidentiality awareness
- opportunities to learn about child development
You will receive the following support:
- regular contact with the library supervisor and volunteer coordinator
- support from library staff to understand and undertake role
- opportunity to meet with other volunteers
The volunteering process
First, register your interest with Bracknell Forest library service.
We will then send you an application form to fill in.
You will also need to:
- attend at a short, informal interview/meeting
- give us details of 2 references
We will process the required Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Scheme check for you for free.
After making an application
If your volunteering application is successful, once we have your references and a satisfactory DBS check, we will agree your training and session start dates and times for your role.