North Somerset Council • Weston-Super-Mare, North Somerset
About this 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
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.
Contact Information
For further information about the role, please contact the SENDCAS Team by email SENDCAS@n-somerset.gov.uk.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.