0-5yrs Preschool Playgroup Volunteers needed!

We run a weekly play session popularly known as 'Toddler Church' which is free, engaging and loaded with accessible activities that help children to thrive, develop and have fun. 

Time Commitment: This is a flexible volunteer role. To get the most out of the experience, we would recommend attending at least two sessions per month as a reasonable expectation.

Why we need your help: Christ Church Erith offer a safe space for children aged 0-5 to play and interact with each other freely. We offer parents and carers a supportive place to get help and advice and to interact with others.

Purpose of the role: Your role will involve engaging with the children ages 0-5 and their parents/carers to encourage them to play The sessions are every week on a Tuesday from 9:00am-10.30am (dates may differ due to holidays/half terms but we will make sure that session dates are communicated in advance)

Tasks and activities

• Playing with children aged 0-5 in a ‘Stay and Play’ environment.
• Encourage the children to join in group songs and Bible story for the final 15 minutes of the session.
• Helping with setting up and packing away the toys at the start/end of the session.
• Why Volunteer with us? Christ Church Erith would not be what it is without the volunteers who support our work, and we want to ensure that all our volunteers gain just as much from their volunteering journey as they put into the charity.

Here’s what you’ll get in return for supporting us:

• We will provide job/character references to volunteers after a reasonable period of volunteering with us.
• We will give you opportunities to access other roles within the charity to help you broaden your skills.
• You will have the opportunity to use your skills in many creative ways
• We will provide you with ongoing feedback and support to enable you to reach your full potential at Christ Church Erith, and you will receive access to a virtual training portal with additional resources.
• We will organise fun social events where you can meet other volunteers.
• All Christ Church Erith's volunteers are asked to observe the Volunteer Agreement. 

As a volunteer with Christ Church Erith you can expect:

• To be a part of a unique and evolving charity that is providing a valuable service to children and young people in community.
• To be introduced to how the organisation works and your role within it.
• A supportive and reciprocal environment that ensures a positive experience for you as a volunteer.
• To be invited to volunteer at special events and fundraising activities.
• To be treated fairly and equally with dignity and respect, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.
• A safe and healthy environment for you to volunteer in.
• Any problems or complaints to be investigated quickly and resolved fairly.
• Recognition for your efforts and successes – celebrating achievements and rewarding loyalty and dedication.
• To receive, if required, a reference after a reasonable time of volunteering.

Our expectations of volunteers:

• To maintain and uphold the reputation and good name of the charity.
• As we are a Christian charity, bible stories and songs are part of our circle time, and since we welcome volunteers from any faith, volunteering with us will mean that you are comfortable with this fact.
• To treat other volunteers, staff and service users fairly and with dignity, and to respect everyone equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender or gender identity, age, (dis)ability, religion or sexual orientation.
• To ensure appropriate levels of confidentiality and data protection are upheld.
• To uphold our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy. This includes reporting any concerns you have about the safety and wellbeing of the children to the coordinator as soon as possible.
• To adhere to all health and safety instructions.
• To be punctual and reliable when attending sessions and inform the coordinator via phone call as soon as possible if you are unable to attend.
• To attend at least 2 sessions per month for at least 6 months.
• To bring energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn to all sessions.

What skills do I need?

Empathy, Communication, Patience, Problem Solving, Positivity, Sense of Humour, Teamwork, Collaboration, Working With Children.