Classroom Assistant

Barnardo’s is committed to providing ‘Better Outcomes for More Children’. Our children’s services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children’s services and help make a real difference. **Classroom Assistants** support teachers by providing additional support in the classroom to ensure children and young people can fully participate in learning opportunities. Classroom Assistants provide an invaluable role in ensuring children and young people with special educational needs or additional needs can access learning and reach their potential. Midlands ETS (Employment Training and Skills) is based in Chelmsley Wood and delivers a study programme for 16 to 19 year olds, or up to 24 years old if they have an Educational Health Care Plan. This is a full time course delivered throughout the normal academic year. Learners choose whether they want to work towards a business support qualification or health & social care qualification. They are also able to improve on their English and math functional skills, and if eligible also able to work towards their GCSE’s English and Math. As well as the study programme, Midlands ETS also works closely with local schools, supporting 15+ year olds who have fallen out of education. We are looking for people with a good level of English and Maths, as well as excellent communication skills and the ability to break down complex subjects into understandable and easy activities.
Barnardo's protects, supports and nurtures the UK's most vulnerable children. Barnardo's helps bring out the best in children – no matter who they are or what they have been through. Our volunteers help make this happen.

• Tasks: Helping with activities in the classroom on an individual, small group or whole class basis.
  Preparing the physical environment for lessons and clearing away after classes.
  Giving extra help to complete tasks to individual children and young people with special educational needs, additional needs or where English isn’t their first language.
  Adapting teaching materials to meet the needs of individual children and young people.
  Motivating and encouraging children and young people to get involved in classroom activities.
  Assisting with organising events and trips that support learning.
  Helping to assess work and providing feedback to children and young people.
  Keeping records of learning as directed by the teacher.
  Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.
  Participating fully in training and supervision.
  Volunteering within Barnardo's Values and Behaviours

• Skills: Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.
  Approachable and welcoming.
  Preferably have experience within a classroom setting or a good understanding of how to deliver lessons effectively.
  Good literacy and numeracy skills, along with excellent written & verbal communication skills.
  The ability to communicate and engage with children and young people.
  The ability to think creatively and adapt to the individual needs of children and young people.
  Enthusiasm, patience, understanding and an open-minded approach.

• Benefits: Full induction and training.
  Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role.
  Regular supervision and support.
  Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance.
  Access to the Barnardo’s internal vacancy listing.
  Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children’s charity.

Disclaimer: We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the role exactly, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on volunteering@barnardos.org.uk or call us on 0208 498 7320