2018 Playscheme Volunteers

Role Description

The role involves working on our school holiday playschemes for children with learning disabilities aged 4 to 18. Each week is aimed at a particular age group (4-8 years; 9-13 years and 14-18 years). The playschemes run from 10am to 3pm, and each day there are planned activities including day trips (e.g. Yorkshire Wildlife Park, The Deep, sailing at Yeadon tarn), events at our base at the Vinery Centre or in a local school (e.g.mobile zoo, professional dance class, a disco ) and a range of activities and games (e.g.baking, painting, toys, games, outdoor activities). Each playscheme hosts up to 25 children per day. The children have a range of disabilities and support needs and we aim to offer a 1:1 or 1:2 children to adult ratio.

During 2018, our playschemes are running on the following weeks:

w/c 9th April(9-13 year olds)

w/c 29th May(14-18 year olds)

w/c 6th August(4-8 year olds)

w/c 13th August(9-13 year olds)

w/c 20th August(14-18 year olds)

w/c 29th October(4-8 year olds)

Purpose of the Role:

Volunteers are active participants at the playscheme, they take part and support children to participate in the activities ensuring that all the children enjoy their time at playscheme.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Interacting with children and young people at the playscheme
  • Initiating and setting up activities
  • Supporting and encouraging children to participate in activities
  • Supporting children and young people on the bus when going on trips
  • Following instruction from the group leader
  • Supporting young people with eating and drinking at lunch time
  • Assisting with tidying up at the end of the session
  • All staff and volunteers share responsibility for the welfare and safeguarding of group members

Skills/Knowledge/Attitude:

Volunteers need to be friendly and approachable, have plenty of energy and willing to get involved in the activities. The children have a range of support needs and volunteers will need to be adaptable and responsive to the children’s needs.

Commitment:

Volunteers should be able to offer the minimum of one week’s commitment, however it is preferable for volunteers to do as many days as possible at playschemes over the year.

This role requires volunteers to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. There is no cost to the volunteer for this. Details will be given upon induction.

Travel costs and additional expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

Leeds Mencap is an independent charity run by and for the people of Leeds.
Registered Charity Number: 1091809
Registered Offices: Leeds Mencap, The Vinery Centre, 20 Vinery Terrace, Leeds, LS9 9LU

Tel: 0113 235 1331 | Email: |Web: