FAQs
You could be a …
Playworker
To assist the professional staff in all aspects of the supervision of children and delivery of inclusive, educational and recreational opportunities at Kids’ City both indoors and out.
PA to the CEO
To provide administrative support to the CEO and some services to all departments and particularly help to appraise the internal, inter-departmental communications.
Sports Leader
To assist in the planning, organisation and delivery of sports and physical activities including sport festivals and intra/inter competitions.
Community Arts Leader
To plan, develop and deliver creative arts activities and special projects for groups of children. To enable children to develop their imaginations and access a range of arts ideas and techniques. This may include but is not limited to film, textiles, photography, drama, poetry, visual arts, creative writing, music and architecture.
Office Administrator
To assist with record keeping, updating staff and volunteer files. To assist with database input and general administration duties including filing, answering the telephones, photocopying and other office work.
Leaflet distributor
To undertake distribution of information about Kids’ City activities and opportunities, throughout the local area and the schools.
What else can I do?
Please call the Volunteers Programme Manager to discuss. We are always looking out for new and exciting ideas for the children!
There are also some opportunities to volunteer for projects and events. Please call for details.
What times does Kids’ City operate?
- BREAKFAST CLUB: 8am-9am (selected sites only)
- AFTER SCHOOL: 3pm-6pm
- HOLIDAY PLAYSCHEME: 8am-6pm (selected sites only)
Will volunteering affect my benefits?
It will not affect Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA) provided you:
1. Continue to take reasonable steps to find a job
2. Inform the benefits agency and JobCentre Plus that you are volunteering
3. Can take up work with one week’s notice or attend interview within 48 hours
There is no limit on the number of hours you can volunteer. Further information is available from the Citizens Advice Bureau on 0845 126 4264
Will you pay my expenses?
Kids’ City will reimburse volunteers’ travel expenses incurred travelling to and from the centres. All travel expenses should be claimed, with appropriate proof of payment, from the Centre Manager at the end of each week. Travel expenses cannot be claimed retrospectively.
Expenses which can be claimed per day:
- Travel by foot or bicycle: none
- Travel by bus or tram: up to £3.50 (maximum)
- Travel by tube or train: up to £6.70 (maximum)
- Travel by car: 40p per mile
Please help us use the charity’s resources effectively by using the cheapest form of travel.
We will give a lunch allowance of up to £3 per day, with appropriate proof of payment, if a volunteer spends 6 hours or more on site.
We are unable to meet the travel costs for travelling to and from training courses, as the training offered is free.
How do I volunteer during the holidays?
Please contact the Volunteers Programme Manager two weeks before the playscheme commences.
How do I access training?
Please make the Volunteers Programme Manager aware of any training you wish to attend.
What training is available to me as a volunteer?
AFTER 40 HOURS VOLUNTEERING
- Safeguarding Children
- First Aid
- Food Hygiene
- Health and Safety
- Inclusion
- Babysitting
- Assertiveness skills
AFTER 60 HOURS VOLUNTEERING
Delivering high quality activities
Managing positive behaviour
Level 2 Community Sports Leader Award
Community Arts Leader Award
AFTER 150 HOURS VOLUNTEERING
NVQ2 in Playwork (accredited by CACHE) – as approved by Centre Manager and Training Co-ordinator
What do I need to do if I cannot make it to the site?
1. Ring the Kids’ City absence line on 020 8683 9604 by 11am on the day
OR
2. Ring the Volunteers department on 020 8683 9612 as soon as possible
How do I contact Kids’ City?
Head Office: 0870 756 0707
Direct Line: 020 8683 9612
E-mail: c.choong@kidscity.org.uk
Carolyn Choong, Volunteers Programme Manager