Key Volunteer – Under 5s groups
Volunteers are needed twice monthly on Tuesdays 9.45am -11.45am and/or weekly on Fridays 9.45am-11.45am.
Our under-5s programme allows little ones and their grown up to get stuck into all things Farm. Taking place on our main site and within our beautiful roundhouse garden, children engage with collecting eggs, holding and feeding animals, and enjoying a free flow of activities suited to their interests. For some, the group provides an early intervention at a key point in their development, supporting their language, physical confidence and social/emotional skills. Run by experienced staff, we work with children with a wide variety of interests and needs and as such, quality Key Volunteers can have a really positive impact on the group.
Volunteers are needed twice monthly on Tuesdays 9.45am -11.45am and/or weekly on Fridays 9.45am-11.45am.
Role description: To Assist the Farm Education Coordinator (Early Years and Primary) in the day-to-day running of the Under 5s groups (Little Farmers, Farm Tots). The role will work closely with Farm Staff including CYP Programme Manager.
Key duties:
- Assist the Farm Education Coordinator (Early Years and Primary) in the delivery of the group sessions, following given tasks and using initiative to complete regular tasks needed each week such as preparing regular resources and setting up the Roundhouse.
- Following instructions from the Farm Education Coordinator to take small groups of children, together with their parent/carer, to feed animals and/or handle animals safely (training provided).
- To support the Farm Education Coordinator to ensure that all children are present in the group, engaged and participating safely.
- Following instructions from the Farm Education Coordinator to supporting small groups of children to carry out tasks or activities e.g. simple gardening, making crafts.
- Make sure things are kept tidy, organised and well looked after.
- Make sure all tools, equipment and materials are put away and the site is left tidy after activities.
- Make sure that children in your group know where the correct equipment and resources are to complete a task (such as animal feed, craft materials, gardening resources etc) and are supervised appropriately.
- If needed, demonstrate how to complete a job. E.g how to collect the eggs, plant seeds, etc. (volunteer will always be provided with guidance beforehand if unsure how to do this).
- Present a positive image of the farm to the public.
- Work to a high standard of health and safety practices ensuring you wear the correct PPA equipment for all tasks.
- Attend training as required.
- Work within agreed policies and procedures, helping ensure high standards of practice on the farm.
- To model to children and their parent/carer a positive attitude towards undertaking new challenges.
- With support from the Farm Education Coordinator, to support children to improve
their social skills, for example taking turns and sharing.
To contribute to an environment in which children and their parent/carer feel safe and able to share that which is troubling them and feel that it will be dealt with responsibly. - Outdoor work:This role requires work outside in all seasons of the year. Ability to perform tasks of a physical nature, including lifting and kneeling; and to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions (heat, humidity, cold) is required.
- Work with animals:This role will involve some animal husbandry, for example handling of some animals, preparing food and bedding.
As a key volunteer you will be supervised by the Farm Education Coordinator and other key staff. You will be offered training in health and safety and any other topics appropriate to the role.
You must inform the farm if you are unable to attend prior to the session and must have an up-to date DBS check.
Training requirements
Safeguarding Boundaries
Animal care
Health and Safety as relates to animal tasks