Become a children’s centre volunteer

Volunteer today Could you be a volunteer?

What is a volunteer? A volunteer is someone who gives their time and commitment free of charge to help out at their local children’s centre. Volunteers are an important and valued part of our children’s centres, as they help us to deliver services and to reach out to families within the local community.

Why volunteer for us? Volunteering work gives you the opportunity to give something back to your local community, but it can also offer you the chance to: • help families and feel valued • meet new people • gain new skills and experiences • develop your career by boosting your CV • access training courses

Who can be a volunteer? Anyone who is enthusiastic, has some time to give and wants to make a difference to people within their local community.

Volunteers also need to be prepared to have a DBS check also known as a police check and attend training.

How to become a volunteer Anyone interested in becoming a children’s centre volunteer needs to complete an expression of interest form. These are available from any children’s centre or by emailing: E: [email protected] Volunteering roles We have a variety of voluntary roles available across all children’s centres. Volunteers are currently involved in:

• helping with ‘stay and plays’ • recruiting parents • preparing snacks and washing • leaflet drops up • befriending service • registering families • reception duties • signposting families to groups and other services • writing newsletters • meet and greet families • advisory board • gardening

Volunteer training course

We offer volunteers a four day training programme, accrediated through the National Open College Network (NOCN). We also provide a free créche, helping volunteers with young children access training. Volunteers will study eight modules specific to volunteering in a children’s centre. These consist of: • the role of the volunteer • equality and diversity • values, attitudes and boundaries • safeguarding • community involvement • domestic abuse awareness • listening skills

On completion of the course volunteers will also have access to additional training and informal drop-in meetings. Children’s centres Children’s centres offer services to all families with children up to the age of 8 years, living in the borough. They provide advice, guidance and support on many aspects of raising children and family life.

There are activities on offer for parents and carers to enjoy with their children such as ‘stay and play’ where they can play and learn together, whilst also meeting with other parents and children The sessions are led by qualified staff who are always on hand to listen and offer support if needed.

Children’s centres work closely with the Health Visiting Team and school nurses. Health visitor clinics are held in the children’s centres along with breastfeeding advice and post natal support.

Maidenhead Hub Windsor Hub Riverside Children’s Centre Lawns Children’s Centre West Dean, off Ray Mill Road West Imperial Road, Windsor SL4 3RU SL6 7JB The Manor Youth Centre Larchfield Children’s Centre Hanover Way, Windsor SL4 5NW Bargeman Road, Maidenhead SL6 2SG Poppies Children’s Centre Maidenhead Nursery Site Kenneally, Broom Farm Estate Windsor School Lane, off Harrow Lane Maidenhead SL4 4XP SL6 7PG Little Cygnets Pinkneys Green Youth and Community Datchet St Mary’s CofE, The Green, Datchet Centre SL3 9EJ Bleinham Road, Maidenhead SL6 5HE Little Cygnets Woodlands Park Village Site Eton Wick CofE First School, Manifold Way, Maidenhead SL6 3GW Sheepcote Road, Eton SL4 6JB T: 01628 685642 Little Cygnets Old Windsor Youth and Community Centre, Robin Willis Way, Old Windsor SL4 2P South Ascot Church Hall Church Road, Ascot SL5 9DP T: 01753 582564