Information

                                                           Volunteer Creche Worker 

CrossReach Counselling East provides a wide range of therapeutic support and counselling for individuals, couples and children. Our registered Care Inspected crèche operates over two Edinburgh city centre sites.

Volunteers can support our Creche team as they care for little ones from birth to pre-school while their parent attends their weekly appointment.

Our crèche sessions run Tuesday – Thursday and are usually 60 – 90 minutes long with an interval after, for cleaning and reflections as a team.

We run several parent and baby groups including Stay and Play and Infant Massage. These groups are led by our fully qualified senior crèche workers and offer clients opportunities for peer support, socialising and bonding with their baby. These are very popular and are often used by families who are on the Perinatal service’s waiting list.

As a volunteer, you will play an important role working alongside staff to support parents as they drop their babies off at Creche. You will work together with staff to care for and engage babies and small children in meaningful play throughout sessions.  All our volunteers are expected to join in with crèche jobs, including the setting up of activities and cleaning at the end of each crèche session.

 

We are looking for volunteers who:

• enjoy working with infants, preferably with previous experience
• having an understanding of our services and can show sensitivity towards the families they meet
• have a variety of availability – from 1 day a week to twice a month, we have something to suit all
• are reliable and willing to commit to this role

The application process involves an interview, 2 references (not necessarily from an employer), completion of a self-declaration form and PVG Disclosure. Successful applicants will be required to attend mandatory induction and regular training throughout the course of their volunteering.

Main Function

MAIN FUNCTION

Volunteer Crèche Workers will support staff to provide a welcoming, safe, secure and stimulating environment for children aged 0-5 whose parents are attending our Counselling Services. To support and nurture each child as an individual. Where appropriate and requested to do so, to implement and follow the guidelines as set out by the Care Inspectorate and our workplace policies and procedures. To help Creche staff to create an overall sense of fun and learning with all children.

 

Main Duties

1. To support Crèche staff to provide a safe, warm and stimulating environment for the babies and young children of parents attending Counselling Services.

 

2. Seek to support parents in a spirit of grace, humility and compassion being sensitive and aware of their feelings.  

 

3. To be understanding around last minute Volunteer shift changes.

 

4. To ensure they are adhering to CrossReach’s policies, processes and procedures including Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Fire Regulations, GDPR and Care Inspectorate Guidelines.  

 

5. Support with Creche’s high standards of cleaning and hygiene practices.

 

6. To support and contribute with the whole crèche team in developing the potential of the Crèche.

 

7. To be able to volunteer alongside staff effectively to support the babies and parents. Effective communication skills are key.

 

8. Complete any in-house Volunteer training and development as requested by the Creche manager.

 

Personal

This post requires you to be a member of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme and undertake the necessary vetting checks.

Skills and Abilities

EXPERIENCE & SKILLS

Desirable:

• Applicants who are interested in developing a career in Child care or who,
• have previous (paid or unpaid) experience of working with pre-school aged children
• Have a warm, mature and sensitive approach.
• Experience of working with parents and children