Volunteering with us - looking for kind and special people can join our team!
At Ottery Secret Garden we pride ourselves on offering the very best experiences to all children who visit. We plan our activities down to the tiniest detail and we build great and lasting relationships with the children and their families. That's what makes us stand out from all other similar providers. The personal touch. We never compromise on anything, and we are really proud of the reputation we have built over the past year.
Ottery Secret Garden began as School Holiday provision, but we soon realized that we were so much more than that. As Environmental Education Specialists we have been offering an education in the natural world. And with that in mind we are now known for what we really do - offering Environmental Education workshops during the school holidays to children who wish to connect with the natural world and learn all sorts of skills - a bit Environmental Ed-ish, very History/Archaeological biased, a bit 'Forest Schooly', a bit Camp Fire-esque and very creative - in fact all the best bits that outdoor education can offer.
Due to increasing popularity and not wanting to disappoint children who so look forward to our workshops, we have decided to extend our provision and offer more days. And that is where you may fit in.
We are prepared to consider volunteers with some experience working with children, who perhaps have a particular skill/interest/talent they can share with us here, but who, most of all, can work in the same way as us. Putting the children first. Not being worried about when lunchtime is, taking breaks 'as and when', someone who can both run an activity on their own or be responsible for a small group of children while they participate in what we have organized for them. People, also, who love animals and share our outlook on life.
Ottery Secret Garden is run from our home in the heart of Ottery. As such we keep a good deal of order throughout the day. Children are here to learn about and enjoy the natural world. They respect the need to participate with their group, and we spend as much time as possible outside. We have 2 camp fires, a large barn, 3 separate walled garden areas, a stream and quite a menagerie including chickens and a beautiful pet piggy.
We would consider someone who is prepared to volunteer for shifts, on various days, for various hours during the school holidays. The role we are offer is closest to 'Environmental Education Assistant' - similar to the role of a Teaching Assistant, working with small groups of children aged between 4 and 14 on planned and agreed activities.
Own transport is not necessary, but we will expect good timekeeping - we never want to let the children down. What is really important to us is loyalty, honesty and a caring yet firm disposition.
It is hard to say how many shifts will be offered - this will be decided in negotiation with successful candidates. Please look at our dates page to see when we are running.
You will be subject to an Enhanced CRB check, and all qualifications and references will be checked out. You will be required to access the free online Child Protection and Safeguarding training and you may like to get involved in some of our planning in order to make the days run perfectly.
If you are interested in joining our fabulous team please send a CV, a covering letter and details of 2 referees, to:
Jules Corkhill Wardens House The College Ottery St Mary Exeter EX11 1DQ