Who is this for?
School leavers, who will be available for part time work from September.
Location:
County Durham – who have groups at Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland, Spennymoor, Langley Park and Bearpark.
About Us
Learning a New Way CIC is a not-for-profit organisation that runs engaging activity sessions for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Our aim is to create a safe, inclusive, and fun environment where everyone can take part, build confidence, and make friends.
Role Purpose
We’re looking for enthusiastic and reliable students (aged 16 or over by 31 August 2025) to join our friendly team. You’ll help support our weekly children’s groups and may have the chance to work extra shifts in our popular holiday clubs.
No experience is needed; we provide training and ongoing support. If you have knowledge of SEND, that’s a bonus, but a positive attitude, patience, and willingness to learn are most important.
Key Responsibilities
- Help children take part in games, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and outdoor play.
- Support group leaders in setting up and running activities.
- Encourage inclusion and help children feel safe and welcome.
- Be aware of and follow safeguarding and safety procedures.
- Assist with tidying and resetting the space after activities.
Skills & Qualities We’re Looking For
- Friendly, approachable, and reliable.
- Willing to learn and follow guidance from experienced staff.
- Able to work well with others and communicate clearly.
- Patient and understanding with children of different abilities.
- Knowledge or awareness of SEND (desirable, but not essential).
What We Offer
- Full training before you start, plus ongoing support.
- A friendly and welcoming team.
- Experience working in children’s activities and SEND support — great for CVs and future careers.
- Opportunities for extra hours during school holiday clubs.
- Pay is NMW for 16/17yrs and hourly rate includes holiday pay.
Requirements
- You must be 16 by 31 August 2025.
- You may be studying health & social care, childcare, teaching assistant or sports coaching, or just be looking to work with children in the future.
- Able to commit to set weekly group times.
- Willing to complete basic safeguarding & other induction training.
- DSB will need to be applied for using our internal service, the cost will be covered.
Job commencement
All positions will be to start early September and continue for the next two academic years, for the right candidates.
Job Types: Part-time, Zero hours contract
Pay: £8.50 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Discounted or free food
- Employee mentoring programme
Application question(s):
- This job involves working with children and young people with SEND - mostly autism, ADHD & GDD. All work will be with experienced, adult staff, but you must be prepared for children who are non-speaking, possibly mild challenging behaviours, and may have toileting needs (for which you will not be responsible). The groups can be hard work, but are very rewarding and you gain invaluable experience for working with children later in your career. Can you please confirm you are aware and prepared for this?
- This work will happen outside school hours only, to include weekend and school holidays. Can you confirm you will be available to work at these times?
Work Location: In person