About the Organisation
Sutton Ecology Centre is a local nature reserve and environmental education hub bringing children and adults close to the natural world. Each year we work with 60+ schools and thousands of children at our events, giving them hands-on encounters with plants, minibeasts, and habitats that spark real curiosity and a lasting love of nature. The woodlands, meadow, ponds and gardens are a great place to explore and get lost in an oasis of calm amongst a bustling town.
What you will be doing
Woodpeckers is a weekly Parent & Toddler Group at Sutton Ecology Centre, running every Friday during school term time.
We are looking for an enthusitastic volunteer to help us run the group for the morning session.
During the group, we meet Woody the Woodpecker and there is a different theme each week linked to nature. We start with some free play with a mud kitchen and other nature play, followed by a story, a woodland walk, a snack,songs and lastly an activity or craft.
You will be helping with setting up and clearing away play equipment, running games and activities, setting up for craft time and snack time, and generally getting stuck in with the children.
What's in it for you?
- This is an ideal opportunity if you would like to gain more experience of working with young children.
- School term time only commitment and within school hours.
- A chance to work in a beautiful outdoor setting, working with a small team and having lots of fun with preschool children.
- On the job training from the London Borough of Sutton's Biodiversity Education Officer.
- If you have children they can attend all Sutton Ecology Centre events for free.
- A chance to attend volunteer events including: Free Winter Wreath Workshop in December, Summer Volunteer Picnic and Christmas Volunteer celebration.
What skills will you need?
- No experience necessary but needs to be hands on and enthusiastic!
- Ideal if you are looking for experience of working with young children.
- Ideal if you are looking for experience in environmental education.
- Ideal if you just want to do something valuable with your time and spend it outdoors.
- Need to have a good level of fitness as this is a very active role.
- Be prepared to work outdoors in all seasons and dress appropriatly.
What's the time commitment and where?
Time Commitment:
Friday mornings school term time only, 9am to 12 noon. You need to be able to commit to come every Friday during school term time (see here for Sutton School term dates)
Location:
Sutton Ecology Centre, off Festival Walk, Carshalton, SM5 3NY
(Next to Carshalton Ponds and Honeywood Museum, Carshalton. 157 and 127 bus routes, stop Carshalton Ponds. Short Walk from Carshalton train station.)
How can I apply?
Please complete the form below and we will put you in contact with the organisation. It’s helpful if you can tell us a little about yourself and why you’re interested in this role in the message box below.
By completing this form you agree for us to pass on your contact details to the organisation.