Family Group Assistant

Home-Start Watford and Three Rivers

Hours of work:
9 hours per week, term time only at the following times and locations:
Tuesday – 09:30-12:30 South Oxhey
Wednesday – 09:30-12:30 Leavesden
Thursday – 09:30-12:30 Borehamwood
Plus 2 hours per month in our Central Watford office, during term time, for planning, preparation and
supervision

Purpose of the role
 To support the Family Group Coordinator to work in partnership with parents to strengthen parental
capacity and family relationships, and to increase parental engagement in their local community and in
their children’s education. Maintaining a high standard of Early Years practice in supporting families
within the Home-Start model and ethos.
 Support the effective planning and delivery of family groups in 3 locations across our catchment area.
 To contribute to the effective day to day operation of the charity in accordance with the Home-Start
Memorandum & Articles of Association, Home-Start Standards & Methods of Practice, Home-Start
Agreement and Quality Assurance Standards.
Main Responsibilities
Support for families
 Ensure groups are welcoming, inclusive and empowering for all families who attend.

Job description
 Supporting the 121 childcare delivered by volunteers for the children of parents attending our
Counselling Service that runs alongside our 3 Family Groups.
Group work
 Preparing before the group by: choosing appropriate toys from the outside stores; moving them
into the room; putting out tables and chairs from storage; setting up the room and the planned
craft activity.
 Encouraging parents to be involved with their children’s play.
 Leading story and singing time.
 Preparing healthy snacks and encouraging parents to be involved with snack time.
 Packing away all toys and activities after the session, and ensuring the room is left clean and tidy.
Data Management and Reporting
 Complying with monitoring & evaluation procedures used by the Family Group Coordinator
Person Specification
ESSENTIAL
 Minimum 2 years’ experience of caring for children under 5.
 Understanding of babies’ and children’s needs and healthy development.
 A commitment to supporting families with empathy and compassion.
 Use of a car and full driving licence.
 Knowledge of the importance of safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.
DESIRABLE
 Experience of working with or supporting vulnerable families
 Early Years qualification
You may be required to undertake any other duties that fall within the nature of the role and
responsibilities of the post as detailed above. There may be an opportunity to be paid for additional hours
during school holidays to cover additional activities.
Home-Start Watford and Three Rivers is committed to safer recruitment practice as an important part of
safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults.