Special Educational Needs Champion (Gateshead)

Barnardo’s is committed to providing ‘Better Outcomes for More Children’. Our children’s services volunteers help the charity to deliver essential services in local communities, providing support to over 300,000 children, young people and their families. This role provides a great opportunity to join our fantastic children’s services and help make a real difference. **Barnardo’s SEN Champions** provide information, advice and support to children/young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and the parents/carers. **Barnardo’s SEN Champions** will be part of Barnardo's Gateshead Special Education needs and disability Information and Advice Service (SENDIAS), providing information, advice and support to children/young people with Special Educational Needs (SEN) and their parents/carers. You will support parents and young people to understand the SEN system and assist them to complete their views forms. The role will also involve liaising with schools, colleges and professionals. A key part of the role is providing a listening ear to parents, children and young people, and offering impartial advice. We are looking for volunteers who are excellent communicators, with some knowledge of special educational needs or a willingness to learn. Ideally volunteers will commit to at least six months to help us provide a consistent service. We are looking for volunteers who are excellent communicators and looking to make a difference in the lives of children and young people with special educational needs and their families.
Barnardo's protects, supports and nurtures the UK's most vulnerable children. Barnardo's helps bring out the best in children – no matter who they are or what they have been through. Our volunteers help make this happen.

• Tasks: Helping children, young people and parents, to understand the SEN system.
  
  Assisting parents to fill out forms, such as Statutory Assessment for an Education and Health Care Plans (EHCP).
  
  Providing impartial information and guidance about the SEN system and processes.
  
  Liaising with schools or colleges and professionals on behalf of children, young people and parents.
  
  Organising and accompanying children, young people and parents to meetings and visits to prospective new schools or colleges.
  
  Providing emotional/moral support for children, young people and parents, while maintaining an appropriate volunteer/service user rapport.
  
  Encouraging children, young people and parents to access resources, groups and activities within their local community, such as after school activities, youth groups, and sports clubs.
  
  Signposting service users to other agencies and services where necessary.
  
  Adhering to Barnardo's policies and procedures at all times, including Barnardo's: Safeguarding; Equality, Diversity and Inclusion; Health & Safety; Data Protection; Confidentiality; Recording policies and procedures.
  
  Participating fully in training and supervision.
  
  Volunteering within Barnardo's Basis and Values.

• Skills: Some knowledge of the Special Educational Needs system or a willingness to learn.
  
  Reliable, punctual and trustworthy.
  
  Approachable and welcoming.
  
  Good literacy skills.
  
  Good communication skills with empathy, patience and understanding.
  
  Good IT skills and be computer literate.

• Benefits: Full induction and training.
  
  Other training opportunities relevant to the volunteer role.
  
  Regular supervision and support.
  
  Out of pocket expenses agreed in advance.
  
  Access to the Barnardo’s internal vacancy listing.
  
  Our volunteers tell us about lots of other benefits of volunteering including; experience of working with children, young people and families; experience for your CV; supporting your local community; meeting new people; increasing self-confidence; feeling like you are making a difference; improving your health and wellbeing; and a chance to contribute to a worthwhile children’s charity.

Disclaimer: We look to recruit a diverse range of volunteers. If your skills don't fit the role exactly, please do not let this put you off as we are able to be flexible with most of our roles. If you are unable to apply online through the link on this page, please contact the Barnardo's Volunteering Team on volunteering@barnardos.org.uk or call us on 0208 498 7320