Volunteer | Smiles of Quorn

Volunteer with us!

An Introduction to Smiles of Quorn

Smiles of Quorn Ltd is an Out of School Club that is fully insured and Ofsted registered (URN: 2520112) , set up in response to a growing demand from working parents for a safe, happy and stimulating childcare environment.

Smiles of Quorn was founded as a Breakfast and After School Club in 2018. Since then Smiles of Quorn has continued to grow from strength to strength, and in the summer of 2023 we launched our first ever holiday club. Following the success of that launch, we have expanded our setting to now be a Breakfast, After School & Holiday Club!

Smiles of Quorn is led by Rachel, the club's award winning owner and manager. Rachel is supported by a team of caring, enthusiastic and passionate Playleaders, Playworkers and Play Assistants at the club. Together our team have a wealth of experience working with children and all staff undertake professional development training whilst at the club, including a Safeguarding Qualification and Prevent Training as a minimum. All staff members have appropriate Enhanced DBS checks.

Smiles of Quorn is based in the village, just a healthy walk away from St.Bartholomew’s Church of England Primary School, within the newly refurbished, modern and fantastic facilities at The Deep End, Rawlins Academy. Research shows that 4 out of 5 children are not getting enough exercise and at Smiles we see this walk to and from school as a great positive. Just a short walk like this can help improve your child’s mood, self-esteem and energy whilst keeping them healthy. We also note the importance of the children not feeling the club is a continuation of their school day, the change of setting helps welcome the children into the relaxed and safe environment where they can play and socialise. We also feel the lovely modern setting, with all its great outdoor facilities will benefit the children greatly .

As a breakfast and after school club we follow the Playwork Principles, offering the children a free choice and independence whilst still providing a range of adult led activities. Children will have the opportunity to engage in a range of activities including arts and crafts, construction, small world play, sports, quiet areas, book clubs, board games, literacy and numeracy zones, karaoke, dance, yoga and mindfulness. Children also have access to outstanding outdoor facilities with courts, fields and a den building area. We are always taking on board children’s comments and any suggestions to ensure all children enjoy the activities we have to offer.

At Smiles of Quorn, we understand the importance of healthy eating and therefore we provide a wide range of healthy and tasty breakfast and snacks for the children and always make fresh fruit, vegetables and salad available. We use fresh ingredients and follow statutory food hygiene guidelines, something that has been recognised by our achievement of a 5 star food hygiene rating at both of our previous inspections.

We strive to be an out of school childcare provider with a difference. Children are at the heart of absolutely everything we do at Smiles of Quorn and we recognise each child as an individual with many diverse talents and skills. We want children to be truly happy and content in our setting so that their parents/carers feel confident that their child is well looked after and enjoys the club.

Our Core Values

Excellence: We work to not only meet but exceed expectations by demonstrating a passion and personal commitment to child-centred care.

Respect: We treat others how we would like to be treated. We value and celebrate individual differences and promote equal opportunities.

Integrity: We are trustworthy, honest and fair in all that we do. We put children at the heart of all decisions. We do what is right, because it is right.

Community: We treat our community like a family. We truly value our partnerships with parents, and enjoy working closely with other professionals too.

Commitment: We are committed to providing the very best for our families. We continuously reflect and develop to keep improving our provision.

Our Leadership and Management Team

Hear from Others

“I have really enjoyed volunteering with you and really appreciate you helping me out. Everyone has been so welcoming and supportive. Smiles is a really great breakfast and after school club, you do so much for the children and I have learnt a lot! Many thanks for your kindness and support Rachel.”

Sandra, Former Volunteer

“Joining Smiles of Quorn as a volunteer was the best decision for me. The volunteer year I did at Smiles enabled me to get work experience in a field that I had a previoofQuornus interest in. Whilst volunteering there I gained skills that I will use for the rest of my life in many different areas, such as teamwork, resilience and excellent communication skills. Under the management of Rachel I learnt so much about keeping the children safe and happy. The Smiles team is a lovely one of joy and encouragement of which I felt a part of so quickly, the team took me in and taught me all about their roles on the job. After volunteering for Smiles and growing with the team Rachel was kind enough to offer me a job as a Playworker which I cherished for a year before moving to University. Volunteering at Smiles is an excellent way to get work experience and a possible job opportunity in the future. Between the warm hearted staff and the bubbly children I would recommend the volunteering position.”

Francesca, Former Volunteer and Playworker

The Volunteer Role

As a volunteer, you will support activities at our fun and exciting after school club working with children aged 4-11. You will work alongside our experienced staff team to help us fulfil our commitment to providing high quality childcare. You will assist in the direct supervision of childcare; ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of all children attending the club. You will support children during snack time. You will assist our activity leaders to deliver a wide variety of activities helping the children learn new skills, increase confidence, and have a greater awareness of the world around them. You will have the opportunity to bring new ideas and could take the lead in delivering activities once you feel confident. You will provide a fun atmosphere where children can play, socialise and enjoy themselves safely through facilitating play in both the indoor and outdoor environment.

Benefits of our Volunteer Programme

Volunteering helps build skills and confidence. Volunteering is a really good way of testing out a particular career route; you are given a unique opportunity to experience what it is like working with children and young people. We have had many volunteers who, over the years, have progressed into paid employment with us and gone on to study childcare or teaching at university. Working with a group of children should be fun, and rewarding, for both you and the children. As a volunteer at Smiles of Quorn you will be assigned a personal supervisor who will be there to offer support and advice. They will meet with you regularly to discuss your volunteering work and deal with any issues that may arise. You will also be given free-access over 115 childcare related courses through our e-learning partners Flick Learning, to kickstart or boost your career in the childcare or early years sector. Most importantly, you will become part of our Smiles Family, working alongside our friendly and caring team!

Safeguarding

Smiles of Quorn is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

All posts are covered by the Childcare Act 2006 and are subject to receipt of a satisfactory enhanced DBS disclosure for a regulated activity and two reference checks.

Requirements

Good communication and listening skills.

Ability to relate to children in a positive manner.

Ability to maintain confidentiality at all times.

Ability to work as part of a team.

For more information, or to apply for a volunteering position, contact: info@smilesofquorn.co.uk