SEN Educational Assistant

Organisation Details
Hulme Community Garden Centre
Sub theme: Children, Culture, Disability, Education, Environment, Health and Wellbeing, Youth Work and Young People
Stellify Award: This opportunity is part of 'Make a Difference'
Organisation Description: Community gardens and garden centre - also woodworking and sustainable building.
Description of role: Education Support Volunteer (SEN Programme)
Organisation: Hulme Community Garden Centre
Role: Education Support Volunteer – SEN Programme
Location: Hulme Community Garden Centre, Manchester
Commitment: Fridays, 10:30am – 12:00pm (weekly, ongoing)
Start Date: Ongoing
About Hulme Community Garden Centre
Hulme Community Garden Centre is an award-winning community space that uses gardening, creativity and environmental learning to improve wellbeing, build skills and bring people together. We welcome people from all backgrounds and provide inclusive programmes that promote learning, confidence and social connection.
About the Role:
We are looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate Education Support Volunteer to join our weekly Special Educational Needs (SEN) group.
This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in education, psychology, occupational therapy, social work, arts, community development, healthcare or anyone looking to gain practical experience supporting inclusive learning.
Working alongside our experienced facilitator, an exhibited professional artist, you will help create a welcoming, engaging and supportive environment where participants can learn, explore creativity and build confidence.
What You'll Do:
Support the smooth running of weekly SEN sessions.
- Welcome participants and help create an inclusive and friendly atmosphere.
- Assist participants with activities where appropriate, encouraging independence and confidence.
- Prepare and serve refreshments throughout the session.
- Work closely with the session facilitator to support creative activities.
- Contribute ideas for future workshops and help develop new activities and approaches.
- Assist in setting up and packing away materials and equipment before and after each session.
- Help ensure the space remains safe, organised and accessible for all participants.
We're Looking For Someone Who Is:
- Friendly, patient and approachable.
- Passionate about supporting people with additional needs.
- A confident communicator who enjoys working as part of a team.
- Creative and willing to contribute ideas.
- Reliable and able to commit to a regular weekly session.
- Respectful of diversity and committed to creating an inclusive environment.
Previous experience working with people with SEN is welcome but not essential. We value enthusiasm, empathy and a willingness to learn.
What You'll Gain
By volunteering with Hulme Community Garden Centre, you will:
- Gain practical experience supporting adults with Special Educational Needs.
- Work alongside an exhibited artist delivering inclusive creative education.
- Develop communication, facilitation and teamwork skills.
- Build experience that strengthens applications for careers in education, health, community work and the creative industries.
- Become part of a welcoming community organisation making a positive difference in Manchester.
- Receive support and guidance from experienced staff throughout your volunteering journey.
Commitment
Day: Fridays
Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm
Frequency: Weekly, ongoing
We encourage volunteers who can make a regular commitment, helping to build meaningful relationships with participants and become a valued member of the team.
How to Apply
If you are enthusiastic about inclusive education, creativity and supporting your local community, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in helping create a positive, welcoming environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn, connect and thrive.
Organisation: Hulme Community Garden Centre
Role: Education Support Volunteer – SEN Programme
Location: Hulme Community Garden Centre, Manchester
Commitment: Fridays, 10:30am – 12:00pm (weekly, ongoing)
Start Date: Ongoing
About Hulme Community Garden Centre
Hulme Community Garden Centre is an award-winning community space that uses gardening, creativity and environmental learning to improve wellbeing, build skills and bring people together. We welcome people from all backgrounds and provide inclusive programmes that promote learning, confidence and social connection.
About the Role:
We are looking for an enthusiastic and compassionate Education Support Volunteer to join our weekly Special Educational Needs (SEN) group.
This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in education, psychology, occupational therapy, social work, arts, community development, healthcare or anyone looking to gain practical experience supporting inclusive learning.
Working alongside our experienced facilitator, an exhibited professional artist, you will help create a welcoming, engaging and supportive environment where participants can learn, explore creativity and build confidence.
What You'll Do:
Support the smooth running of weekly SEN sessions.
- Welcome participants and help create an inclusive and friendly atmosphere.
- Assist participants with activities where appropriate, encouraging independence and confidence.
- Prepare and serve refreshments throughout the session.
- Work closely with the session facilitator to support creative activities.
- Contribute ideas for future workshops and help develop new activities and approaches.
- Assist in setting up and packing away materials and equipment before and after each session.
- Help ensure the space remains safe, organised and accessible for all participants.
We're Looking For Someone Who Is:
- Friendly, patient and approachable.
- Passionate about supporting people with additional needs.
- A confident communicator who enjoys working as part of a team.
- Creative and willing to contribute ideas.
- Reliable and able to commit to a regular weekly session.
- Respectful of diversity and committed to creating an inclusive environment.
Previous experience working with people with SEN is welcome but not essential. We value enthusiasm, empathy and a willingness to learn.
What You'll Gain
By volunteering with Hulme Community Garden Centre, you will:
- Gain practical experience supporting adults with Special Educational Needs.
- Work alongside an exhibited artist delivering inclusive creative education.
- Develop communication, facilitation and teamwork skills.
- Build experience that strengthens applications for careers in education, health, community work and the creative industries.
- Become part of a welcoming community organisation making a positive difference in Manchester.
- Receive support and guidance from experienced staff throughout your volunteering journey.
Commitment
Day: Fridays
Time: 10:30am – 12:00pm
Frequency: Weekly, ongoing
We encourage volunteers who can make a regular commitment, helping to build meaningful relationships with participants and become a valued member of the team.
How to Apply
If you are enthusiastic about inclusive education, creativity and supporting your local community, we'd love to hear from you. Join us in helping create a positive, welcoming environment where everyone has the opportunity to learn, connect and thrive.
Skills / qualities associated with the role: Creative Skills, Customer Service, Practical Skills, Team Working
Are volunteer expenses available?: No
Duration of role: Ongoing / Long term
Opportunity times: Friday Morning
DBS required: Off
Can reasonable adjustments be made regarding additional needs?: Yes
Is this organisation part of the Sports Volunteering Scheme (SVS)?: No
Minimum hours commitment: 1.5
Location:
28 Old Birley St
Manchester
M15 5RG
