Activity coordinator jobs

Are you passionate about creating positive opportunities for children and young people? Do you enjoy organising activities, building partnerships and helping families access the support they need?

Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) is seeking a dedicated and highly organised Youth Activities and Enrichment Coordinator to join our award-winning Bright Futures Children and Young People's Programme.

In this rewarding role, you will plan and coordinate engaging and inclusive educational, recreational and enrichment activities that help refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people build confidence, develop skills, improve wellbeing and feel connected to their local community.

Location: We have offices in Kingston Upon Thames, greater London.

Hours: 14 hours per week – 2 days a week* (including paid half-hour lunch break).

Salary:  £12,740 (FTE £31,850) for 2 years.

Leave: 26 days per annum Pro Rata plus bank holidays.

Starting Date October 2026.

Responsible to Head of Services/Family Support and Supplementary School Manager.

*The peak activity periods for this role happen during school half-terms, which means extra hours will be required during these times. In return, we offer full flexibility with Time Off in Lieu (TOIL), allowing you to reclaim your time outside of busy half-term periods. Afterschool club is currently on Wednesdays and you will be expected to attend in person until 6pm. 

Purpose of the Role

The Youth Activities and Enrichment Coordinator will play a key role in planning, coordinating, delivering and monitoring educational, recreational and enrichment activities as part of our award-winning Bright Futures Children’s and Young People’s Programme. Working closely with the Head of Services/Family Support and Supplementary School Manager, Primary Teacher, external partners and volunteers, the post holder will ensure the provision of engaging, inclusive and memorable opportunities. In addition, they will support the delivery of RAK Bright Futures After School Club and Supplementary School and contribute to education-related casework for children and young people and monitoring and evaluation of all above activity.

All staff are expected to adhere to the Equal Opportunities Policy of RAK at all times.

Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) is a well-established charity dedicated to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum from anywhere in the world who find themselves in the Royal Borough of Kingston and neighbouring boroughs. Since its foundation in 1991, RAK has been the main provider of direct services to refugees and people seeking asylum as well as promoting refugee rights.

RAK aims to support refugees through the process from their initial reception in the borough through to final integration into the local community in order to enable them to live a fulfilling life and become accepted and active participants in our local communities.  We achieve this by accomplishing a variety of outcomes for refugee and asylum-seeking families through delivering a holistic service including advice, information, counselling, education, training, and assistance to access mainstream services and employment opportunities to help them rebuild their lives.

What we can offer you

· Work in a highly respected organisation punching above its weight – providing quality support to around 1300 individuals and families a year.

· A friendly and supportive environment, with an experienced team of professional teachers, counsellors, solicitors and advisers working to quality standards.

· Flexible working.

· A committed community in South West London that supports RAK through volunteering, sharing information about our work, and donations.

· Generous annual leave.

· Paid 30 minute lunch break if working 6 or more hours per day.

Our values 

• Empathy: we put ourselves in the shoes of those we work with. 

• Enterprise: we are innovative and resourceful in our approach to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum. 

• Empowerment: we strive to empower our clients, helping them achieve their aspirations. 

Key Responsibilities

• Research, plan and coordinate holiday activities, trips and workshops that promote learning, wellbeing, community engagement and social inclusion.
• Develop and maintain relationships with activity providers, venues, schools, community organisations, cultural institutions and other partners to secure and coordinate activities, trips and enrichment opportunities.
• Manage invitations and registrations. Communicate with families regarding activities, permissions, travel arrangements and other relevant information.
• Organise the provision of lunches and refreshments through partnerships with local organisations and suppliers. Ensuring compliance with relevant food hygiene standards.
• Track project expenditure, process invoices, reconcile activity-related expenses, and maintain accurate budget records.
• Maintain records of attendance and activities. Administer questionnaires to monitor outcomes and obtain feedback to support evaluation and project reporting requirements.
• Take photos and prepare short commentary for social media whilst prioritising online safety of children and young people and ensuring all necessary permissions are in place.
• Deal sensitively with children, young people and families, identifying needs and making referrals to appropriate RAK services, external organisations and community opportunities. 
• Keep up to date with local community activities and services and ensure youth activities notice boards are regularly updated.
• Promote the welfare and safety of children and young people at all times.
• Adhere to RAK’s safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Conduct appropriate risk assessments and ensure health and safety requirements are met for activities and trips.
• Ensure compliance with data protection and confidentiality requirements.

Support Duties

• Support the delivery of RAK’s After School Club and Supplementary School programmes.
• Provide support to the Head of Services/ Family Support and Supplementary School Manager and Primary Teacher with education-related enquiries and casework.
• Support and work alongside volunteers involved in the delivery of Bright Futures.
• Ensure client details and case records are accurate, confidential and recorded on the RAK database and other relevant platforms.

Other duties and shared responsibilities

• Attend team meetings, training and other activities required to support the successful delivery of the programme.
• Represent RAK professionally with partners, stakeholders and the wider community.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required by the Head of Services/Family Support and Supplementary School Manager that are consistent with the nature of the role.
• Undertake other duties such as implementing cleanliness procedures, and assisting in fire practices.
• Implement Refugee Action Kingston’s Equal Opportunities, Confidentiality, Health and Safety and other policies in all areas of work.

Please note the duties outlined in this Job Description may be reviewed and amended from time to time.

Person specification

•  Experience of organising activity and enrichment programmes and events for children and young people.
•  Experience of working with children and young people at risk of violence or exploitation.
•  Experience of managing administrative processes and maintaining accurate records.
•  Experience of monitoring budgets and handling financial administration.
•  Experience of working with volunteers.
•  Digital proficiency – experience of working with database systems, Microsoft 365, Canva.
•  Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion.
•  Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
•  Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to build positive relationships with children, young people, families and partner organisations.
• Ability and willingness to work flexibly.
• Available to work during school half term holidays.
• A commitment to the aims and objectives of Refugee Action Kingston and an understanding of the challenges faced by people seeking asylum and refugees in the UK.

Desirable criteria

• Spoken competency in one or more key client language groups.
• Lived or learned experience of the challenges faced by children and young people affected by displacement, disruption to education, youth violence or exploitation.

Our workplace

We want RAK to be a great place to work and to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thought. Our values are clearly set out in our strategy RAK Strategy 2023-28 which is available on our website.

RAK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to recruiting staff, trustees and volunteers who reflect the communities we serve and the wider community of London where we live and work. We particularly welcome applications from people: from Black, Asian and other minority-ethnic communities; refugee and migrant backgrounds; LGBTQ+ communities; with disabilities; and neurodiverse communities.

Asking for adjustments - RAK is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making changes for neurodiverse people, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview, or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please contact us.

RAK is obliged to comply with the Asylum and Immigration Act (1996), and this requires certain documents to be presented by candidates before an offer of employment can be made. If you are invited to interview, we will ask you to bring these documents with you. For jobs which involve, for example, working with, or having access to children and/or vulnerable adults and their records, we will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and need to have information from you regarding any previous, existing, or pending convictions or cautions. This will form part of the recruitment process if you are successful after interview.

Interviews will take place w/c 21 September 2026.

About the Role

At Norwood, we believe every child and young person deserves the opportunity to play, make friends and enjoy experiences that help them thrive.

As our Senior Care & Play Coordinator, you'll play a leading role in delivering safe, high-quality care and meaningful play opportunities for neurodivergent children and young people aged 5 to 25 who attend our Short Breaks service.

Working closely with the Hub & Short Breaks Manager, you'll help shape an inclusive service where children and young people feel safe, valued and supported to reach their full potential. Alongside providing direct care, you'll mentor colleagues and volunteers, support families, oversee care planning and help ensure every session is delivered to the highest standards.

This is an opportunity to combine compassionate care with leadership, helping create experiences that give children confidence, families reassurance, and young people the opportunity to belong.

About Our Children & Family Services

Norwood's Children & Family Services support neurodiverse children, young people and their families to live happy, confident and connected lives.

Through short breaks, family support, play schemes and youth programmes, we create opportunities for children and young people to develop independence, build friendships and enjoy experiences that reflect their interests, strengths and aspirations.

Everything we do is shaped around the individual, ensuring every child receives the care, encouragement and opportunities they need to thrive.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who combines compassion with leadership.

You may already be working in children's social care, short breaks, education or specialist support services and be ready to take the next step in your career.

You'll enjoy supporting children with diverse needs, building trusted relationships with families and helping colleagues grow in confidence. You understand that outstanding care is about more than meeting needs. It's about creating opportunities for children and young people to feel included, develop independence and enjoy meaningful experiences.

Most importantly, you'll share our commitment to person-centred care and believe every child deserves the opportunity to live their best life.

Qualifications, Experience & Training
You'll Bring

• A relevant Level 3 qualification (or equivalent).
• Experience supporting neurodivergent children and young people or those with complex needs.
• Experience coordinating or leading within a children's care or support setting.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, person-centred practice and inclusive support.
• Strong communication, organisation and relationship-building skills.
• Confidence supporting personal care and health-related needs.

It Would Strengthen Your Application If You Have

• Experience working within Ofsted or CQC regulated services.
• Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
• Experience mentoring colleagues or volunteers.
• Experience using communication approaches such as Makaton, PECS or AAC.
• Experience contributing to service development or quality improvement.

Reward & Benefits

• 21 days annual leave (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays and Jewish Festival Days
• Enhanced parental pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health cash plan
• Blue Light Card scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• £300 refer-a-friend bonus
• Career development pathway
• A supportive team where your leadership and compassion will make a lasting difference

About the role

At Norwood, we believe every child and young person deserves the opportunity to have fun, build friendships and discover what they're capable of.

As our Senior Activity Coordinator, you'll play a leading role in shaping and delivering inspiring short breaks, weekend clubs and holiday programmes for neurodivergent children and young people aged 5 to 25.

Working closely with the Hub & Short Breaks Manager, you'll help create safe, inclusive and engaging experiences that reflect the interests, aspirations and individual needs of the young people we support. From developing new activities and mentoring volunteers to supporting programme delivery and service improvements, you'll help shape a service where every young person feels valued, included and able to thrive.

This is an opportunity to combine your creativity, leadership and passion for inclusion to make a lasting difference to children, young people and their families.

About Our Children & Family Services

Norwood's Children & Family Services support neurodiverse children, young people and their families to live happy, confident and connected lives.

Through short breaks, family support, play and youth programmes, we create opportunities for children and young people to build confidence, develop independence, form meaningful friendships and enjoy experiences that are tailored to their individual strengths and interests.

Everything we do is guided by a person-centred approach, ensuring every child feels safe, respected, included and empowered to reach their full potential.

Your Day to Day

You'll:

• Help coordinate and deliver high-quality short breaks, weekend clubs and holiday programmes.
• Design creative, inclusive activities that reflect the interests and aspirations of young people.
• Support the day-to-day running of The Hub, creating a welcoming and engaging environment.
• Mentor volunteers and support colleagues to deliver safe, high-quality experiences.
• Build positive relationships with children, young people, families, schools and partner organisations.
• Support programme planning, registrations, resource management and continuous service improvement.
• Ensure activities meet safeguarding, Ofsted, health and safety and regulatory requirements.
• Support children and young people with personal care and medication where required, ensuring dignity and person-centred support at all times.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who believes that every child deserves the opportunity to belong, have fun and achieve their potential.

You may already be coordinating activities, leading sessions or supporting children and young people within education, social care, youth work or community services. You'll enjoy bringing ideas to life, motivating others and creating experiences that help young people develop confidence, independence and meaningful friendships.

You'll be passionate about inclusion, comfortable leading by example, and committed to delivering high-quality services that put children and families at the heart of everything you do.

Qualifications, Experience & Training
You'll Bring

• A Level 3 qualification (or equivalent) relevant to childcare, youth work or a related field.
• Experience coordinating or leading activities for neurodivergent children and young people.
• Knowledge of person-centred practice, safeguarding and inclusive approaches.
• Strong communication, organisational and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to motivate others and create engaging, meaningful experiences.

It Would Strengthen Your Application If You Have

• Experience working within Ofsted or CQC regulated services.
• Experience mentoring volunteers or supporting teams.
• Knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS).
• Experience using communication tools such as Makaton, PECS or AAC.
• Experience contributing to service development or programme improvement.

Reward & Benefits

• 21 days annual leave (pro rata) plus Bank Holidays and Jewish Festival Days
• Enhanced parental pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health cash plan
• Blue Light Card scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• £300 refer-a-friend bonus
• Career development opportunities
• A supportive team where your ideas and creativity are valued