English teacher volunteer volunteer roles in hackney downs, greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
ABOUT IRMO
IRMO works to enable the development, agency, and participation of Latin Americans and other Spanish and Portuguese speakers, by responding to both immediate needs and structural inequalities. We do this by offering high-quality information and advice services, opportunities for development and training, and a platform to seek social and systemic change. Our work is organised across three main operational areas - Advice and Casework; Education, Training and Employment; Children and Young People - and a cross-cutting area -Advocacy, Research, Policy Mapping and Campaigning.
ABOUT THE ROLE
This role sits within our Education, Training and Employment Area, which provides online ESOL classes and conversation classes to our service users. You will be responsible for using a syllabus as a guidance and teaching and materials from our bank of resources, along with a variety of audiovisual aids, to teach the four basic English language skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing to Latin American migrants and refugees.
We are seeking volunteers holding either a formal teaching qualification (CELTA, CertESOL or similar) or prior experience in teaching English to speakers of other languages.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
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Plan, prepare and deliver high-quality lessons via Zoom
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Provide a safe and inclusive learning environment for learners
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Prepare and set tests, examination papers and exercises as appropriate
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Mark and provide relevant feedback on oral and written work
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Keep classes on track according to the syllabus/learning outcomes instructed
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Ensure learners’ participation during classes and monitor attendance;
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Create a safe and inclusive learning environment, identify gaps and adapt activities to learners’ needs
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Undertake administrative tasks, such as keeping student registers and attendance records as required
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Outcome and impact measurement for class students at the end of each course as relevant
To complete Volunteer Application Form.
Led by and for the community, we support the development, agency and participation of all Latin Americans and Spanish and Portuguese-speaking migrants
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer ESOL Teacher to provide classes for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants. You will plan and deliver lessons independently with the assistance of experienced ESOL teachers. Your students will be from a wide range of abilities, backgrounds and ages.
We run classes from Monday to Thursday from 10 am until 12.
Although previous teaching experience is not compulsory, CELTA and TEFL would be appreciated.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About us: GT Scholars is a charitable social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve aspirations. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds.
What makes us different? We run tutoring, mentoring & career insight programmes that help our scholars, aged 11-18, discover their strengths, develop their mindsets and design their own futures.
There are many charitable organisations and social enterprises offering programmes to improve the life chances of young people.
However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low income homes.
We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background.
Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for volunteer tutors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!
If you are an undergraduate or graduate, you could make a difference by joining us as a volunteer tutor. As a volunteer tutor, you’ll need to:
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Have a passion for helping children and young people
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Provide online one-to-one tutoring support for 1 hour week
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Build pupil confidence in English.
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Have strong subject knowledge (confident enough to tutor up to GCSE)
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Work collaboratively with other tutors and mentors
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Have a minimum of an undergraduate degree or be working towards this
Volunteer tutoring can be extremely rewarding and volunteers with GT Scholars benefit from:
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A flexible schedule - you can choose online tutoring hours to suit your schedule
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The chance to grow your contacts and meet like-minded volunteers
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The chance to make a real difference in the life of a young person.
Additional information: We’re looking for tutors that can commit to a minimum of 2 academic terms of volunteering.
We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 3 years old.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About us: GT Scholars is a charitable social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve aspirations. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds.
What makes us different? We run tutoring, mentoring & career insight programmes that help our scholars, aged 11-18, discover their strengths, develop their mindsets and design their own futures.
There are many charitable organisations and social enterprises offering programmes to improve the life chances of young people.
However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low income homes.
We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background.
Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for volunteer tutors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!
If you are an undergraduate or graduate, you could make a difference by joining us as a volunteer tutor. As a volunteer tutor, you’ll need to:
-
Have a passion for helping children and young people
-
Provide online one-to-one tutoring support for 1 hour week
-
Build pupil confidence in English.
-
Have strong subject knowledge (confident enough to tutor up to GCSE)
-
Work collaboratively with other tutors and mentors
-
Have a minimum of an undergraduate degree or be working towards this
Volunteer tutoring can be extremely rewarding and volunteers with GT Scholars benefit from:
-
A flexible schedule - you can choose online tutoring hours to suit your schedule
-
The chance to grow your contacts and meet like-minded volunteers
-
The chance to make a real difference in the life of a young person.
Additional information: We’re looking for tutors that can commit to a minimum of 2 academic terms of volunteering.
We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 3 years old.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteers to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by building confidence, resilience and doubling their expected progress in English or maths.
We are looking for inspirational role models who will tutor Maths or English on one of our school programmes across London. You will be matched with a small number of pupils and provide them with the academic support, encouragement and inspiration they need to get back on track. All our volunteer tutors receive full training, lesson resources and support from a qualified teacher/facilitator throughout their placement.
Practical Considerations:
- You can choose a programme that suits your timetable and location.
- Sessions are between 60-90 minutes and will take place on a fixed day of the week, normally at the end of the school day (between 3-5pm).
- Each programme runs across a 12 week period, usually during term time. You will be expected to volunteer for at least one programme (10-12 weeks).
- Team Up provides full lesson plans and teaching resources.
- This role requires you to undergo a free of charge DBS check, which will be arranged by Team Up.
- Travel expenses up to £15 per session are covered.
If you are looking to make a difference in a local community and find a fulfilling role whilst building your professional skillset, then look no further!
Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12 week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only double their expected progress, but also build long term resilience.
Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to gain access to our career mentorship scheme and attend our employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion.
This is an opportunity to enhance your CV and improve your employability skills - all whilst supporting young people from low-income backgrounds!
You will receive:
- Full tutor-training, including safeguarding training.
- Ongoing coaching, training and support from an experienced teacher during your placement.
- Lesson observations alongside personalised developmental feedback and logged classroom hours.
- Opportunities to attend employability workshops incl. cover letter writing skills and coding.
We are looking for:
- Enthusiasm and strong grades in English/maths.
- Committed and organised individuals who are keen to develop new skills.
- Individuals who are passionate about social mobility and helping to reduce the education attainment gap.
- Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteer to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by improving their grades and building confidence in their learning.
We are looking for inspirational role models who will tutor Maths or English on one of our 12-week online progarmmes, starting mid-September 2025,
You will be matched with a small number of pupils and provide them with the academic support, encouragement and inspiration they need to get back on track. The pupils on our online programmes have had some disrupted schooling due to personal circumstances and our tuition programmes aim to build not just academic strength, but confidence and positivity towards learning as well.
All our volunteer tutors receive full training, lesson resources and support from a qualified teacher / team manager throughout their placement.
Practical Considerations:
- Tutors can choose between between two online programmes: Tuesday mornings from 11:30am till 12:45pm or Tuesday afternoons from 16:45 till 18:00.
- The start date of both programmes is Tuesday 16th September 2025 and the final sessions are on Tuesday 9th September 2025.
- Sessions are 60 minutes and take place via Teams. Tutors are expected to be online 15 minutes prior to their session. There is a 15-minute debrief with your progarmme manager after each session.
- This role requires you to undergo a free of charge enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged by Team Up.
We are looking for:
- Strong grades in English or Maths
- Experience working with young people
- Committed, organised and patient individuals
- Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils
- Individuals who are passionate about social mobility and helping to reduce the education attainment gap
Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12 week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only improve their grades, but also build long term resilience.
Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to attend our employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.
About Youth ESOL:
Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.
About the Role:
CARAS is looking for volunteer ESOL Teaching Assistants to support our face-to-face study programme called ‘Get Ready for School.’
This programme is attended by young people out of education and is based in Tooting on Mondays and Wednesdays. Core delivery of the programme includes English, Maths, Digital skills, complemented by Reading and Writing for Pleasure.
Volunteers in this role are required to commit to at least one 2-hour session per week, during these times:
- Monday 10am - 3pm
- Tuesday 2pm - 6pm
- Wednesday 11am - 6pm
Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.
Volunteer Tasks and Responsibilities:
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Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within ESOL classes;
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Help young people to build confidence in digital literacy;
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Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;
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Engaging learners in informal conversations or games during breaks to help them practice their conversational English.
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Checking the session plan aims with the lead teacher and assisting learners achieve them;
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Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;
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Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;
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Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;
-
Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;
-
Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;
-
Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
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To be 18 years or older;
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Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (travel and food expenses can be reimbursed);
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An interest in education and English language teaching;
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To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds;
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To be reliable and punctual;
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Excellent communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
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The ability to volunteer on Monday mornings and Wednesday afternoons/evenings during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;
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Currently resident in the UK; has asylum seeker or refugee status
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Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check (DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a Caras community member who is more recently arrived in the UK);
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Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role
Desirable
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Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish.
Through volunteering with us you will:
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Gain experience of English language teaching;
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Meet new members of your local community;
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Learn about different cultures;
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Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
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Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
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Develop your skills and competencies;
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Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
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Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months’ regular volunteering
To Apply:
To apply for this opportunity, download and complete the CARAS volunteer application form from the CARAS website using this volunteer role description to inform your answers with email subject header “Youth ESOL Teaching Assistant Volunteer”.
Successful applicants will have an informal meeting with a member of the CARAS learning staff team and a community member. These meetings will be on a rolling basis so apply ASAP!
All volunteers must complete an enhanced DBS check for working with young people and attend training with us before starting. You will also receive training and support relevant to your specific role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
INDEPENDENT READING GROUP VOLUNTEER (FACE-TO-FACE)
CARAS Youth ESOL Programme – Monday, Wednesday mornings
About CARAS:
Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a registered charity that has been supporting refugees and asylum-seekers since 2002 empowering them to integrate and engage in the local community.
Arriving as an asylum seeker/refugee can be a disempowering experience. Difficulties with language, accessing services and overcoming prejudice are ever-present. As an organisation we are committed to work alongside refugees to overcome those challenges, and to help them build their lives.
We offer group support and targeted support work. We offer a range of activities including: ESOL classes; social and recreational activities such as youth club, drama, trips, and family activities; educational support for young people; and casework and advocacy support.
Our values are at the centre of all our work:
• Kindness: CARAS will nurture all who are part of our community, helping everyone to develop their skills, talents, and interests.
• Justice: CARAS will strive for social justice following a rights-based approach in all our work and challenging instances when rights are not upheld in wider society.
• Empowerment: CARAS works alongside people, recognising and respecting their skills and strengths and striving together for better outcomes.
• ‘With’ not ‘for’: CARAS will put the voices, opinions, experiences and needs of its beneficiaries at the heart of all that we do.
About Youth ESOL:
Our award-winning ESOL project offers English language classes to young people at a wide range of levels. This provides vital skills, opportunities and social contact and is crucial for enabling young people to do well at school or college.
About the Role:
- CARAS is looking for Reading Group Volunteer to support our face-to-face study programme for young people.
- The reading group is in Tooting and is an important element of a study programme for young people aged 14 to 18 who are out of formal education.
- Students will be supported to read at length and complete challenges that are adapted to their ability level.
- The reading group aims to foster independence and a joy of reading among the young people and requires volunteers to learn about the young peoples' interests in order to help them select an appropriate text.
- The ESOL teacher will provide volunteers with tips to support reading and understanding for emerging learners of English, such as phonics and elicitation strategies.
- Volunteers will work with 1-5 students, mostly reading out loud with them or helping them to decode unfamiliar language.
- Please note that ESOL classes do not run during school holidays, and we follow Wandsworth Council term dates.
Volunteer tasks and responsibilities:
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Providing learners with one-to-one or small group support within the Reading Group sessions;
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Helping to set up the classroom and provide learners with classroom resources;
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Contributing to debriefs to inform the ESOL teacher how each student found the lesson/task and the students’ areas of greatest challenge and success;
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Attending and contributing to volunteer debriefs after each session;
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Making use of any community languages you may know to help students during the class;
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Working collaboratively as a team and helping to shape the project;
-
Supporting people to develop their knowledge and skills, encouraging and inspiring participants to reach their full potential;
-
Assisting participants to recognise and celebrate their achievements;
-
Listening and supporting students to select, read and understand a text; Showing flexibility to the wide range of ability levels in the classroom;
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Following CARAS’ confidentiality, safeguarding, health & safety, equal opportunities, data management and all other policies as relevant.
Requirements:
Essential
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To be 18 years or older;
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An interest in education and English language teaching;
-
Currently resident in the UK; has asylum-seeker or refugee status
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* Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check; *DBS and proof of residency is not necessary if you are a CARAS community member who is more recently arrived in the UK.
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Able to attend volunteer induction training (online) prior to start of role
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Able to travel to our community centre in Tooting (food and travel expenses can be reimbursed);
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To be non-judgemental and able to engage with young people from diverse backgrounds;
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To be reliable and punctual;
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Good communication skills, especially with people who are new to English;
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An interest in books and stories, writing and poetry
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The ability to volunteer on Wednesday during Wandsworth term time for a minimum of four months;
Desirable:
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Knowledge of community languages, such as Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali or Spanish;
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Experience of reading with young people or learners of English, or teaching ESOL or phonics.
Through volunteering with us you will:
-
Gain experience of English language teaching;
-
Meet new members of your local community;
-
Learn about different cultures;
-
Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;
-
Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;
-
Develop your skills and competencies such as literacy and phonics strategies for emerging learners of English;
-
Be able to access relevant training, including safeguarding training.
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Be able to obtain a reference from us relating to your placement after 3 months of regular volunteering.
We provide firm foundations for new-arrival asylum seekers to build happy and successful lives.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We usually only hold new volunteer inductions at the start of each school term, we will confirm the next date once you have applied.
Action for Refugees in Lewisham works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other vulnerable migrants in Lewisham. At the Rainbow Club supplementary school we aim to help children between the ages of 4 and 11 to improve their literacy, numeracy and social skills in a friendly and supportive environment. We need your skills and enthusiasm to assist the teacher in the delivery of a literacy and numeracy class and work with other volunteers to develop a programme of recreational activities. The Rainbow Club runs on Saturday mornings during term-time.
Your duties will include:
- Arriving punctually for the 9am briefing by the Rainbow Club Headteacher;
- Working in a team with other volunteers and teachers to deliver literacy, numeracy, arts, sport activities – this includes ensuring children remain engaged throughout the lesson and carry out set tasks as instructed by the teacher;
- Working one-to-one with specific children if and when required;
- Filing classroom work and homework in children’s individual files and keeping all materials and resources tidy and properly stored;
- Liaising with parents as and when required for example distributing leaflets and news about future meetings and events and also assisting with parents' day;
- Following the teacher’s policies on discipline and classroom management;
- Supervising the children during break times;
- Supporting the children during class trips;
- Ensuring classrooms are clean and tidy at the end of each day – this may include being part of a regular team rota;
- Providing feedback and comments to the Rainbow Club Headteacher when required.
We support asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants to lift themselves out of poverty and rebuild their lives in the heart of our community.




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our busy Homework Club is part of our delivery of child and family support services, in order that low income and vulnerable families have improved access to services, employment opportunities and life chances.
Do you have some teaching or coaching exeperince either as a parent, classroom assistant or teacher? On Fridays afternoons from 3.30-5.30pm the Centre provides an after-school Homework club during term time. Children from three local primary schools, and a few from Year 7 attend the club. Many come from families where English is a second language.
Volunteers sit on a table with 1 or 2 children and provide help with their homework, maths and English work mostly, and some reading. Volunteers commit to one session a week on Friday (3.30 – 5.30pm).
Our Mission
Each Person Matters: The Cardinal Hume Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.
What are we looking for?
- Ideally you have some experience in teaching, either professionally, voluntary or at home with your own children.
- You are friendly, patient and can have rapport with children easily.
- Able to help with maths and English at primary school level.
What is the time commitment?
- Ideally at least one academic term
- Fridays, 3.30 – 5.30pm at The Cardinal Hume Centre and we are trialing an outreach sessions at a local Library & Hotel on otger weekdays
How will you be supported?
- You will be supported by the Family Services staff team.
- You will have access to wide range of e-learning topics. Child safeguarding and fire safety awareness is mandatory for all new volunteers.
- You will be reimbursed for travel expenses.
The Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About UK Reads
UK Reads is the UK-based charity of the global non-profit World Literacy Foundation, which works to eradicate illiteracy and promote equitable access to education worldwide. In the UK, we focus on closing the literacy gap for children from underserved communities, ensuring that every child has access to the literacy support they need to thrive academically and personally.
We deliver high-impact literacy programmes, distribute free books, and partner with schools, libraries, and community organisations to foster a lifelong love of reading.
About the Pen Pal Project
The Pen Pal Project empowers children aged 7–16 to become confident communicators by engaging them in creative, meaningful letter writing. UK pupils are matched with peers in Nigeria and other Sub-Saharan African countries to exchange letters over six structured sessions throughout the academic year.
The project supports pupils in:
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Developing core literacy skills (reading, writing, sentence structure, vocabulary)
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Strengthening confidence, empathy, and communication through storytelling
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Learning about different cultures, family structures, traditions, and daily life in another part of the world
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Practising both written and spoken English in an encouraging, low-pressure environment
Each school cohort follows a themed session plan exploring topics such as identity, youth culture, food, heritage, health, and hobbies.
Sessions are delivered by trained volunteers, with support from teachers and UK Reads staff.
Role Overview
As a Writing Session Coordinator, you’ll play a key role in supporting literacy, creativity, and inclusion in schools. You’ll work directly with students to help them explore personal expression, read incoming pen pal letters, and craft thoughtful responses.
This role is ideal for someone passionate about education, communication, cultural exchange, and making a difference at a grassroots level.
Responsibilities
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Facilitate six themed writing sessions at a primary or secondary school in London (sessions take place during school hours)
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Create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere where all students feel safe to write and express themselves
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Support pupils with varied literacy levels, including those with special educational needs (SEND), English as an additional language (EAL), or lower confidence in reading/writing
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Guide pupils in reading and responding to letters received from international pen pals
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Encourage vocabulary development, sentence structure, and narrative skills using the provided facilitator resources
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Use creativity and cultural awareness to promote engagement and curiosity
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Complete light administrative tasks (~1 hour per session), including:
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Reviewing students’ letters for safeguarding
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Submitting short post-session reflections or feedback forms
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Attend a short online training session and stay in communication with the UK Reads team
Time Commitment
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Approx. 6-8 hours/month over the academic year
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Each session includes:
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~1 hour in-school delivery time
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~1 hour admin/reflection time
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Plus training, planning, and communication time as needed
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Sessions are typically spaced two per academic term (six total)
Volunteers are matched with one school and are expected to complete the full six-session cycle to ensure continuity and build rapport with pupils.
Who We're Looking For
We welcome volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds. You don’t need formal teaching experience — just commitment, empathy, and a passion for helping young people thrive.
Essential:
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Strong spoken and written English
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Comfortable working with children and young people in a school setting
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Reliable, organised, and able to follow session plans
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Open-minded, culturally sensitive, and adaptable to different learning styles
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Able to commit to a minimum of 6 sessions over the academic year (during school hours)
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Based in London or able to travel to schools across the city
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Willing to complete a DBS check and safeguarding training
Desirable (but not required):
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Experience in education, youth work, creative writing, literacy support, or mentoring
What You’ll Gain
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A highly rewarding volunteer experience with visible impact on young learners
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Full training and a ready-to-use facilitation guide
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Support from a dedicated project coordinator throughout your placement
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Reimbursement of reasonable travel costs
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A reference upon successful completion
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The opportunity to be part of a meaningful international exchange project
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Connection to a network of volunteers and educators working toward literacy equity
Safeguarding & Inclusion
We are committed to child protection, safeguarding, and inclusive learning environments. All letters are reviewed by facilitators before being exchanged. Volunteers must complete a DBS check and basic safeguarding training before beginning their placement.
We value lived experience and encourage applications from those who reflect the communities we serve, including volunteers from Black, African, Caribbean, and diaspora backgrounds.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Join the board of the national charity dedicated to supporting disabled children, young people and their families.
Trustee
Employer – Kids
Location – London (Meetings in Person)
Salary - Voluntary (Reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Hours - Approx. 1 day per month
Trustees also take part in at least one committee—such as the Finance and Audit Committee, Services and Safeguarding Committee, or People, Culture and Governance Committee—which typically meet online up to four times a year
Who we are:
Kids is on a mission to create a world where all kinds of kids have all kinds of opportunities.
Founded in 1970, we have grown into a national organisation supporting over 22,000 children, young people and families each year across England.
We are on an ambitious journey to reach at least 120,000 disabled children, young people and their families each year by 2027. Our vision is bold yet achievable: a society where disabled children, young people and their families enjoy equal rights and opportunities.
Now in the fourth year of an ambitious five-year strategy, we’re pursuing four bold goals:
- Support – Delivering impactful, sustainable services
- Innovate – Designing new models to transform lives
- Speak Up – Empowering young people to be agents of change
- Sustain – Building the financial and structural strength to grow
The Role
As our next Trustee, you’ll play a vital leadership role in bringing our vision to life. Working closely with our Chair, CEO, and Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic oversight, guide our governance, and help scale our impact.
Time Commitment
This role is about more than simply being available—it’s about being genuinely engaged. We're hoping to find someone who feels inspired to make this a meaningful part of their journey. It may be your primary board or leadership role, given the depth of involvement, but it also offers the opportunity to contribute in a truly rewarding way.
Who You Are
We’re looking for four passionate individuals who bring compassion, curiosity, and credibility. People who value respectful dialogue, champion inclusion, and lead with integrity.
You’ll bring your unique perspective to enhance our culture—not just fit into it. You’ll contribute to a dynamic board that balances strategic scrutiny, inclusive leadership, and good governance with genuine care and collaboration.
You don’t need to have all the answers, but you should bring:
- Experience in governance or senior leadership
- A passion for disability rights, equity, and inclusion
- A commitment to empowering diverse voices
- A collaborative spirit and systems-thinking mindset
We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of disability, those from underrepresented communities, and individuals who reflect the diversity of the families and children we serve.
Our Culture
At Kids, we celebrate what makes each of us unique. Our culture is rooted in care, collaboration, creativity, and professionalism. We actively listen and strive to ensure everyone we work with feels heard, respected, and included.
We are committed to breaking down systemic barriers, including racism, ableism, sexism, and other forms of injustice. This is an ongoing journey, and we’re dedicated to learning and growing together.
We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible. If you need information in an alternative format or adjustments at any stage, please contact us —we’d love to hear how we can support you.
In Closing
You’ll be joining a brilliant team of Trustees, a passionate leadership team, and an organisation ready for change. Together, we’ll help build a world where disabled children and young people are celebrated for who they are and supported to reach their full potential.
This isn’t just a role. It’s a chance to reimagine what’s possible.
Join us. Lead with us. Grow with us.
For more information about this role, please visit our careers page
Application & Recruitment Process
- Closing date: 30th September 2025
- Online Interview and Face-to-Face meeting: October 2025
- If you’re inspired to join our Board, please complete our online application and upload an up-to-date CV, with a 2-page limit on an A4 document. Shortlisted candidates will have the chance to showcase their strengths and discuss important topics alongside our leadership team.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.