Friday Fledglings Volunteer (MERL)

Friday Fledglings Volunteer at The MERL

A person spraying water on a group of children

Location: The Museum of English Rural Life, 6 Redlands Road, Reading, RG1 5EX

Volunteer Shift:

Friday mornings during normal term times from 9.15am-12noon

Friday Fledglings does not run during local school holidays.

Why we want you

Our highly popular outdoor toddler sessions ‘Friday Fledglings’ attract an average of 50 children each week.
Friday Fledglings is led by Charlotte, a local teacher and Level 3 Forest Leader.
Sessions take their inspiration from nature, and the themes and collections of the museum, and focus on outdoor play and exploration of the natural environment. Each session involves story-telling, craft activities and singing.

You will become part of the team to help ensure the smooth running of sessions.

What you will be doing

  • Setting up and tidying away activities
  • Meeting and greeting families
  • Helping with craft activities
  • Keeping the water play topped up
  • Helping new families to settle in and
    discover all the activities on offer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This role will suit you if you are

  • A people person
  • Enjoy the outdoors
  • Able to work as part of a team
  • Enthusiastic, outgoing and polite
  • Enjoy working with young children
  • Willing to engage with members of the public
  • Self-motivated and pro-active
  • Have good communication skills

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What you will gain in return   

  • Meet new people
  • Work with a team of museum staff & volunteers
  • Experience of working with children
  • Gain knowledge of seasonal observations in nature
  • Gain ideas on how to encourage free play for children under 5s

How much time will it take up?
You will join a team of volunteers on a Friday morning during local school term times from 9.15am-12noon.

It is not essential to attend every week, you would just sign up for the shifts that suit your world.

The volunteer shift includes set up and take down time.

Visitors attend between 10 and 11.30am.

Friday Fledglings does not run during local school holidays. 

What do I need to wear?

Please note that these sessions take place outside in The MERL garden, and run throughout the year, in all weathers! Most sessions take place entirely outdoors, no matter what the weather does! Please bring suitable clothing.

Who will I report to?

The overall supervisor of the role is Danielle Eade (Public Programmes Manager) 

The sessions are led by Charlotte and a Sessional Learning Facilitator who will allocate tasks and support you on the day.