Early Start Volunteering

Supporting families to provide the Best Start in Life

Early Start Volunter - Parent Champion Programme

Would you like to gain / increase your understanding of the early years?

Do you want to acquire knowledge and skills, enabling you to promote and provide services to families with children under five?

If so join the Early Start Volunteer - Parent Champion Programme! Scroll down to see how to apply!

Information Before You Start Your Application

Our Early Start Volunteers / Best Start in Life Champions support the delivery of play services to families in the London Borough of Newham and are matched and placed in a Children’s Centre, or Newham based early years project.

You will be volunteering alongside a qualified and experienced early years practitioner, supporting the delivery of stay and play sessions (for parents and their children from birth to age five).

Volunteering as a Best Start in Life Champion is the perfect opportunity for you if you’re considering a role working with children under five. You’ll gain experience in child development and early education whilst “giving back” to your local community and supporting local families.

Ongoing support will be provided throughout the training leading up to your placement in a setting. Once you’re placed you will be allocated an experienced member of staff to mentor you.

Take a read of our role description here

Your Commitment

We ask you to commit to a minimum of three hour sessions per week, once you have completed our training programme and clearance checks.

Your training programme includes;

Induction to Volunteering
Level One Safeguarding
Early Years Foundation Stage Briefing
Five to Thrive (early brain development) Briefing
Oral Health Promotion Workshop

What do I need to become an Early Start Volunteer - Parent Champion

Be a Newham resident
Be eligible to work in the United Kingdom
Attend an informal interview / meeting
Commit to attending the training sessions
Complete with us a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) – Criminal Records Check (free to Newham volunteers) Or already have a cleared DBS which is registered on the update service.
Complete a Childcare Disqualification Declaration
One professional reference
Be enthusiastic and passionate about early education and building community resilience

Apply Now!

Volunteer Information

Need Some More Information?

Interested in volunteering but need a bit more information? Then contact the team now who will be able to answer all your questions! Prefer to call our number is 0203 373 0580

Want To See More?

What Our Successful Volunteers Say About Us

Cherelle Smikle

I would like to thank you for all of your support and encouragement with the volunteering programme as well as the training opportunities from The Wellbeing and Nutrition Team. Whilst on my placement I spoke to Toya who introduced me to the Nursery Manager at Plaistow Children's Centre and informed me that there was a job vacancy for an Early Years Practitioner. Thank you so much for providing me with the reference.

Sofina Jagirdar

I chose Early Start Volunteering because one of my friends recommended Early Start. When I emailed them they were really quick to respond. They explained the programme very well. The programme was very easy to access and I was given my first choice of placement. From volunteering I am building up my confidence level and learning new skills every week. My mentor has been very supportive and explains the ages of child development. The Volunteer Co-ordinator is very helpful as well. I would recommend the volunteer programme because it has helped me a lot, the training package was easy to access and beneficial for my placement.

SA - Jan 2019

I think it is a great platform for any beginner, (those who do not have any experiences) - especially for them it is a great opportunity to build our career in right way.

SP - Jan 2019

I have gained a lot of confidence which will help me with my professional life. I would recommend volunteering as you learn so much, and gain loads of experience. Volunteering is something worth doing especially to gain experience.

MMA - Jan 2019

I would highly recommend this volunteering programme for people who are interested in childcare and looking to gain experience or just want to help the community with their service.

EW - Dec 2018

I enjoyed the messy play sessions due to the range of activities and being able to encourage the children and parents to interact with the different areas of learning. Volunteering has helped my confidence through meeting and working with new people. Early Start is a great opportunity to learn and develop understanding about EYFS. I would recommend it to people who have little to no experience in the nursery setting.