Description
The Storybarn is a creative, interactive environment in which children can feel thoroughly alive and creative in the company of quality literature.
With Shared Reading at the heart of all that we do, we believe that books offer children a way to understand the world in which they live and the worlds inside themselves. The Reader exists to provide book-routes into this inner space, and to develop shared understandings of both it, and the outer world. Training will be provided with space for creative adaptation of delivery for applicants to really make the role their own.
This role could be for you if you:
- Passionately believe in the value of reading
- Are flexible, enthusiastic and positive
- Are incredible outgoing and confident working with children and families
- Are compassionate and creative
What else can we offer you?
A chance to personally experience the wellbeing benefits of Shared Reading - we do lots of reading in the workplace and you'll have the opportunity to visit our community groups and train in Shared Reading if you'd like to lead one yourself Generous holiday entitlement. Beautiful Head Office location at Calderstones Mansion House, in the middle of Calderstones Park. Here you can benefit from walking meetings in one of Liverpool's largest parks and staff discounts in our caf and ice cream parlour. Great colleagues - you'll be working with a whole range of supportive, creative colleagues who bring insight into our digital products and their users.
- A willingness to work as part of a lively team to help the Storybarn project evolve in the most exciting ways
- Able to adapt and change delivery in response to audience, unsupervised and self-motivated including the flexibility to work weekends on a rota basis
- Committed to providing excellent customer service
- Experience of working/volunteering with children
- Excellent at reading aloud
- Confident in dealing with the sometimes-challenging behaviours of children
- A flexible, playful and caring approach to working with children
- Able to engage with parents, carers and teachers in a relaxed, open and non-judgemental manner
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Excellent timekeeping skills
- Ability to remain calm under pressure
- Proficient in the use of MS office and willing to learn other IT systems and software
- Role is across 7 days (Monday to Sunday, 8am till 8pm on a rota basis)
- Excellent knowledge of children's literature
- First Aid trained
- Respond to the day-to-day public and group demands that occur
- Housekeeping duties including opening/securing of premises, ensuring resources are prepared, supplies topped up and that the barn is well presented for delivery
- An awareness of and active commitment to upholding our safeguarding policies and procedures
- Inspiring young people to love reading and to feel confident and relaxed in the company of books
- Being a lively, engaging, enthusiastic presence to deliver all aspects of Storybarn programming; to encourage children to engage as fully as possible with the experience
- Creating an exciting, stimulating environment. This may involve using props such as puppets, musical instruments and other items to stimulate creative play
- Lead delivery of curriculum based workshops for school groups
- Lead a varied programme of sessions and events for babies, children and families
- Bringing energy, warmth and enthusiasm as the host of Storybarn birthday parties