Get Involved With Park Children's Centre
Currently we have 2 active volunteers and if you wish to become a volunteer please contact Matt Davies or Jane Lee at Park.
You will receive a full induction, free training and CRB check. It will also be a pathway to gaining a business administration or childcare qualification.
For More information, please contact the Centre.
Kerrie Maguire, who was originally a volunteer herself, has now moved into a permanent position within Park Children's Centre. Below, is a case study of Kerrie's journey to full time employment with the help of all the staff from Park.
Why Kerrie opted for a change in career and how staff at Park Children’s Centre helped her make it happen.....
40 year old Kerrie Maguire lives in Skelmersdale.
Becoming a volunteer
Kerrie used to work in retail but was keen to have a complete change in career:
“As I don’t have a family of my own yet, I decided to make a career change and, for me, the next best thing to having my own kids, was to work with them!
“I went to the local college to ask about childcare courses but they said that I needed to do some volunteer work before I could enrol, so I went down to Park Children’s Centre. At first I thought that I might have to be a mum to come to the Centre but I needn’t have worried, because that’s not the case and they gave me a fantastic welcome. As soon as I arrived, I knew that it was where I wanted to be and I’ve been a volunteer for about a year now.”
Getting qualifications and awards
Although Kerrie brings with her an experience of a lifetime, she realised that she also needed to get some qualifications to help her in her volunteer work:
“I got my CRB check done first, then I went on a couple of relevant courses like First Aid for Children. I also learned Polish because there’s a Polish community in the town and I wanted to be able to communicate with as many people as possible who come here. While I’ve been at the Centre, I’ve had the chance to take an NVQ Level 2 in Childcare. It’s been great because all the courses I’ve been on and all the qualifications that I’ve got count towards that award.
“I’m hoping to train to become either a Outreach Support Worker or a Teaching Assistant but before that I’ll probably go on and take my NVQ Level 3. I’m confident that whatever I do, the staff will support me.”
Being valued and appreciated
Since Kerrie has been volunteering at the Centre, she has become part of a hard-working and dedicated team:
“Sometimes I’m on Reception or I’m volunteering in the Crèche. I’ve also been supporting the Baby Massage and Tummy Time courses with a colleague. Whatever I’m doing though, I really feel a valued member of the team. I’ve learned loads since I’ve been a volunteer and had so much encouragement from everyone.
“It’s fantastic to volunteer somewhere where you feel so wanted and appreciated. I come here all day and everyday as a volunteer because I choose to – not because I have to. It’s a joy to be here. My day is very rewarding and, to be honest, I’d rather come to the Centre for nothing than get paid for something that I didn’t enjoy.”
Working in the heart of the community
Kerrie helps out in lots of ways and meets all the new families coming to the Centre:
“Before I started helping out, I didn’t realise that there were so many activities going on and that so many services were available for the community. There’s Baby Clinics, Breastfeeding Sessions, Baby Weighing and Baby Massage – all sorts going on. I get to see lots of families who have benefitted from the Centre. In the Baby Group I meet young mums who look forward to coming here and they know that otherwise they would be stuck at home watching the telly. They seem to grow in confidence everyday which is fantastic.
“I saw one mum who had twin babies and was feeling very isolated. She had no family to help her or anyone to talk to. One of the Outreach Workers contacted her and now she attends regularly and just oozes confidence. I think she sees it as a shoulder here, a shoulder that she can lean on at any time. That is how it should be – a place for the community to come for support, whatever their situation.”
Jennifer Cuckson - Volunteer at Park Children's Centre - Case Study Number 2.
Jenni Cuckson lives in Skelmersdale with her partner Lee and their one and a half year old daughter Layla.
Working in childcare
Why young mum Jenni is a volunteer at Park Children’s Centre and is encouraging other mothers to do the same….
Jenni has always had a clear idea of what she would like to
do for a job:
“Even though I did Archaeology, History, Art and English for A Levels at college, I’ve always wanted to work in Childcare but wasn’t sure how to go about it. After I had Layla, I took her up to a Mums and Tots session at Park Children’s Centre and one of the staff talked to me about doing an NVQ in Childcare. It sounded really interesting. I then went to night school and completed my NVQ Level 2 in Childcare and I’m now working towards NVQ Level 3. As part of that qualification, I’m volunteering at the Centre three days a week where I plan and run the Mums and Tots sessions. The staff have helped and supported me all the way which has been fantastic.”
Volunteering – where every day is different!!
As soon as Jenni has completed her NVQ Level 3 she wants to look for a job:
“I’d like to be an Outreach Worker or go for something in Management. At the moment though, I’m really enjoy volunteering. Every day is different and you just don’t know what to expect from the children. It makes me so happy and I just want to smile when the children come in to the Centre. It’s great. Last week I met a young mum like myself and she said that she was looking for something to do that would benefit her in the future. She was particularly concerned about finding work experience and good, affordable childcare. I knew exactly how she felt, so I suggested that she come along and help out at the Centre where she can put her child in the crèche whilst studying. We chatted for a while and now she’s starting next week!”
Working – and baby comes too
For the first six months that Jenni was volunteering, Layla joined her:
“It was so nice to be getting on with my work but also having Layla close to me. She’s older now and a bit clingier so she goes into the Nursery, but that’s fine with me because I can pop in and see her any time. The main factor is that I’m close to her all day which is great. I know it would have been very difficult to do what I’m doing now if it hadn’t been for the Centre offering me a volunteering role, It means that I can get on and get my work experience while Layla’s in a fun, safe environment with the other children. I’ve really seen her progress since we’ve been coming to the Centre and I think it helps when she’s around children who are a little bit older.”
Opportunities to learn
Jenni has met lots of mums with children of all ages and they meet up even when they’re not at the Centre. She’s also had the chance to go on courses to develop her skills and knowledge whilst accessing training at the Centre:
“I’ve been offered great opportunities to go on courses at the Centre – and they are all free. When I go for a job it will put me in a good position because employees always ask about the courses that you’ve been on. I’ve learnt Sign Language and taken courses in Paediatric First Aid, Safeguarding Children and Health and Safety. I also went on the Mini Mends course and found out about encouraging physical activity in children and how to deal with temper tantrums. We were told that you needed to remain as calm as possible and show that you are not worked up about the issue so that the child responds and calms down. That is the kind of advice that you can apply in all situations – whether at work or in your own family life.”
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