Vacancies

Due to continued expansion of our centre, full and /or part-time assistants are required for the specialist nursery, for term time only.

These positions provide an excellent opportunity for applicants who are interested in developing specialist skills in autism and early years education.

Previous experience of working with children with autism or other special needs desirable but enthusiasm and interest more important as training will be given.

See the job description and person specification HERE.

 

For more information please ‘phone Alex Stanyer on 01296 733 900  

All appointments subject to two references and CRB clearance

Puzzle advertises its vacancies in a variety of publications. However we are always interested in talking to professionals with like minded views on early intervention. If you are interested in working with us, please email your CV to alexstanyer@puzzlepreschool.co.uk. 

Volunteering opportunities:

 Working with parents to organise fundraising events

Taking the lead or helping to plan and organize fund raising events.  Events such as: coffee mornings, sponsored walks or rides, raffles, musical evenings or Balls. New ideas and initiatives would be very welcome!

Time commitment: Anything from a few hours a week for a couple of months to longer term commitment to fundraising. We would welcome help with this whether short or long term.

Become a trustee

A committee of six trustees currently runs the charitable trust. We are seeking additional trustees who have expertise in a variety of fields which would be of benefit to the trust – for example, finance/accountancy, law, human resources, healthcare or education. This role may particularly suit newly retired professionals. We also welcome former or current parents of Puzzle children. Trustees meet approximately seven times a year, usually in the evenings. This is a hugely rewarding and challenging role. Puzzle has been a charity for less than 3 years and is still developing and growing.   Full information and induction would be given prior to a commitment. All trustees are subject to enhanced CRB disclosure.  

Work with the children – various days/hours to suit

Puzzle welcomes volunteers with an interest in working directly with the children at the nursery and/or in helping to support the work of the nursery staff. References and enhanced CRB disclosure is required for this role. Induction and mentoring given. Training workshops every term. Volunteers can work as little as once a week for a few hours.  

Gardening and property maintenance

Puzzle has a large garden and grounds to maintain in Middle Claydon and would welcome a regular or ‘one-off’ help to keep it looking beautiful!

Create a sensory garden

We would very much like to have a sensory area in the garden for children to enjoy – this is a ‘one off’ project to create a small area which our children can explore sights, smells and textures outside

Generating PR and local press awareness

We need someone who could develop and maintain our profile in the local (or national) press and media. It is really important that parents of very young children with autism/communication difficulties get to hear of our provision. This will also help with our fundraising.

 

If you want to find out more please phone Alex or Lesley-Ann on 01296 733 900 or email alexstanyer@puzzlepreschool.co.uk

Quotes from parents:

‘Puzzle Preschool has been a great blessing to us and our son, who has recently been diagnosed as having Autistic Spectrum disorder. Puzzle recognized his needs and offered a place before the formal diagnosis had taken place. The cost of this has been taken on by Puzzle as he does not have a statement of educational need at present……we are indebted to the unique skills and expertise that the preschool offers in addressing his needs.’

 

‘It is not only the child who goes to Puzzle, it is the whole family. Being able to draw on the experiences of the staff is a great source of strength. They can advise on how best to deal with difficult situations which in turn can improve the quality of life for all the family. The parent workshops are a wonderful idea as not only is instruction available to help parents understand their children better, it also provides a good opportunity for parents to get together and provide advice and support to one another.’