Volunteering at Kew Gardens -  Schools & Families

Overview

There are a variety of ways to get involved with Kew’s Schools & Families programme. If you enjoy working with children, or like working in the fields of education and play, this could be the volunteering opportunity for you.

Kew's Schools & Families programme caters for a wide range of educational groups attracting thousands of children and young people each week. Many participate in our activity tours and workshops provided by a specialist team of Kew Teachers.

Climbers and Creepers is our botanically-themed interactive play zone. Children aged three to nine can explore a giant world of plants and find out about how they interact with animals. We also run a fantastic programme of free activities and events at weekends and throughout the school holidays for visiting families.

Volunteer opportunities

Examples of the types of volunteering roles available and the kind of activities you can get involved in are:

Having fun in Climbers and Creepers

• Gate Greeters - welcome and help to orientate school groups arriving at Kew. They help to manage visitor flow, suggest places to visit, point out matters of interest and provide practical advice for groups.
• School Explainers - lead activities in the great glasshouses at Kew, engaging and involving children in the various exhibits. Artefacts, samples and props are used to encourage curiosity and allow children to contribute towards their experiences.
• Activity Tour and Workshop Assistance - involves helping Kew teachers with activity tours and workshops in the Gardens. This includes setting up and clearing away workshops, attending activity sessions and providing support to Kew Teachers and children as required.
• Activity Programme Assistance at Climbers and Creepers - get hands on in the preparation and delivery of enjoyable craft, horticultural activities and games for Kew's younger visitors, and their families during the weekends and school holidays.
• School Groups Assistance at Climbers and Creepers - work as part of a team to meet and greet school groups booked into Climbers and Creepers and the Munch Box, our indoor schools dining facility.

Commitment and skills

Volunteer hours at Kew are flexible, including school term time, weekends and school holidays. The roles we offer may suit parents with children at school or people looking for skills development in education, playwork, child care or early years development.

Training is provided, but beneficial skills and experience include:

• working with children in schools or play centres
• working in public-facing environments such as front of house or visitor services at museums or public attractions
• applicants should have good communication and team working skills and enjoy being with children

Looking after our visitors

Kew is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers interacting with these groups to share this commitment.

All volunteering placements that work with these groups are subject to a satisfactory enhanced Criminal Record Bureau and reference checks.

How to apply

To apply for one of Kew's Schools & Families volunteer opportunities please write no more than 500 words on "Why I would like to become a Schools and Families Volunteer for the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew".

Return this description along with your completed application and C.V. to:

• Schools and Families Volunteers, Museum No.1, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Richmond, Surrey, TW9 3AB
• Download the application form (pdf)

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Kew Gardens.