Careers
Working at Swings & Smiles is all about using your professional and personal skills, experience and interests to help enrich the service we provide to children and families. You will be supported through your induction and welcomed by all staff, volunteers and the children and families we support as a valued part of the Swings & Smiles family.
We are currently seeking applications for the following role:
Children's Development Lead - application closing 19 June 2026
Date posted (also on other platforms): May 5, 2026
Pay: £31,500.00 per year
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Overview
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Children’s Development Lead to join our charity, supporting children with additional needs and disabilities and their families.
This is a key leadership role focused on developing and improving children’s services, ensuring high-quality, inclusive provision, and embedding safeguarding and best practice across all activities. You will work closely with staff, volunteers, families, and external partners to ensure our services remain responsive, safe, and child‑centred.
You will support Swings & Smiles in improving lives of and being at the heart of the community, for children with additional needs and disabilities, and their families.
Your key responsibilities will include:
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Leading the development and delivery of children’s services
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Ensuring strong safeguarding practice across all programmes
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Supporting and developing staff and volunteers
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Building positive relationships with children, families, and partner agencies
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Contributing to service planning, evaluation, and continuous improvement
We are looking for someone who:
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Has significant experience working with children, ideally within a SEND or charity setting
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Has strong leadership and service development skills
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Demonstrates an excellent understanding of safeguarding
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Is values‑driven, proactive, and collaborative
A full Job Description is available on request
To apply or request further information complete the form below or email jacqui@swingsandsmiles.co.uk
"Working at Swings & Smiles is such a fulfilling experience. The children are a joy and seeing how they are cared for and encouraged to play and explore is incredible. Watching them build in confidence and develop friendships with play leaders, volunteers and each other is wonderful. I'm really starting to develop an understanding of what children and their families experience in terms of emotional support from having such a fun and safe place to be.
It really is a special place to be a part of and you quickly see that everything you do has a direct impact on improving the lives of the children and families we support at Swings & Smiles. You should apply!"