PART TIME CENTRE SUPPORT WORKER (RECEPTION/ROOM HIRE)

13th January 2026

Job Title:                  PART TIME CENTRE SUPPORT WORKER (RECEPTION/ROOM HIRE)

Reporting to:           Centre Manager

Pay:                           £24,537 pa pro rata (£12.55 per hour)

Hours:                       30 hours per week (part time) – including some evening and weekend cover when needed

Holiday:                    28 days per year plus public holidays (pro rata for part time hours)

Location:                  The Vinery Centre, 20 Vinery Terrace, Leeds LS9 9 LU

This role is very varied and the postholder will need to work flexibly and co-operatively with the centre support team. You will be a keyholder and expected to be flexible to provide cover as needed.

Purpose of the role To provide friendly and professional reception and room hire support and work as part of a team to ensure the safe and smooth running of the Vinery Centre.

Reception service:

• Make sure visitors to the centre can get in (E.g. if you are setting up in the morning make sure you listen out for room hirers coming in; set up doors appropriately - e.g. put door from car park entry on automatic open setting as soon as you are not the only person in the area; if you are working out of hours make sure you have the intercom mobile) – handover to colleagues if you leave the reception area and not able to do this
• Welcoming visitors to the centre – make sure they are signing in and out and that they know any important information – e.g. if there is a fire alarm test, if the car park is going to be locked, etc. 
• Issue door access cards, locker keys, sensory room cupboard keys as needed – follow recording systems
• Dealing with incoming post  
• Keeping reception area clean and tidy, including hoovering entry mats as needed, cleaning reception desk, sweeping and mopping reception floor as needed, putting out umbrella stands and extra mats if raining and floor getting wet
• Making sure leaflets and posters in display boards are kept in date and tidy
• Keep bookcase tidy
• Dealing with lost property
• Ensure good handovers to the Centre Support Team
• Support with general administrative tasks when you have capacity

Answering phones, transferring calls, taking messages:

• If you are confident and have the relevant information to hand then deal with straight forward inquiries
• Take messages for complex inquiries
• Pass those with learning disabilities onto the relevant teams unless it is just a very straight forward inquiry such as is the youth club on tonight and you know it is. 
• Check info@ email inbox and keep on top of this inbox
• Deal with room hire enquiries (See next section)
• Forward to relevant departments if clear and save in their folder
• Check with Administrator/Centre Manager regarding more complicated inquiries and deal with as agreed, e.g. forwarding to them for them to deal with or replying following their guidance
• Do not open any attachments from emails you do not know

Room Hire Service:

• Maximise our room hire income: E.g. prompt follow up of inquiries, promoting our room hire, providing excellent customer service to ensure repeat bookings, etc.
• Deal with inquiries for room hire – liaise with Centre Manager for non-standard bookings
• Follow room hire procedures and processes
• Put room bookings on SKEDDA room booking system and ensure paperwork completed as required
• New Bookings – set up an electronic folder and set up on SKEDDA as a new user
• Follow up Purchase Order Numbers for room bookings
• Room set up – includes quick clean of spaces if needed following any previous meetings (including first thing in the morning following evening meetings)
• Looking after room hire resources (cups, urns, jugs, crockery etc, and IT equipment such as laptops, TV’s, remotes, extension leads) ensure everything is correctly put away
• Regular check that work/activity space toilets in reasonable condition; clean as required and replenish stocks as required
• Keep room hirers areas tidy, replenishing stocks of tea/coffee, emptying bins, wiping tables down
• Emptying and loading dishwashers as needed
• Sourcing and Ordering items for centre support (including doing Purchase orders)
• Make sure enough teas/coffees (including decaf), sugar and biscuits in stock
• Collect and record feedback from room hirers
• Taking payments and providing receipts face to face – sending SumUp Links for remote payments
• Look after any reception and room hire volunteers
• Completing any checks as agreed
• Producing the weekly room hire planners, including for sensory and soft playroom
• Support with buffets – planning menus, food preparation

Other tasks when providing cover for colleagues

• Support for weekly and monthly maintenance checks and preventative checks (e.g. fire alarm/fire extinguisher testing)  
• Cleaning

General:

• You will be a Key Holder and be able to act as Fire Lead as required and provide backup cover as needed
• Adhere to all Health & Safety, Safeguarding and Data Protection requirements
• Undertake other duties appropriate to the role as required

Leeds Mencap is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk of harm.  We expect all staff and volunteers to fully share and demonstrate this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of people in Leeds and welcome applications from all communities. 

If you would like to discuss this role in more detail please contact the Centre Manager on 0113 2351331 or email us at administrator@leedsmencap.org.uk

Closing date:             Midnight Sunday 8^th February 2026

Interview date:          Thursday 12^th February 2026

For more information please contact Bernie Gahan on 0113 235 13 31 or e-mail bernie.gahan@leedsmencap.org.uk

To apply please download and complete an application form. Please note we do not accept CVs.

We would also ask you to complete our Equality and Diversity monitoring form. This form is for monitoring purposes only and will not be treated as part of your application.

Please send completed applications to administrator@leedsmencap.org.uk. 

Trustee (voluntary role)

9th January 2026

Voluntary (expenses paid)

Location: The Vinery Centre, 20 Vinery Terrace, Leeds, LS9 9LU

Description

SALARY:                              Voluntary (expenses paid)

LOCATION:                         The Vinery Centre, 20 Vinery Terrace, LS9 9LU

Leeds Mencap is looking for people who are passionate about improving the lives of children and young people with learning disabilities and/or autism

Why not become our next volunteer Trustee?

In the role of Trustee you will have the opportunity to meet and work as part of a team with staff, volunteers and other Trustees from a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and specialisms. Your skills will complement established Trustees and senior staff to continue to provide strong and clear leadership to the organisation, helping us to progress further towards becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation, and extending support to more children and young people with learning disabilities and their families.

Leeds Mencap is a completely independent local charity that has come a long way since we opened our doors over 70 years ago. We support over 570 children and young people with learning disabilities and their family members each year. If you want to play a part in how the charity moves forward we are looking for new Trustees with a wide range of skills and experience, and from diverse backgrounds, and in particular we are looking for people with:

• Experience of Fundraising or income generation, including accessing grants and legacies.
• An HR, coaching or mentoring background to support us in the professional development of new and existing staff.
• Experience of education and safeguarding, particularly in early years settings.
• General management or business experience
• Lived experience of learning disability

We welcome new team members with previous experience of working or volunteering for a third sector organisation, but most importantly we are keen to hear from anyone who feels they have something to contribute and wants to be part of our continuing journey, so please get in touch.

As part of the Leeds Mencap team you will make a real difference. You will not only be helping children and young people to develop and achieve beyond anyone’s expectations but also helping their parents and carers to find respite and comfort in accessing practical help and support and knowing they’re not alone. In undertaking the role you will work with our skilled, experienced and committed team who are aspirational about what we can achieve together.

Leeds Mencap aims for its team to reflect the diversity of people in Leeds and welcome applications from all communities. If you share our passion about all children getting the very best start in life we would love to hear from you.

How to apply

To apply, please send your CV, together with a supporting statement detailing how you meet the requirements of the role and what you think you can offer, to administrator@leedsmencap.org.uk.  Please see Trustee recruitment pack for full details.

Any appointment will be subject to a DBS check, receipt of two suitable references and declarations of suitability to act as a Trustee.

Closing date:  As we have a number of Trustee vacancies, we will be considering applications on a rolling basis so please get in touch. 

Please also get in touch if you are interested in becoming a Trustee but are not currently in a position to apply.

Nursery Practitioner (After School Club)

9th January 2026

JOB TITLE:                Nursery Practitioner (Level 3)

REPORTING TO:                  Room Leader

Salary:                                   12.55 per hour,

Hours:                Monday to Friday, 3-6pm, 15 hours a week, term time only                 

Annual Leave:                       28 days per year plus public holidays.

Location:                                The Vinery Centre, 20 Vinery Terrace, Leeds LS9 9LU.

Our afterschool club runs Monday to Friday during term time.

We use a 'walking bus' approach to collect children from two local primary schools.

Our after school club children are aged between 4 and 11 years old.

This is an excellent opportunity for Nursery Practitioner (level 3 and above) to develop skills and experience of working with a slightly older age group or for someone who needs to work in a role where the hours are more suited to their work/life balance, all whilst supporting children in the heart of the East Leeds community.

Rated as Outstanding by Ofsted. Jimbo’s Community Nursery provides both mainstream and specialist early years education and childcare in East End Park in Leeds. We are the only nursery in the city with a specialist playroom that supports children with additional needs.

The nursery is part of local charity, Leeds Mencap, and we’re based in a friendly, modern, purpose-built centre. We have excellent facilities and resources, and the nursery is expertly managed by our highly experienced, skilled and supportive Childcare Manager.

Alongside the nursery Leeds Mencap also offers services to children and young people with a learning disability, their families and carers. These services include activities such as youth clubs and holiday playschemes and family support, which includes informal stay and play sessions where parents can meet others in similar situations, and advice on navigating through the often-complex systems to access specialist support in school settings.

The nursery and Family Services often work together to support children and their families, and the support we offer is long-term and meaningful. In fact, some of the children who started out accessing our nursery now attend our youth club for 14–18 year-olds for young people with learning disabilities.

Leeds Mencap is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk of harm.  We expect all staff and volunteers to fully share and demonstrate this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of people in Leeds and welcome applications from all communities.  If you share our passion about all children getting the very best start in life, whatever their background and ability, we would love to hear from you.

To apply please download application pack and forms from the buttons below

Please note we do not accept CVs.

For more information please contact Abigail Cunningham on 0113 467 3050 or e-mail abigail.cunningham@leedsmencap.org.uk

We would also ask you to complete our Equality and Diversity monitoring form. This form is for monitoring purposes only and will not be treated as part of your application.

Please send completed forms to administrator@leedsmencap.org.uk. 

Nursery Practitioner (Level 3)

22nd October 2025

JOB TITLE:                Nursery Practitioner (Level 3)

REPORTING TO:                  Room Leader

Salary:                                   12.55 per hour, £24,537 per annum

Hours:                37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday all year round.                   

Annual Leave:                       28 days per year plus public holidays.

Location:                                The Vinery Centre, 20 Vinery Terrace, Leeds LS9 9LU.

Rated as Outstanding by Ofsted. Jimbo’s Community Nursery provides both mainstream and specialist early years education and childcare in East End Park in Leeds. We are the only nursery in the city with a specialist playroom that supports children with additional needs.

We are now recruiting Nursery Practitioners, Level 3 and above.

The nursery is part of local charity, Leeds Mencap, and we’re based in a friendly, modern, purpose-built centre. We have excellent facilities and resources, and the nursery is expertly managed by our highly experienced, skilled and supportive Childcare Manager.

Some of the children we work with require an especially caring and understanding approach or specialist support to help them flourish, and the work is not always easy, but as part of a strong and experienced team you will be well-supported and have access to specialist training that’s relevant to your role.

‘Staff report that the support for their emotional wellbeing as being is very good. Staff who require additional support for their own needs are very well supported by managers.’ OFSTED March 2024

“I was never really interested in working for somewhere that was just a regular day nursery. I came to Jimbo’s because it’s so specialist and feels like it’s part of something more, that supports Learning Disability and local communities, and feels like a family.” Jimbo’s Nursery Practitioner

Alongside the nursery Leeds Mencap also offers services to children and young people with a learning disability, their families and carers. These services include activities such as youth clubs and holiday playschemes and family support, which includes informal stay and play sessions where parents can meet others in similar situations, and advice on navigating through the often-complex systems to access specialist support in school settings.

The nursery and Family Services often work together to support children and their families, and the support we offer is long-term and meaningful. In fact, some of the children who started out accessing our nursery now attend our youth club for 14–18 year-olds for young people with learning disabilities.

Leeds Mencap is committed to safeguarding all children, young people and adults at risk of harm.  We expect all staff and volunteers to fully share and demonstrate this commitment. All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We aim for our team to reflect the diversity of people in Leeds and welcome applications from all communities.  If you share our passion about all children getting the very best start in life, whatever their background and ability, we would love to hear from you.

To apply please download application pack and forms from the buttons below

Please note we do not accept CVs.

For more information please contact Abigail Cunningham on 0113 467 3050 or e-mail abigail.cunningham@leedsmencap.org.uk

We would also ask you to complete our Equality and Diversity monitoring form. This form is for monitoring purposes only and will not be treated as part of your application.

Please send completed forms to administrator@leedsmencap.org.uk. 

Nursery Volunteer

30th June 2025

About our nursery

Jimbo's Community Nursery has three playrooms:

• Willow Playroom for toddlers (2 to 3 year olds),
• Maple Playroom for pre-school children (2 to 4 year olds), and
• Hawthorn Specialist Playroom for children aged 2 to 4 with learning disabilities).

We also run an after school club with a walking bus to pick up children from local primary schools.

We are unique in Leeds in running a nursery which includes a specialist playroom for children with learning disabilities/ additional needs. This enables children to get the best of both specialist support and a mainstream setting. Children have a ‘base’ place in either the specialist playroom or the mainstream nursery. They spend the majority of their time in their ‘base’ but will also spend time in other rooms in the nursery to take part in particular activities, be with other children the same age, help with transitions to other nurseries or school/SILC.

Role summary

Key tasks include:

• Interacting with children to help develop their play and learning
• Supporting and encouraging children to participate in activities
• Assist with helping children at snack and lunchtime
• Assisting with tidying up at the end of the session
• Following instruction from the room leader and playroom staff
• Establish positive relationships with Leeds Mencap staff and service users

Key duties

• Comply at all times to the settings policies, procedures and standards, including health and safety, hygiene, inclusion, confidentiality, child protection, etc.
• Help staff to promote children’s health, safety and physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.
• Help to protect children from danger.
• Help to sustain a safe, welcoming, purposeful, stimulating and encouraging environment where children feel confident and secure and are able to develop and learn to achieve their full potential.
• Talk to children giving constructive and sensitive feedback to help children understand what they have achieved and think about what they need to do next.
• Help staff to plan and provide safe, appropriate, child-led and adult initiated experiences, activities and play opportunities in indoor, outdoor and in out-of-setting contexts, which enable children to develop and learn.
• Help staff to select, prepare and use a range of resources suitable for children’s ages, interests and abilities, taking account of diversity and promoting equality and inclusion.
• Help to promote positive behaviour, self-control and independence through using effective behaviour management strategies and developing children’s social, emotional and behavioural skills.
• Listen to children, pay attention to what they say and value and respect their views.
• Keep up to date with the nutritional needs of the children.
• Help staff with the hygienic upkeep of the room and facilities.
• To support the Leeds Mencap staff on-going development activities.
• Attend relevant training opportunities, such as safeguarding.
• Assist staff in making sure the Ofsted requirements are met.
• Ensure the confidentiality of information about families accessing the setting, complying with Data Protection Act.

Skills, knowledge and attitude

Volunteers need to be friendly and approachable, with good communication skills and the ability to improve their practice.

Commitment

Volunteers should be able to commit to 2/3 hours per week, for a minimum of twelve weeks. We would consider volunteers who are able to do 2 days or more per week for a shorter period.

Additional information

This role requires volunteers to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. There is no cost to the volunteer for this. Details will be given upon induction.

Travel costs and any additional expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

How to apply

To apply for any of our volunteering opportunities, please download and complete an application form and equal opportunities monitoring form. Email completed forms to administrator@leedsmencap.org.uk

Volunteer Reception/Room Hire Assistant

4th September 2024

About The Vinery Centre

Leeds Mencap’s Vinery Centre has a community and specialist nursery, as well as activity and meeting rooms which are hired out to local groups and organisations and used to run our own specialist services, including youth clubs and playschemes for children and young people with learning disabilities.

Key duties

• To welcome Room Hirers into the centre and to make sure they sign in and know basic information about the centre such as where the toilets are, fire assembly points, no smoking, car parking
• To help with setting up and clearing up of room hire meeting rooms – this will include moving tables, clearing tables, stacking dishwasher, emptying bins, hoovering carpets, sweeping floors, filling hot water urns, sorting baskets of teas/coffees and biscuits, etc.
• To help prepare sandwiches and buffets under the direction of the cook, to set out buffets for room hirers, arranging cutlery/serviettes and labelling food as needed
• Other general tasks such as leaflet printing and folding in between room hire support activities
• Reception support

Skills, knowledge and attitude

Volunteers need to be friendly and welcoming with good communication skills.

Commitment

Approximately once a week. Leeds Mencap will let you know in advance which days have a lot of room hire activity and you will let us know in advance when you can come in.

Additional information

Volunteers with be supported by the Room Hire Lead.

This role requires volunteers to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. There is no cost to the volunteer for this.

Travel costs and any additional expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

How to apply

To apply for any of our volunteering opportunities, please download and complete an application form and equal opportunities monitoring form. Email completed forms to administrator@leedsmencap.org.uk

Gardening Volunteer

30th July 2024

Role summary

Leeds Mencap is a charity working with children and young people with learning disabilities and their families and we are based at the Vinery Centre. We also run an inclusive Community Nursery, with a special needs room, as well as activity and meeting rooms which are hired out to local groups and organisations (this is an important income generator for us as a charity). We have visible grounds around the outside of our centre and three raised beds for food growing. We are very busy and we struggle to find time to keep on top of our gardening but we do want our centre to look neat and tidy.

We are looking for volunteers to assist in keeping on top of our gardening and potentially to work with nursery staff so the children can get involved.

Key duties

• Weeding, seeding, picking – raised food growing beds
• Harvesting food for the cook to use
• Weeding & edging
• Clearing up afterwards including sweeping paths
• Looking after raised flower beds on Raincliffe Road
• Potentially liaising with the nursery staff to arrange sessions with children  
• To comply with good health and safety practice

Skills, knowledge and attitude

• Able to follow instructions
• Able to work well as part of a team
• Reliability and commitment
• Trustworthiness

Commitment

We are looking for either regular or ad hoc volunteers.

Additional information

This role may require volunteers to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.  A DBS check would be required for a regular, on-going volunteer who would be liaising with the nursery/getting the children involved in growing/gardening; it would not be required for an ad hoc volunteer.  

Travel costs and additional expenses incurred will be reimbursed.

The work involves moderate to heavy work in all types of weather. There is frequent need to stand, stoop, walk, and lift.  Leeds Mencap will carry out risk assessments on an annual basis and may require volunteers to undergo reviews and medical checks to ensure they are able to carry out the tasks required with acceptable levels of risk to themselves and others.

How to apply

To apply for any of our volunteering opportunities, please download and complete an application form and equal opportunities monitoring form. Email completed forms to administrator@leedsmencap.org.uk