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Alison Heseltine, early years development manager at the Alliance, explains the benefits of volunteers at baby and toddler groups, alongside tips on how to make them feel valued and supported  

Many baby and toddler groups rely on volunteers to keep them running each week.  Without these individuals giving their time and effort for free, these groups simply would not be there to benefit families in the community. 

However, in the recent Alliance report, Hidden Gems, 72% of groups cited attracting new volunteers and staff as a key challenge. Reasons given included the fact that many potential volunteers are now seeking paid employment to help with the cost-of-living crisis and therefore don’t have the time to take on additional commitments. Alongside the often-physical nature of the role, the pandemic has also impacted on the number of older volunteers supporting the groups, with many explaining that they are hesitant to return.   

So, how can we recognise and value the work volunteers do, while also giving them the support they need and overcoming this recruitment crisis? 

How can volunteers help your baby and toddler group, and vice versa? 

Both the individual and the group benefit from volunteers’ involvement. Volunteers come with skills and knowledge, and, in many cases, valuable experience that you wouldn’t otherwise have access to, introducing new ideas and different ways of working that may better meet the needs of your families.  

They’re often part of the community you’re working in, acting as passionate advocates for your group, and, as such, have strong connections that allow you to reach out and help more families through the support you offer. 

But these benefits are not all one-sided. By providing volunteering opportunities, you’re offering the chance for new friendships, establishing community connections, building confidence, teaching new skills, improving health and wellbeing, and possibly even supporting someone to find employment. Understanding each individual’s motivation for volunteering means you can better align their needs with your requirements. Often, volunteers share how much their own sense of wellbeing is benefitted by seeing the difference they’re making to families and feeling that they’re bringing meaningful change to people’s lives – including their own. 

When you’re looking to recruit volunteers, there are some things to consider:  

• Ask yourself what your aims are for your group and how volunteers will help you to achieve them. Perhaps you have a gap in skills or are expanding the number of sessions you offer? Or maybe your group’s attendance numbers have grown? In each case, think about how you’ll meet the needs of your setting and the needs of volunteers to create a positive experience for everyone.  

• Identify any potential barriers to volunteers coming forward or, if applicable, barriers to long-term volunteering.  

• Build in time to have ongoing, open, and supportive conversations with your volunteers where they can share their concerns and ideas, while you explain their responsibilities and your expectations. 

• Plan your induction process and consider whether additional resources or training are needed.   

Legal matters 

You also need to be aware of the importance of treating your volunteers with equity and fairness.   

The Equality Act 2010 relates to volunteers too, and they should not be discriminated against. Challenge any assumptions and take time to reflect whether you are allowing stereotypes and pre-judgments to impact on your approach and opportunities for volunteers to be involved with your group. You also have a responsibility to ensure their health and safety when they are with you. 

Finally, consider how you share the message with your volunteers that they are a valued and important part of what you do. How do you and your families show their appreciation of the time and effort that volunteers are giving? A simple ‘thank you’ or chance to chat is often all that’s needed. 

How we can help 

The Early Years Alliance has produced the Early Adventures Baby and Toddler Toolkit to support you in all areas of running your group including recruiting and working with volunteers. The toolkit highlights areas to consider, shares supporting documents, and provides information to help and advise. It also provides an opportunity for you to reflect on how you value and develop your volunteers – for example, through peer support as well as access to training and networking events.  

Additionally, through Alliance membership, your group has free access to online EduCare training modules and mini-guides, both of which support your volunteers build their skills, ensuring they feel prepared and confident in their role. There are courses on a wide range of key topics for volunteers to complete, including safeguarding, manual handling, communication and language, and children’s learning and development that volunteers can complete.