🐾 Paw Pal – Summer HAF 2026

Do you have the energy, enthusiasm and compassion to help create an unforgettable summer for local children with our resident therapy dogs?

Dog Squad is looking for friendly, reliable and fun-loving Paw Pals to join our Summer HAF team this August.

As a Paw Pal, you'll support a small group of children aged 7–12 to take part in exciting activities, build confidence, make friends and create paws-itive memories.

No two days are the same at Dog Squad! From dog agility and treasure hunts to crafts, gaming, outdoor adventures and wellbeing activities, you'll be part of a vibrant and supportive team delivering a summer packed with fun.

🐶 What is HAF?

The Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme provides free holiday activities, healthy meals and enriching experiences for children who receive benefits-related free school meals.

Dog Squad delivers fun, inclusive and engaging sessions designed to help children build confidence, make friends, learn new skills and create lasting memories.

For an overview of HAF please follow this link

https://www.thesnootypoochgroup.org.uk/haf-clubs

For an overview of this summer's themed days and activities, please visit:

https://www.thesnootypoochgroup.org.uk/haf-clubs/summer-universal-haf-2026/dates-activities

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📍 Location

Based at Alderbrook School, Blossomfield Road, Solihull, with some local excursions and off-site activities.

📅 Dates

Monday 10th August – Friday 28th August 2026 (excluding Saturdays & Sundays) , plus Monday 31st August 2026.

Applicants must be available for all programme dates.

⏰ Hours

10:30am – 3:30pm (5 hours per day)

Staff are required to arrive 30 minutes before sessions begin and remain for 30 minutes afterwards to support setup, welcoming families and end-of-day debriefs.

💰 Pay

£13 per hour 

🐶 About the Role

Each Paw Pal will support a group of up to six children aged 7–12, alongside a child Pack Leader Helper, helping to create a safe, engaging and inclusive environment.

You will encourage participation, build positive relationships and help children get the most out of their HAF experience.

🐾 Main Responsibilities

• Welcoming children and families at the start of each session
• Supporting a group of up to six children throughout the day
• Encouraging participation in activities and promoting positive behaviour
• Building positive relationships with children, families and colleagues
• Supporting children to develop confidence, friendships and independence
• Ensuring children are safe, engaged and included
• Assisting with setup, transitions between activities and tidying away resources
• Supporting off-site activities and excursions
• Reporting any safeguarding or wellbeing concerns promptly
• Following Dog Squad policies, procedures and health and safety guidance

⭐ We're Looking For People Who Are:

• Enthusiastic, energetic and approachable
• Reliable and organised
• Caring, patient and empathetic
• Confident communicating with children and adults
• Comfortable working as part of a team
• Passionate about creating positive experiences for children

Experience working with children or young people is desirable but not essential. We value attitude, energy and a willingness to learn just as highly as previous experience.

🛡️ Training & Safeguarding

Successful applicants will be required to:

• Complete an online safeguarding course
• Attend a paid pre-delivery training session (3 hours)
• Undertake an enhanced DBS check

🍽️ Additional Information

Lunch and refreshments will be provided each day. Staff will eat alongside children as part of the programme and support positive mealtime experiences.

📧 How to Apply

To apply, please email:

woof@thesnootypooch.co.uk

Please include a brief introduction about yourself, any relevant experience you may have and why you would like to join the Dog Squad team this summer.

Join the Dog Squad pack and help make the holidays unforgettable! 🐶☀️