and challenges involved in heading up children's services in the charity
sector.
Kristina Lastoweckyi is the head of children's services at YMCA Reigate and Redhill, where she has worked for the past 18 months.
She oversees the managers and supervisors who deliver a range of services including a Sure Start children's centre, mother and baby activities, after-school provision for four- to 11-year-olds and playschemes for mainstream children and those with disabilities, aged four to 11 years.
'My day begins at about 8.30am when I check my emails. I manage three different sites in east Surrey. I go between the sites, talking to managers about how the aims and objectives of the centre are going, what activities are going on, what is working well and what we need to improve on.
'Every day is different, but tends to involve a lot of strategic management and looking at how our centres are performing against our business plan, and the directions we are taking for each of the services for children.
'While I don't spend as much time with the children as I did in my last role, I do make sure I personally look at the schemes. If you don't see them in action you don't know what is going on, so I always make an effort to go along and chat to the children.
'I talk to them about what they are enjoying and about activities, and I talk to families when they are picking up the children to get their feedback.
'Usually, my day ends at 6pm, although sometimes I work until 10pm.
'The best part of my job is when I go to see the families and find out how the service is making a difference to them, especially where they may be in difficulties and facing tough times. It is very rewarding seeing the positive impact our services have and how much the children get out of them.
'The biggest challenge is undoubtedly funding. Nothing is ever secure in terms of what you want to achieve and funding always creates barriers in terms of adapting activities and purchasing equipment.
'But working in the charity sector is really rewarding. It is one of those places where you enjoy coming to work, because you never know what to expect or what will happen.'
CV
Qualifications and training
BA Hons in Event and Business Management, Manchester Metropolitan University, September 2005-July 2009
Makaton trained, July 2009
Safeguarding children and young people modules 1-3 - qualified child protection liaison officer, Surrey Safeguarding Board, 2010, updated 2012
MAPA Trainer (person-centred restraint training), Positive Options, July 2011 (refresher in July 2012)
Foundation Degree in special educational needs, Kingston University, 2012
First aid at work, St John Ambulance, 2013
Employment history
2009-2010 - project officer for children with complex needs, LinkAble registered disability charity
2010-2012 - head of children's services, LinkAble
2012 to present - head of children's services, Reigate and Redhill YMCA
TRAINING
The remit of a children's service manager in the charity sector is very broad, and so different organisations will be looking for different qualifications, depending on the setting. Whether it involves children with learning difficulties, children in a deprived area or under-fives only, employers will look for relevant experience in that area.
To fulfil this role, you will need to have a minimum of a Level 3 in child-related studies, have attended a module 3 in safeguarding and child protection and have some further education relating to inclusion and special education.
Communication skills are important and you will need to show that you have the ability to communicate with children and families, funders, board members and other stakeholders.
The job may involve filling in for staff when required, so you must enjoy working directly with children and be happy to step in and help when required. Knowledge of the charity sector is also expected.
It is an advantage to be the kind of person who thrives on variety.
Proven leadership and management skills, experience in setting and managing budgets, and good business planning skills would be an advantage.
USEFUL WEBSITES
- Government funding website, www.governmentfunding.org.uk/default.aspx
- Government websites with information about the voluntary sector, www.workingforacharity.org.uk/links/government.html
- LinkAble registered disability charity, www.linkable.org.uk
- The Working for a Charity website, run by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, details training courses and offers information and advice to anyone interested in entering the charity sector, www.wfac.org.uk.
