The Smallest Things needs you!
Would you like to make a difference to the lives of children born prematurely when they go to school?
Here’s your chance!
Apply to become a Prem Aware Ambassador, join our growing team of volunteers, and help spread the word about how schools can take a few simple steps to better support prematurely born children on their educational journey.
What is the Prem Aware Award?
The Smallest Things Prem Aware Award Scheme raises awareness of the impact of prematurity on development and learning, supports parents and carers, and helps schools to recognise and meet the specific learning needs that some children born prematurely may have.
What would I need to do?
Our volunteer Ambassadors are The Smallest Things’ local champions for the Prem Aware Award. Your job is to highlight the scheme (along with the needs of children born prematurely) to schools and early years setting within your region.
This could involve:
Contacting schools, academies or local education authorities in your area by email, phone or letter in the first instance
Following up with some information and materials about the scheme (we’d arm you with a suite of resources) and answering any questions.
Arranging a meeting or presentation with the school or setting
Keeping in contact with them regularly to track progress
Helping us present them with the Award, either digitally or in person, and celebrating in local and social media!
To carry out this role, you’ll need to be fully briefed on The Smallest Things Prem Aware Award, have completed the free online training, developed by Professor Samantha Johnson and the PRISM (Premature Infants’ Skills in Mathematics) Study team yourself, and understand the origins of the evidence on which it is based.
“As a school, we are driven to ensure that every child achieves their best possible outcomes. The training was incredibly interesting and has broadened our understanding of the impacts of a pre-term birth. We are a close-knit community and our increased awareness aorund pre-term births will allow us to provide an extra layer of support for our families.”
How much time do I have to offer?
Undertaking the free online training takes around two hours and then we’d estimate an hour or so of reading to fully understand the scheme.
Once that’s complete, we ask you to try and reach out to four schools or early years settings in your area and keep us posted on how you get on.
Will I be supported?
Of course! We’re here to support you and there’s a dedicated email address. Keep us updated with any conversations or meetings you’re having and when it’s time to present an Award. We love hearing what our Ambassadors have been up to and we have an active and supportive WhatsApp group of Ambassadors from across the UK you can join.
Do I need to be a teacher or a parent of a prematurely born child?
No. We are looking for people with a passion for making a difference to the lives of children born prematurely and their families. You don’t need any specific qualifications or experience.
How do I apply?
It’s easy – email us to register your interest and we’ll send you an application form.
If successful, we’ll send you a welcome pack that includes a handbook outlining your responsibilities in more detail and a presentation you can use when meeting any schools or organisations. We’ll then have a quick introductory chat with you to check everything is clear and you’re ready to start championing the Prem Aware Scheme as a Smallest Things Ambassador!