Voluntary Work in Schools

The vast majority of schools appreciate voluntary help. Voluntary work in schools can come in many forms, from relatively ‘official’ posts such as school Governors, to more ‘informal’ positions like helping young children with reading on an ad hoc basis.

CRB Checks

Anyone that works with children in any capacity is now required to have a CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check. Of course, the vast majority of people that are required to complete this check are more than happy to comply with such an important regulation. The CRB check determines you have not had any criminal charges against you, especially those which relate to children, and is a Government programme to support agencies and businesses that are there for the benefit of children and young people.

Voluntary Learning Support Assistant

Some big schools, especially those with a large number of children with learning difficulties or many children for whom English is not their first language, have voluntary learning support assistants that work in the classroom, usually on a very part time basis. Usually, but not always, these volunteers are the mothers or fathers of children in the school. Their role will see them helping children to read or prepare for activities, perhaps getting ready for a certain play or school event. As such, many volunteers ‘donate’ two or three hours a week and will do whatever the teacher asks of them. While there is no payment, it can be a great way to gain experience if you are looking to become a paid learning support assistant.

Governors

School Governors are voted in to their position and usually stay for at least one year. It is a very visible voluntary position and is often seen as a ‘strong person in the community’. As such, you may find that the role brings with it extra responsibilities, such as writing or providing references for various parents or children or writing letters of support for funding claims.

Most school Governors have already been PTA (Parent Teacher Association) members at the school, often during times when their children attended the school and becoming Governor later. Such a position can be quite ‘political’ in the sense that other Governors, teachers and parents will have their own views on how things should be done and why, consequently you need to be diplomatic and unflappable to succeed.

PTA Members

Being a member of the Parent Teacher Association at your children’s school is a great way to meet other parents and understand more about the philosophy of the school. There are usually meetings each term and additional requirements for assisting at functions or school events. You will also be expected to attend the AGM. Many people that move to a new area with their children find that joining the PTA helps them to get to know the area and other families far better than simply attending the school, with many stay at home mums and dad eager to utilise their previous experience in marketing, accounting, management or whatever.