Volunteer at a school
Many schools welcome volunteers and have volunteer opportunities in various aspects of school life.
How to become a volunteer
To volunteer in your local school, start by contact the school office, leaving your details.
The headteacher, or their depute, will invite potential volunteers for an informal conversation.
Following this, they will let you know whether they agree that you and the school are a good match.
If you do not match with a school
There may be many reasons why volunteers are not recruited. If you are not successful, the headteacher will give you feedback.
If a match is not considered suitable by either side, you will be offered an opportunity to discuss the outcome and explore alternatives.
If you cannot find a suitable match, you can be referred to a more appropriate volunteering situation through:
Who can a be a volunteer
We welcome volunteers who are:
- parents of pupils at the school
- from our employee pool
- from partner organisations
- from outside agencies
- volunteer adult helpers
- senior pupils
- university students
- adult learners
The benefits of volunteering in a school
Volunteering in a school can:
- bring a different perspective to our work, often reflecting the diverse views of the local school community
- provide opportunities for skills development
- help with future employment and training
- provide opportunities to meet like-minded people
- provide an opportunity to be involved with something interesting, absorbing and rewarding
How the school will work with you
Due to the differing nature of volunteers, the headteacher will make sure that you as a volunteer are issued with a description of your roles. This will be drawn up in full consultation with you. This will clearly state:
- the tasks you have agreed to undertake
- the person who you should report to
- the time period of your position
- the days and times you will attend
- an area for signing and dating for both parties
Parents as volunteers
Some of the opportunities that have been identified include:
- working on school newsletters, websites or supporting social and celebration events
- supporting with pre/post school clubs and activities, careers events and supporting learning in specialist areas such as supporting classroom reading or library developments or attending educational visits
Support for volunteers
The headteacher may be the main point of contact/supervisor depending on the setting. However, where this differs, you will be assigned a mentor who will regularly discuss your progress, and if appropriate, the achievement of any objectives.
Confidentiality is an important issue.
You are expected to ensure confidentiality in respect of information relating to your work. You may also be asked to complete a protecting vulnerable groups check, depending on the role. The cost of this will be covered by the school.
Further information
Telephone: 030 33 33 3000
Email: EducationandLearningParentalInvolvement@dumgal.gov.uk