Volunteering advice needed

[bunnypillow]

I am a trained teacher from a Asian country. But have been a SAHM with no experience in schools in the UK. So I have decided to get into volunteering to gain experience. Luckily after 7 schools rejected (because they have enough volunteers) a school close to my home has accepted my volunteering application and my DBS is done. I’ll be starting from Monday. Please give me advice as to what to expect when volunteering in a primary school and what the school will expect from me? Thanks in advance. It’s my first time so please help me out

What sort of volunteering will you be doing? I did 2 weeks a long time ago as a work experience after finishing university. I was asked to do things like prepare certain activities for the kids, cut things out, prepare the classroom, move desks sometimes, and observe the teacher. At playtimes I was just another 'grown up' in the playground, responding to near-invisible ouchies, little arguements between kids, lost jumpers and other minor issues. There was an awful lot of lost jumpers, and other items. Then I think in the second week I was asked to help 3 children at a desk in the corridor outside the classroom that were struggling with a maths activity- I found this the most rewarding as felt like I was able to help them learn and give them confidence. I felt a bit of a spare part a lot, staff room was awkward as staff didn't talk, so I started to go offsite for my lunch - might have just been this school or the fact I was only there 2 weeks. I decided working in a school wasn't for me so the only experience I had. I think all schools are different workplace cultures. I don't know if this helps. Might be worth renaming your post to include "volunteering in schools" as then you should get school staff responding too about volunteers at their work?

It may vary from school to school and depends on the year group. Some schools have volunteers who listen to children read.
Extra help is often needed during practical sessions like Design Technology or Art. With the youngest children some turn taking games or play skills could be involved.
Once staff know you are a teacher they might ask you to support a small group in the classroom.
I’d look on the school website to get an idea of the ethos and look at some key policies.
Hope you enjoy it.

@RenderingVolunteering as a TA.

So they should’ve given you something to sign that sets out things like not repeating things you hear, who to go to with safeguarding concerns etc.
I have helped as a parent but guess it will be the same. Just take your lead from the teacher, they may ask you to take small groups off to do specific tasks or assessments. Be helpful around tasks like tidying at the end of the day etc. As a TA you may be asked to support one child with additional needs. If so you need to quickly get familiar with their needs. There will be paperwork but I would expect the teacher to fill you in verbally.

@RigbyRightOh yes I have done the safeguarding course. Just a bit nervous as it is my first time.

@Renderingin the same boat now. Feel like a spare part with nothing much to do at the class, in addition to the rude staff. But i just wanna continue to gain experience.

It is early days. Depending on the age group you may listen to reading or guide group reading, take children to PE, music or lunch, help with changing or trips, set up activities, support teaching staff, make displays, maintain records of assessment and observations, run small group learning support sessions in literacy and numeracy. Much will depend on what the teacher and class you are supporting requires.

@LIZS Fingers crossed. Hope it turns out as good as you have described it. I would genuinely love to help with classroom duties and in the process do some learning!

Some of those tasks might normally fall to a paid TA but it really varies on how many hours you do, how the timetable falls on that day, and what tasks need doing.

It might feel awkward now, but you’re doing exactly the right thing by sticking with it. Sometimes schools don’t know how to use volunteers right away, especially if they’re not used to having them. Keep showing up, stay open, and once they trust you a bit more, things usually get better.

@LiquidcobraHaaa you made my days. Thanks for the motivation. DH advised the same.