Volunteering in school - how?

[TheCyanStork]

I’m looking into becoming a TA in a primary school and I’ve heard the best way is to volunteer for a bit first. Should I directly contact a few schools to ask if I can do once a week helping out, perhaps reading or play supervision or anything they want me to do?

What’s the best thing to write in an email directed to the headteacher and how likely is it I’ll get a response?

If it’s a primary school that’s nearby, I’d go and ask to make an appointment to see the head teacher and explain what you’d like to do.

It will depend on whether they want anyone and what you can offer. You’ll need a DBS, if it’s still called that and it’s probably best if you can commit to a regular time.

I bet if you explain and state when you are free, they will bite your hand off. Several will have had to make support staff redundant due to falling budgets.
Finding a paid position will likely be trickier.

Some of the TAs at my DC’s school were lunch time supervisors first.

If you have children, can you ask at your children’s school first?

Approach the school head of local schools and they will delegate to whoever manages volunteers as required. If you have any specific skills, experience working with children or interests like art, music, drama etc mention it. Listening to reading is a typical role.