Parent volunteers?

[Chilver]

My DD is in Y1 and her class has typically had very low offers of parent volunteers so myself and DH offer to help for every trip (we have flexible working which appreciate lots don't have- although most are SAHM or flexible workers) and I have volunteered half day since Reception every week for reading/ helping in classroom as teachers have been so stuck with no parent helpers so I've stepped in at their request. We've even had the school office phoning to say ' as we know you can usually help out, could you come help out at x today' even though totally last minute.

The class trips are now getting more interesting and there is one full day trip next week that should be really fun. We volunteered as usual (either one of us, or both if really needed help) - and we've been told as there are so many volunteers this time, our presence isn't required!! I get that they want others to help but really?? We do all the boring, mundane trips and tasks but for the fun ones, parents who NEVER help out get priority!!!

Lighthearted, but AIBU to be slightly put out??

I can see your pov, but maybe the school think they should give you a break. Maybe you should talk to the teacher?

They probably see it, as you always do it, you get a break for once!

I suppose it's first come, first served.

Their priority will be making sure the ratio of adults to children is correct, not how much fun the trip will be for the helpers.

I used to do all the local walks/trips to the library/visits to local churches etc because I was a SAHM who worked part-time from home and could easily fit in a couple of hours here and there. I knew some parents really wanted to get involved, but couldn't really do that sort of helping without taking whole days off work, which didn't really seem fair. I always stepped back for the whole day trips, as these were the ones that such parents could do. TBH seeing how exhausted they were getting off the coach/train I usually felt I got the better end of the deal! I also volunteered for reading etc, but saw this as different from the trips.

I volunteered for a trip once and was told the parents who help out more often got priority. I'd talk to the school.

I would say the school want to give you a break. If you do want to go on the trip I really think you should say it to the school and should be given priority over other volunteers.

This is probably one of those "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situations.
If Parent A doesn't normally volunteer but does this once and then gets turned down in favour of Parent B who volunteers all the time, then Parent A will probably never volunteer again. So it's in the school's best interest to encourage Parent A.

Speak to the school and tell them how you feel.

I hate to give adult advice to someone who is an adult but why didn't it strike you as the sensible thing to do?

Parents who do the less exciting stuff are always asked if they'd like to do the more interesting things first.

I put my name down only for full day trips as I have to take annual leave unless it is my day off and these days are normally filled with other, long-term planned appointments so last minute cover is not possible.

I would be cross if the school does not take working parents into account, they do know who they are and I think ensuring they also get their turn is a nice touch.

It is difficult, even with SAHP to be a volunteer, I know several mums who only did morning stuff as this was the time the other child was at pre-school.

It's good that others have stepped in

Give them a chance

Glad it's 'lighthearted' or I'd really suggest you have a word with yourself

I can see why you're disappointed, but I really think the school just thought they'd do you a favour and give you a break this time, as they've got more volunteers. Why not arrange to go to this museum during the next inset day - just you, your DH and DD. It will be much more relaxing and enjoyable and you'll be able to concentrate on the exhibits rather than your group of pupils.

I expect others would like the opportunity when they are able to. I could hardly ever get time off to go on DC's school trips, so I really wanted to go on the occasional days I could get. DC's school tended to take the parents who volunteered more. That seemed pretty unfair to me (and DC) because it meant I didn't get to go at all.

They probably thought to give you a break and take the opportunity to use other parents for a change. For the next trip if you want to attend then make it clear that you would like to volunteer and you’ll put it in your diary.

Oh and a lot of schools won't let you be in charge of the group your DC is in anyway - so you spend the day wrangling someone elses DCs, with your own constantly wondering why you can't be together.

Slightly off topic (sorry) - Are parent helpers DBS checked?

Louise - I think it varies from school to school. We had to be DBS checked if we were in school on a regular basis for eg reading etc. We didn't need to be for one off day trips etc.