Need experience in a primary school- should I ask as Ds' school?

[CinnamonPreztel]

I am trying to get onto a primary PGCE for which I urgently need experience in a primary school. I have phones about 30 schools in my local and surrounding area to be met by rejection after rejection! I stupidly assumed working as a learning assistant in a college and having recently graduated with a 1st would mean I wouldn't have a problem getting voluntary work, very dissapointed.

My ds started primary school 2 weeks ago and I'd originally assumed I'd be able to do the whole mum helping out/reading to kids etc. However I began to feel awkward asking for fear of them saying no and then being embarrassed seeing them every day (immature I know but it really makes me cringe). So I rang and didn't mention ds being at the school, just asked if they had any volunteering oppurtunities but they said they already had people in.

Do you think it would make any difference if I tried again, with them knowing I am a parent of a dc at their school? Maybe they could let me know when other students have left?

I need experience in a primary asap and don't know how else to get it!

Pop in and see the Head at the end of the day and have a chat about it.
Have you explained properly to all the schools that you phoned?

Schools get so many requests from would-be-trainee-teachers. Get to know the staff and Head. Then let them know that you want to do your PGCE. Then ask to come and observe... they will say yes

Have you tried sending in letters with cv? Or the local SN schools?
Do you have crb already?
I would certainly try your ds school again as his mum an see what they say.

It really isn't you though, schools get dozens of requests every year to place students on PGCEs, other teaching and child-care organisations, work experience placements and volunteers needing experience. Plus parent helpers.
Sometimes we have up to 6 or 7 at a time, throughout the year.
The requests come in writing and are discussed at staff meetings, so the teachers can volunteer to have one of them. Sometimes the volunteer is willing to be in any class, or will split time between them. Sometimes they can do any day, others want specific times. All that is easier in a written format than a note written by a busy office staff member, it show thought and clarity about what is being offered and asked for.
I would ask the schools in writing, and be hopeful. Good luck!

Thank you for your replies. I have been calling schools and if they ask me to email them with further details I have an in depth summary of who I am, what I am looking for etc.

Yes I have a crb through work (work in a college) can I request a copy of this for schools or would I need to get a separate independent one?

I would love to work in a SN school but the PGCE I want to get on requires experience of mainstream.

I expect that they would get you a CRB if you find a school. I have never had to get my own-even as a volunteer. I always find the personal touch and popping in helps-you may not get to see anyone but there is always the possibility.
It seems madness that one CRB doesn't do for all. I have 3 at the moment!

Thank you, one of the schools I almost got a yes from yesterday said no as an afternoon a week wasn't worth them getting me a CRB apparently :S

ime many schools are receptive to voluntary placements but you may find , particularly at this time of year, they are being inundated with requests when they are still settling children in and have committed to some already undertaking courses.

Consider any school - those which may be perceived as in more deprived areas and private ones, perhaps a nursery, children's centre or playgroup for EYFS. I think you need to be fairly specific in what you request (x no. hours per week gaining experience of EYFS/KS1/KS2, literacy and numeracy etc) but as flexible as possible with your availability. If you are a parent they may have a policy of not placing you in your own child's class/year. As an alternative for now, volunteer with pta events, fundraising, Christmas party and so on to get your face known. Schools would require their own CRB check before you could start but it doesn't cost them for volunteers and can be done quickly online in some areas.

rather than going in from the angle of what you are looking for, go in with the angle what you can offer that particular school

I am in the same situation except that I have just got my placement and start after half term (although having a bit of a nightmare with CRB check).

I updated my CV and put on it anything relevant ie helping out in DS's youth club, on PTA at DC school etc and sent it to every school in the borough with a covering letter.

I did not apply to my kids school as I want reception and DD is in there in a large room with 90 kids.

I left it a week then rang them all and some said a flat out no, some asked for CV to be emailed...

I was just really starting to worry about it and then a school rang asking me to go in for a chat, and hey presto I got it!!

Ninah - has it spot on IMO and that's how I tried to tailor my CV.

I'm amazed that schools aren't desperate to take you! Around me, they are always willing to take volunteers and put constant appeals out for them. My DH has taken quite a few people on as volunteers in his class while they are getting experience for a PGCE application. When he was a student it was actually a local councillor, who was also a school governor, who got him a work placement. I think you are best to always tell people you are gaining more experience for a PGCE application. Fingers crossed for you, keep trying.

I would not expect a school to pay for my CRB either, so maybe if you offer to fund it then the school that nearly said yes may change their mind??

Is one afternoon a week considered as 'experience'?

Exoticfruits - the school I am to have a placement in will not do the CRB as they then have to take money from me, so have asked for it to go through the college but as I don't start college until Easter (and until I have found the £££) I cannot see this happening....

How do you go about doing it yourself??

I need to do a minimum of 8 hours a week...

The CRB helpline is 0870 9090 811. Maybe ring them and ask if you can do it yourself? I've only ever known people get them through the school or voluntary group etc., but there must be a direct way I presume.

Oh thanks, that's fab, I will call them tomorrow!!