Should volunteers be left in charge of a class?

[Snowyelephantshavewrinkles]

I work in primary as a SSA. Am I right in thinking that someone who works PT but volunteers the rest should not be placed with the class on her one even for short periods?
For example one of our TAs is paid from 10 until 12 each day but volunteers and is there at eight thirty ish a day. Twice this week she has been left on her own with the whole class (teacher was late due to snow).
Is there legislation that states she shouldn't be?

Were any of the children damaged?

I don't know the legalities of this but she is clearly employed by the school and will have clearance to be alone with children. It has been an unusual situation with the snow and I don't think it is unreasonable under the circumstances. They could have closed the school and sent the children home due to lack of staff but I doubt this would have pleased everyone. I would be fine with it.

Generally - no, they are not allowed.

Well, I wouldn't really class her as a volunteer if she gives freely out of her own time when she works overtime.
It would be a bit like saying dh's computer programming suddenly becomes worthless if he works overtime to get a project finished.

If you would be happy with her taking the class from 10-12, then there shouldn't be an issue with her taking the class from 9 to 10.

And the alternative could be sending the class home, which is going to produce a lot of complaints.

Why does it bother you?