Parent Volunteers

[HidingBehindThisUsername]

We need more classroom volunteers.

We used to have quite a lot, then interim Headteacher alienated quite a few and numbers dwindled.

Now got new head and want to ramp up our Parent/Carer volunteer support again. I am hoping new leadership will gradually help improve things - but is there anything else we could do to encourage people to help?

Thank you.

Start by having a parent helper policy.

What is the school expecting from them. There is vast difference between a parent volunteering for example to listen to children reading and having them in class as a unpaid TA (not sure that you can do this).

Are you member of governor key website. There is lots of information on there about what you can and can't do.

ACAS have said that if a volunteer could by entitled to minimum wage if the work they are doing is a benefit to the school.

I think a small welcome pack would be useful for volunteers, with info such a TeenandTween said.
Also, if the volunteer is going to be listening to children read, make sure they are clear what they are expected to do (especially the difference between teaching - by teachers and what the volunteer does).
Volunteers at DD's school used to get a named thank you (and sometimes a small gift or card) at the end of year assembly. Which was nice.

I used to help out in infants school (and like your school a new head came in and alienated patient volunteers, but this was as my youngest was leaving anyway).

I think ppl are encouraged by posters up on classroom windows asking for volunteers, or a request in the newsletter. Give options such as reading with kids, helping run the library, mounting displays, helping with costumes for xmas shows, helping on a regular or one-off basis for a special event.

We were actively welcomed in the staffroom - and they had nice coffee which really helped. And on the last day of term they would invite parent helpers for a chat and cake after school.

bojorojo and admission thank you for your comments. I was initially a bit as to why my motivation background was of importance - but you are right - as I read lots of threads on here to gain insight. I wanted a simple question/request for information. I have already had the fight about "I may be a Governor and a volunteer but I am not managing this" with other members of the Governing body. I do not mind however looking into some elements of it.

Organising/overseeing volunteers is yes, out of my remit. However there are reasons for me (within my role of Governor) for me wanting to find out how other schools do it. Some Governors want to gung-ho do a call to arms for parent helpers and return to the old days. I have experience as a parent helper - and my "induction" as it were was shocking and safeguarding lax. The interim head has changed a lot of things - many for the better - regarding the processes/safeguarding/training around volunteers. But the style has been antagonistic and put people off.

As a school we (including the head) want to increase numbers - and quality - again. It is for the head and SLT to do - but I have been asked by the CoG to be a kind of Volunteer Link Governor. So I am finding out what other schools do. I don't want my own experiences as a parent volunteer to be the only thing in my mind if/when I discuss with the new head.

From this I shall propose a volunteer policy (done by the head) including training, safeguarding measures etc etc. And a check (by the head) if there are any other Ofsted/best practise elements to consider.

I shall not be doing it. But I am forearmed with more information from here (plus some other stuff I have looked into) to enable me to discuss with other (more gung-ho) Governors and back/challenge the head as appropriate.

Where that goes in the priority list - well who knows. But the information from this thread has been very useful and a big thank you. Just didn't want to put the whole backstory (which is still not on here in entirety to protect/hide some elements of school identity)

I think people would often love to help but not get around to offering or think "but I have no relevant experience, they wouldn't want me". I think definitely ask and make it easy for people to get in contact and discuss it (one school we were at sent out a letter with a reply slip for anyone interested, and had a meeting for potential volunteers too). But also what PPs said about being clear what was needed and making helpers feel welcome and useful. Or if they're not actually useful, don't have them there. Nothing worse than volunteering out of a desire to help and then feeling you're standing around being a nuisance.
Our school does 1 hour slots after drop off or just before pick-up, mostly for reading volunteers.

Other thing you could do is get in contact with big local employers. Many employers encourage volunteering and will often release people for one-off events or a regular short slot.