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Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

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Whether you're a permanent teacher, supply teacher or student teacher, you'll find others in the same situation on our Staffroom forum.

The staffroom

Teachers, what do you really think of volunteers in school?

39 replies

2Creamteas · 08/05/2016 22:06

I mean, when a parent comes in to your class, how do you feel ? Are they useful? Or do you think "oh no, not another one!" Just interested.....

OP posts:

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FinallyHere · 15/05/2016 08:33

Likwise, if every child's parents volunteered and wanted to be in the classroom with thier child, what a circus, eh!

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Acopyofacopy · 15/05/2016 21:53

When I volunteered there were very few parent helpers. If I had helped in another class nobody would have helped in my child's class.
I never worked with my child, but with other children in their class.
It does take a village, but if the village doesn't chip in I'll look after my own child first.

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SmileAndNod · 08/09/2016 10:43

Found this thread as I've just volunteered myself and now feeling a bit scared that I'll just be a PITA for the teachers (both of which have had my child in previews years).
I'm going to be listening to readers in a completely different year group. Will I need any special training? I don't have any particular skills eg music or art but I don't mind helping with other stuff - sharpening pencils taking down work etc.
Will it be ok do you think? I'm feeling anxious about it now

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CandODad · 08/09/2016 20:46

Smile, there are always children that just need you to listen to them read because for whatever reason they don't get chance at home.
I'm sure you will be an asset.

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toomuchicecream · 08/09/2016 20:46

SmileAnd Nod - it will be absolutely fine. If the teacher didn't want you there, they would have said and you would be sent to another class. I'm always grateful for every little bit of extra help I get as it makes such a difference to the children, particularly those who don't get much support at home.

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SmileAndNod · 11/09/2016 07:10

Thank you for your replies. I'm just feeling a little nervous I suppose and want to be a help rather than hindrance!

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headinhands · 11/09/2016 07:47

I started off volunteering and am now a full time TA for my sins. I have volunteered in my dc's class and even worked in their classes since being on the payroll. I was always impartial from the very start and my dc knew quickly I was there for everyone and never treated them differently.

I think having dc with SN that I was never shocked or judgey about behaviour which I imagine would piss off the teacher.

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VioletBam · 11/09/2016 07:48

I've volunteered in DD"s class....when they had special craft activities on and needed more hands on board.

It was fine! I didn't sit on DD's table....I helped the other kids on their table.

It was one of the hardest jobs I've ever done....exhausting! I can't imagine how teachers do it.

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headinhands · 11/09/2016 07:51

I'm feeling anxious about it now

You'll be fine! What will happen is that over the first few sessions you'll pick up how the class works and where your attention is most needed.

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SocksRock · 11/09/2016 07:58

I volunteer in school - I do cooking with the reception class once a week or they simply wouldn't get to do it. Mine are y4 and y2 currently, but I've got another coming into reception next year. Not sure how that will work... But I plan the lesson (with help from the teacher) and I buy all the ingredients (donation from me). I really hope I'm not overstepping the line, but I do so love working with the little ones. I work 20 hours a week elsewhere, but would love to be a TA. Hoping this will count as experience.

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kookiekookie · 11/09/2016 08:06

Maybe it was lovely for you to volunteer in your child's class, but don't you think it's their time to get away from you and build their own identity. Or wouldn't you allow that?

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headinhands · 11/09/2016 08:14

We've had teachers with their own dc in their class. I don't think that children need to be physically removed from the parent for them to develop their ideas and personalities unless there's bigger problems like neglect?

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PigeonPie · 11/09/2016 08:30

I've volunteered in my DSs' classes for six years now. I am spending my DS1's final year at the school in his class as I've been helping some of his classmates on and off since year 2 and it will be great to see them off to secondary reading fluently (I generally help the strugglers).

All being well, I will then spend DS2's final two years helping his year.

It is such a rewarding thing to be able to do and I feel very privileged that I've been able to see the children grow educationally and physically.

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SmileAndNod · 11/09/2016 08:53

SocksRock we have chidden in the same years. I'm sure thats bound to help your application when a position comes up.

I don't think I would want to work in their classes as I have to put up with them at home partly because I know so many of their class and also because they need to be their own people in school.

I am looking forward to it. No way could I be a TA though!