Finding Volunteer Work in a Primary School

[JoanOfWonderland]

I am in a position to change careers and am seriously considering becoming a teaching assistant. Yes, I am aware it is low paid and can be hard work! I am planning to do a NCFE level 3 course but what I really need is some work experience.

A few years ago I was frequently a parent helper for things like school trips but we've since moved away, otherwise I am sure my children's old primary school would offer me something. I am also already DBS checked as I do volunteer work that puts me in contact with vulnerable adults. But I am not sure what the correct protocol is if you are volunteering at a primary school which your children do not attend (my kids are teens now).

I emailed a couple of primary schools at the end of last week with inquiries but have not heard back. I'm not sure if I need to be more patient, as school admin are very busy and it is the start of the school year, or if I should just call the school office? Is it the norm for school admin to ignore emails that are not urgent?

Thank you for any advice from people who know how things work in a primary school!

You might find it difficult to get a voluntary position now as many schools will have taken on student volunteers before the summer for this academic year. I would maybe look into private nurseries for now and see if you can volunteer in their preschool room until a school position becomes available.

Lots of the primary schools where I live would snap you up to go in for a couple of hours a week to read with children. It's not exactly what you are after, but could be a stepping stone to more volunteer hours. Id also phone rather than email, as the admin@ school email addresses get inundated. Good luck!

The primary school where I teach would also love you. We have had volunteer readers contact us like this. If I knew that someone was considering a TA role and would be happy to be given other jobs, I would welcome them with open arms.

The beginning of term is a crazily busy time for school admin staff. I'd give it a couple of weeks and then send chaser emails.