Parent Helper Guidelines

For both in School and during School trips

Thank you for volunteering to help our children in school. We feel that the involvement of parents in children's education is vital and we encourage active participation in many ways. In whatever way parents offer their time, we are always extremely grateful.

The aim of this guide, is to give you all the information you need to make your time both worthwhile and enjoyable. Thank you for your support.

At Leesons Primary School we want children to be happy and confident and to develop an enduring love of learning. Parent helpers have a valuable role in helping us to fulfil these aims.

To start helping in school you will first need to complete an application form (available to download below). We will ask all volunteers to read our Volunteering in School policy, you will need to sign a declaration form to confirm that you have read this. Please contact Mrs Coleman in the school office if you require any assistance with the forms or require paper copies.

Safeguarding

There is a requirement for schools to carry out a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check for all staff and volunteers who have regular contact with children. All schools need to hold a register of the checks undertaken.

In order for you to regularly work in school as a volunteer, you will need to complete a DBS form (available from the school office). Please be assured that all information will be treated in the strictest confidence and that these checks are done only in the best interests and safety of the children.

If a child tells you something that causes you concern, please tell the class teacher or Acting Head Teacher as soon as possible after the disclosure in an appropriate setting so that others cannot overhear.

Parent Helper Guidelines Confidentiality

• It is very important that all staff, parent volunteers and other adults working in the school work to a policy of confidentiality. You may see children struggling with work, be upset or misbehaving or hear/see other information concerning a child while you are with us in school. It is vital that you do not share anything about specific children with friends or family or a child’s parent if you know them. The teachers here have the responsibility of informing parents of any concerns about a child.
• Volunteers working in classrooms should do so on the understanding that they support the teaching staff and will not pass opinion on such matters as discipline or teaching styles outside the school.
• Volunteers in school are asked not to use the time to deal with issues regarding their own children. If you wish to speak to the class teacher or another member of staff, you should make an appointment in the usual way.
• Volunteers are respectfully asked that they dress appropriately for being in school.
• Please do not worry about your child's behaviour while you are helping as often he/she will behave quite differently if mum/dad is there. Most children soon get used to their parent helping in class and settle down.
• Please don’t have favourites – as humans we are drawn to certain individuals but it is important that all children in school are given equal time and attention.
• Please encourage the children to be independent - we expect children to try everything themselves before we help them.
• Please do not lift, carry or move a child in any way.
• If you are unable to be in school, please let the class teacher know either in person or by telephoning the office.