Newbridge Primary
School
Volunteer Policy
Author:
Role:
Date written:
Review date:
Tony Day
Volunteer Co-ordinator
Nov 2009
Every three years
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Newbridge Primary School - Volunteer Policy
Introduction
Volunteers at our school bring with them a range of skills and experience that can
enhance the learning opportunities, achievement and enjoyment of children at our
school. We welcome and encourage volunteers from the all sections of the local
community.
Our Volunteers include:
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Parents and other relatives of pupils
Members of the Governing Body
Ex-pupils
Students on work experience
Ex-members of staff
Local residents
The types of activities that Volunteers support and assist with include:
Hearing children read
Working with small groups of children
Working alongside individual children
Undertaking art & craft activities with children
Working in our school Learning Resource Centre
 Running or assisting with after-school clubs
 Working with children on the computers
 Accompanying school visits
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Becoming a Volunteer
Anyone wishing to become a volunteer, either for a one off event, such as a school visit,
or on a more regular basis (e.g. hearing children read), should approach the school
Volunteer Coordinator, Tony Day, who will be pleased to explain the volunteering
opportunities at our school and answer any questions prospective volunteers may have.
Tony can be contacted via the main school office (01225-421675) or via e-mail
[email protected].
Volunteers will be invited to complete the Volunteer Information Sheet (see Appendix 1)
with their contact details, type of activities they would like to help with, and the times they
are available to help. Before starting to help in school, volunteers should complete the
Volunteer Agreement (Appendix 2), which sets out the school’s expectations of
volunteers and asks Volunteers to confirm they have received a copy of this policy.
Volunteers will also be required to read and sign a copy of the school’s Safeguarding
Policy (copy at Appendix 3).
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Our school’s Core Principles and Aims
All adults who work in our school, whether a paid member of staff or a volunteer are
expected to work and behave in such as way as to actively support and promote our
school’s core principles, values and key aims. These are set out below.
Our Values
 We will know and value each child and look for the best in them
 We will value and respect every member of the school community and everyone will
be encouraged to take responsibility, to make a contribution and to achieve their full
potential
 The core values of integrity, courtesy, trust and care will suffuse every aspect of
school life and all will be expected to treat others as they would wish to be treated
 We will be an open, welcoming and responsive school with clear lines of
communication
 We will have high expectations of ourselves and each other
 The school will be at the heart of the local community
Teaching and Learning
 We will ensure every learner experiences success
 We will be an inclusive environment in which we are all learners and one where the
learning needs of the individual are recognised
 We will make learning active and relevant
 We will strive to ensure that the whole school is an excellent learning environment
which inspires, excites and celebrates effort and achievement
 There will be a broad curriculum of high quality and high expectations
 We will endeavour to place the child at the centre of his/her learning and each will be
given opportunities to make links, to make choices and take responsibility for their
learning
 We will strive to connect learning before and after 3.15pm
 We will help our children to develop the skills and attitudes of motivated and
successful learners
Our School
 Through a rich curricular and extra-curricular programme, and strong links with the
community, we will help each child discover and develop their talents and interests
 We believe in collective ownership and developing leadership throughout the
organisation
 We will use every appropriate opportunity to unify the school and develop a whole
school culture
Confidentiality
Volunteers in school are bound by a code of confidentiality. Under this code, it is
essential that volunteers never discuss or share with any unauthorised person (inside or
outside of school) any personal or confidential information about any child(ren) or any
school matters of which they become aware during their volunteer activities. If volunteers
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are ever unsure about what information they may share with whom, they should ask the
teacher or member of school staff who is their nominated point of contact.
Any concerns that volunteers may have about the children they work with or come into
contact should be voiced with the teacher or member of staff who is the volunteer’s
nominated point of contact or with the Deputy Headteacher or Headteacher and NOT
with the parents-carers of the child or any other persons inside or outside of school.
Comments regarding children’s behaviour or learning can be highly sensitive, and if
taken out of context, can cause distress to the parents-carers of a child if they hear
about such issues through a third party rather than directly from relevant school staff.
Volunteers who are concerned about anything another adult in the school does or says
should raise the matter with the Deputy Headteacher or Headteacher.
Support and Supervision
All volunteers are assigned a teacher or other member of school staff as their nominated
point of contact to support and supervise their volunteer work in school. However,
teachers or other relevant paid members of school staff retain responsibility for children
at all times, including the children’s behaviour and the activities they are undertaking.
Volunteers should have clear guidance from their point of contact as to how an activity is
carried out and what the expected outcomes of an activity are. Volunteers are
encouraged to seek further advice or guidance from their point of contact in the event of
any query or problem regarding children’s understanding of a task or behaviour or any
other problem associated with the planning or conduct of any activity or task.
Health & Safety
The school has a Health & Safety Policy, a copy of which will be provided to volunteers
as party of their “Welcome-Induction Pack”. Volunteers’ nominated points of contact will
ensure that volunteers are clear about emergency procedures (e.g. fire alarms and
evacuation arrangements) and about any safety aspects associated with a particular
task (e.g. using design technology equipment, accompanying children on visits, etc).
Volunteers need to exercise due care and attention and immediately report any obvious
hazards or concerns to their nominated point of contact or, if they are unavailable, to the
Deputy Head Teacher, Head Teacher or another member of school staff.
Child Protection
The welfare of all children attending Newbridge is paramount. To ensure the safety of
our children, we adopt the following procedures:
 All volunteers are given a copy of the Volunteer Policy and asked to sign a Volunteer
Agreement (see appendix 2)
 To ensure the safety of our pupils at all times, all of our volunteers must have been
cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). A certificate is issued to the
individual to produce in school
 We require volunteers to read the school’s Safeguarding Policy and to sign a copy to
indicate that they have read it
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Complaints Procedure
Should any concerns or complaints be raised about a volunteer, they will be referred to
the Headteacher /Deputy Headteacher for consideration. Similarly any complaints made
by a volunteer would be referred to the Headteacher / Deputy Headteacher.
The Headteacher/Deputy Headteacher reserves the right to take the following action:
 To speak with a volunteer about a breach of their Volunteer Agreement and seek
reassurance that this will not happen again;
 Offer an alternative placement for a volunteer (e.g. helping with another activity or in
another class);
 Inform the volunteer that the school no longer requires their services
The full school Complaints Procedure is set out in the School Handbook (which is
available from the School Office).
Monitoring and Review
This Policy has been approved by the Governing Body and will be reviewed annually
and updated in the light of any new guidance or circumstances.
Signed:
Dated:
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Appendix 1
VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SHEET
Thank you very much for your interest in volunteering at Newbridge Primary School. To help us better understand how
you would like to be involved and hopefully match your interests to the volunteer opportunities at our school, it would
be helpful if you could please take a few minutes to complete this information sheet and then return it to Tony Day, our
Volunteer Coordinator (contact details below).
Personal details and interests in volunteering
Name:
Phone:
Postal address:
Name(s) of any child(ren) you have at Newbridge:
Email:
I am an existing volunteer and I would like to continue to offer my help
I have not helped voluntarily at Newbridge before but I would like to help in the future
I am unable to give voluntary help at Newbridge
Your availability (please tick)
I can offer help weekly *
I can offer help on a regular basis *
I can offer help when needed
I can offer help once in a while
* If you are able to help on a weekly or regular basis, please indicate the days and times when you are available:
Subjects and activities in which you would like to become involved (please tick)
Curriculum subjects and other activities:
Reading
Physical Education
Writing
French
Maths
ICT
Science
Other activities (please state):
Art
Music
Design Technology
Topic work (history/geography)
Religious Education
Administrative activities
Library
Resources
Putting up displays
Other activities (please state):
Please indicate the skills, interests, knowledge or experience you have that might benefit the children/school:
Any Other Comments (if you have any other comments or questions, please add them here)
MANY THANKS FOR COMPLETING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE!
Tony Day, Newbridge Primary Volunteer Co-ordinator (01225-421675) [email protected]
Appendix 2
School - Volunteer Agreement
Volunteers are a very important and valued part of Newbridge Primary School. We greatly
appreciate your willingness to make available to our school your time and energy and we very
much hope that you will enjoy your volunteering with us and feel a full part of our team.
This agreement describes what you can expect from the school, and what we hope for from
you. The school aims to always be flexible and open to ideas, so please let us know if your
circumstances change or you have any suggestions for how we can improve our school and, in
particular, how we can improve our arrangements for volunteer activities.
What volunteers can expect from Newbridge Primary School
We will:
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Always do our best to make you feel welcome and valued in your work with the
school
Arrange suitable Welcome/Induction arrangements intended to:
 Fully clarify the role/activities you have volunteered to assist with
 Introduce you to the teachers or other members of school staff with
whom you will be working
 Make you fully aware of key school procedures, organisation and
information relevant to your work as a volunteer
 Provide or arrange any training you may need
 Enable completion of other formalities (including Criminal Record Bureau
checks)
 Answer any questions you may have
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Endeavour to keep our volunteers up to date with events in our school via newsletters
and relevant information posted on the school website
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Consult volunteers about matters affecting volunteering arrangements at our school
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Arrange appropriate insurance to cover volunteers and their volunteer activities
(whether these occur in-school or off-site)
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Always aim to provide a safe workplace
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Apply our equal opportunities policy to all Newbridge volunteers
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Provide appropriate references to any volunteers who may need them
Volunteer Agreement
As a volunteer at Newbridge Primary School, I:
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Agree to work reliably to the best of my ability, and to give as much warning as possible
whenever I cannot work when expected (please contact the school office on 01225-421675)
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Agree to conscientiously apply Newbridge Primary School’s policies, rules and procedures,
including those relating to health and safety, equal opportunities and confidentiality
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Agree to never discuss or share with any unauthorised person (inside or outside of school)
any personal or confidential information about any child(ren) or any school matters of which
I may become aware during my volunteer activities. (If you are ever unsure about what you
may share with whom, please ask the teacher or member of school staff with whom you
usually work.)
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Agree to read and adhere to the school’s Child Protection Policy and the school’s Equal
Opportunities Policy, copies of which are available from the school office and on the school
website
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Confirm that I have read and understood the Newbridge Primary School Volunteering Policy
and agree to work according to it
Signed on behalf of Newbridge Primary School:
Signature: ……………………………………. Position: Newbridge Volunteers Coordinator
Name (print):
Tony Day
Date:
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Signed by Volunteer
Signed by volunteer: ……………………………………………………………………………….
Name (print): …………………………………… Date:
………………………………………
Important note: This agreement is binding in honour only and is not intended to be a legally binding contract of
employment
Appendix 3
Safe Guarding Policy
Proof of Receipt
Child Protection
Child Protection Procedures – extracts taken from Newbridge Primary School Child Protection Policy 2009
‘Everyone in the education service shares an objective to help keep children and young people safe by contributing
to:
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Providing a safe environment for children and young people to learn in education settings; and
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Identifying children and young people who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, and taking
appropriate action with the aim of making sure they are kept safe both at home and in the education setting’
Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education DfES 2007
School Commitment
Newbridge Primary School is committed to Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of all of its pupils. Each pupil’s
welfare is of paramount importance. We recognise that some children may be especially vulnerable to abuse e.g.
those with Special Educational Needs, those living in adverse circumstances. We recognise that children who are
abused or neglected may find it difficult to develop a sense of self worth and to view the world in a positive way.
Whilst at school, their behaviour may be challenging, we recognise that some children who have experienced abuse
may harm others. We will always take a considered and sensitive approach in order that we can support all of our
pupils.
Safer recruitment and selection
The school pays full regard to DfES guidance ‘Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education’ Jan
2007. We ensure that all appropriate measures are applied in relation to everyone who works in the school who is
likely to be perceived by the children as a safe and trustworthy adult including. Therefore a CRB Enhanced
Disclosure is obtained for volunteers further to a risk assessment considering the regularity, frequency, duration and
nature of contact
Safe practice
The school follows IRSC (The National Network of Investigation and Referral Support Co-ordinators). “Guidance for
Safe Working Practice for the Protection of Children and Staff in Education Settings” to ensure that staff are safe
and aware of behaviours which should be avoided.
Please see link for full document.
http://www.teachernet.gov.uk/docbank/index.cfm?id=8200
Safe working practice ensures that pupils are safe and that all volunteers:
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attend appropriate induction training
are responsible for their own actions and behaviour and should avoid any conduct which would lead any
reasonable person to question their motivation and intentions;
work in an open and transparent way
inform the Designated Teacher for Child Protection (Gill Kennaugh) of any concerns
record any incidents
apply the same professional standards regardless of gender or sexuality;
are aware that breaches of the law could result in criminal action being taken against them.
Identifying and reporting concerns
Adults in school are well placed to observe any physical, emotional or behavioural signs which indicate that a child
may be suffering significant harm. The relationships between staff, pupils, parents and the public which foster
respect, confidence and trust can lead to disclosures of abuse, and/or school staff being alerted to concerns.
It is not the responsibility of the school staff/volunteers to investigate welfare concerns or determine the truth of any
disclosure or allegation. All staff/volunteers, however, have a duty to recognise concerns and maintain an open
mind. Accordingly all concerns regarding the welfare of pupils will be recorded and discussed with the designated
teacher with responsibility for child protection (or the deputy designated person – Mr Croker) prior to any discussion
with parents.
Volunteers must immediately report:
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any suspicion that a child is injured, marked, or bruised in a way which is not readily attributable to the
normal knocks or scrapes received in play
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any explanation given which appears inconsistent or suspicious
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any behaviours which give rise to suspicions that a child may have suffered harm (e.g. worrying
drawings or play)
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any concerns that a child may be suffering from inadequate care, ill treatment, or emotional
maltreatment
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any concerns that a child is presenting signs or symptoms of abuse or neglect
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any significant changes in a child’s presentation, including non-attendance
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any hint or disclosure of abuse from any person
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any concerns regarding person(s) who may pose a risk to children (e.g. living in a household with
children present)
Responding to Disclosure
Disclosures or information may be received from pupils, parents or other members of the public. School recognises
that those who disclose such information may do so with difficulty, having chosen carefully to whom they will speak.
Accordingly all staff/volunteers will handle disclosures with sensitivity. If a child has a special educational need that
may impair their ability to express such information, we ensure that the assigned teaching assistant has the
necessary communication skills to support in this. e.g. Makoton.
Such information cannot remain confidential and staff/volunteers will immediately communicate what they have
been told to the designated teacher and make a contemporaneous record.
Principles
Staff/volunteers will not investigate but will, wherever possible, elicit enough information to pass on to the
designated person in order that s/he can make an informed decision of what to do next. Wherever possible
information should be recorded on the school’s Child Concern Form (attached).
Staff/Volunteers will:
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listen to and take seriously any disclosure or information that a child may be at risk of harm
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try to ensure that the person disclosing does not have to speak to another member of school staff
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clarify the information
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try to keep questions to a minimum and of an ‘open’ nature e.g. ‘Can you tell me what happened ?’ rather
than ‘Did x hit you?’
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try not to show signs of shock, horror or surprise
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not express feelings or judgements regarding any person alleged to have harmed the child
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explain sensitively to the person that they have a responsibility to refer the information to the senior
designated person
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reassure and support the person as far as possible
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explain that only those who ‘need to know’ will be told
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explain what will happen next and that the person will be involved as appropriate
This information should be passed immediately to the designated teacher with responsibility for child protection
and will be dealt with according to child protection procedures.
We understand that if a situation of this nature were to occur that it would be distressful and upsetting for any
member of staff/volunteer. In this way we will offer support to the staff member/volunteer in the best possible
way.
Signed ……………………………………………………………………………………….………Employee/Volunteer
Signed …………………………………………………………………..…………Designated Teacher Child Protection
Date …………………………………