Volunteering at Turnditch Church of England Primary School
Welcome
An information booklet helping adult support to meet the needs of children here at our school
Written by: John Bolton (Headteacher)
Updated August 2017
THANK YOU!
I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of pupils, staff, governors and parents of Turnditch Church of England Primary School, to say thank you and welcome for volunteering your support.
Here at school we consider ourselves a family and are always willing and eager to accommodate those who wish to support children’s learning. It is without doubt that we recognise the vital role volunteers take on in ensuring that school is a more effective place for children to work and learn.
This information booklet has been created with the purpose of providing you, the volunteer, with useful information on volunteering at school. It also provides the school’s expectations recognising the safeguarding needs of pupils and adults.
Adults Working With Children
Adults are not able or allowed to work unsupervised with children unless they have completed Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) procedures, previously known as the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) clearance. However, those awaiting such clearance may work with children supervised by school staff at the discretion of the Headteacher if:
•a check has been applied for and the form correctly filled in
•any other available check e.g. List 99, POCA, POVA has been carried out and accepted
•references, including statements regarding the individuals suitability for working with children, have been received
•a complete risk assessment has been carried out detailing the supervision arrangements and any adjustments made to the working practice of the volunteer, prior to receipt of clearances
(The above being in line with Derbyshire County Council Safeguarding Guidelines 2008)
Any and all disclosures are treated with the upmost confidence. It is understood that for the majority of adults disclosure procedures will not be a burden as they have no criminal record or past offences. However some adults may worry that a criminal disclosure automatically prevents them working with children in school. This is not the case. Where offences are not of a significant nature or do not put pupils, staff or others at risk (or have no impact on an individual’s capacity to work in school) these are not automatically a reason for the Headteacher to bar a volunteer. All cases are considered sensitively and common sense applied. Our primary concern is for that of the safety and well-being of children in our care and the reputation of the school.
Conduct of Staff and Visitors
All children have the right to feel safe and secure at school, and to be protected from harm.
We have high expectations of the entire community here at Turnditch Church of England Primary School. Mutual co-operation, respect for property, respect for our environment and above all each other, are essential to our happiness.
It is our duty as a school that all staff and visitors lead by example. Respect should be shown to teaching and non- teaching staff, pupils, parents and other visitors to the school. Staff and visitors are to be positive and supportive to pupils and should communicate using appropriate language for their age and that of an inclusive school. Respect for the rights, dignity and integrity of others is essential for the well-being of our children. Actions by any person, pupil or adult, that do not reflect such respect for others are damaging to the individual and hence damaging to the school. Each member of the community should be free from interference, intimidation or disparagement in the work place, the classroom and social environment.
Issues Regarding Confidentiality
When agreeing to volunteer at the school, you are agreeing to follow all rules of confidentiality.
As a volunteer, you may be asked to support children who face a range of challenges and there may be (on occasion) times when you are privy to information that is considered personal to that child. Information about all children at school is confidential, including anything they might say or do, what their capabilities are, what support they receive and how we meet their needs. All adults in school are to be reminded of the confidential nature of working with children. Under no circumstances should any information about those working or learning in school be shared with others. This includes social websites, such as Facebook, Twitter or similar forums.
Breaches of confidentiality of pupils, staff or visitors, can lead to legal action.
Before commencing voluntary help, you will be required to sign a document confirming that you have been made aware of issues relating to confidentiality.
Social Networking
Volunteers put themselves at risk of being barred from working at school or facing allegations of breeching confidentiality agreements by:
•discussing school-related matters (be these confidential or not, positive or otherwise), on forums, internet messaging services or social network sites
•posting images taken in or relating to school
Remember: Sharing information on social networking sites runs the risk of it being accessed by those it is not intended for and them using it in a manner you may not have intended.
In addition: Should you find yourself a victim of this type of conduct, or feel that you may have put yourself at risk, or made an error of judgement, you should report this to the Headteacher.
Photography
It is hoped that you will enjoy your experience of working with children. However please do not be tempted to photograph the success you are having or experiences you enjoy. Although we understand the innocent nature of such an act, we ask that no photographs be taken in school. Doing so is an invasion of pupil privacy and cannot be allowed. If you have a legitimate reason to record what you are doing, for example for course work at college or university, be it written, photographic or any other form, please speak to the Headteacher. We may be able to accommodate your needs, but it must be managed with the needs of the children and with their families in mind and within the legal and policy framework of the school (Refer to the policy of taking photographs and using video in school).
Dress Code
As a volunteer, we ask you to consider the following points regarding attire:
•footwear should be sensible in nature, allowing freedom of movement when dealing with pupils needs
•Ladies are requested, if wearing a skirt or dress, to keep the hem at or below knee height
•Jewellery that is large and may be caught on children, clothing or resources should not be worn
Personal Belongings
Turnditch School promotes a safe and secure environment for resources and equipment. However it is the responsibility of the volunteer to secure all personal belongings. The school cannot be held responsible for the loss, theft or damage of personal belongings. The school does not provide locker facilities for storage of personal items. You are advised not to bring valuables into school during your time volunteering.
Working with Staff
We have an outstanding teaching team here at Turnditch Church of England Primary School and ask that you work with them closely. You may get to work with a range of staff and we advise that you communicate with them. Let them know what types of things you’d like to help with and the strengths you have. You may also wish to share with them any special skills or talents you may have that might be helpful to the class.
Whilst you should be clear about your expectations and wishes, it is also important to remember that teachers here are best qualified to decide what activities will best enhance children’s learning and what activities are suited to you. Please be respectful of their professional capacity and be flexible, all staff will treat you with respect and friendliness. Please do not be offended if the task seems simple; being asked to aid and assist in any way is of genuine value to both children and the school. Conversely, if you feel that a task or activity is one that you find too challenging or uncomfortable doing, please tell the teacher.
Helping your child to understand why you are in school and what is expected of them whilst you are here
We work on the principle here at Turnditch Church of England Primary School that (wherever possible) volunteers should work in a classroom devoid of their own child. This is done to prevent the pupil or indeed the volunteer becoming distracted from the task in hand. It is for this reason that your support is likely to be targeted in a different class or year group. It is very likely though that your child may see you in school and there may be times when they are in the same room or setting as you. It is usually best to discuss with your child before the volunteer day, and let them know that, although you will be in school, you will not be working directly with them. You might also remind them that they need to listen to the teacher and follow directions, even if you are in the classroom. It is the responsibility of the teacher to handle the disciplining of all children during school times.
A Positive Approach to Behaviour
It is fine to ask children to stop unsafe or unkind behaviour, but the next step is to let a teacher or other school employee to know about the problem. If you are having difficulties with a pupil or group you are supervising, let the teacher know immediately who will then deal with the child/children, using the classroom and school sanctions. It is important to understand the class rules so there are consistent behaviour expectations for the children.
ONLY EMPLOYEES OF THE SCHOOL CAN APPLY/ AUTHORISE SANCTIONS
THE HANDLING OF PUPILS IS NOT PERMITTED
Pupils can only be held if failing to do so would ‘risk injury to himself or herself or another’. Minimum force is to be used in such cases. All such occurrences should be reported immediately to a member of the senior leadership team or Headteacher.
(This advice is in line with the recommendations of the Education Act 2002)
Equal Opportunities
Any actions that reflect or imply prejudice against age, gender, sexuality, religion, ethnicity, nationality or physical impairment will not be tolerated, in any form, by the school. Any such prejudice will result in the instigation of disciplinary proceedings.
Grievances
Any staff member or visitor wishing to express a grievance is to report this to the Headteacher or other senior leadership team member if this is not appropriate. The school has an agreed Complaints Procedure, incorporating procedures for managing allegations of abuse made to staff.
Remember…Have Fun!
It won’t take long before you realise how rewarding working in school can be. Turnditch Church of England School is a wonderful place to work and our children, one and all, are responsive to the education that we deliver and thrive on positive experiences. We want you to be part of the team, so enjoy working with the children and try to praise something they did well during your time together. Maybe they figured out a tough mathematics problem, worked out some difficult text or co-operated well as a group. It takes just a simple smile or a ‘well done’ to make a difference to their day. The children will remember your compliments and be excited to see you next time.
Child Protection
It is not our intention to dwell on the challenges that can occur when working with children, but we must point out the importance of child protection and how to respond to disclosures of information or concerns you may have whilst volunteering at the school. It is highly likely that you will not experience the following information or actions at school; however, it is important that you are aware of procedures and expectations.
There may be occasions when a child discloses information to you that causes you concern about their well-being or you may witness something that triggers concern, such as unusual behaviour, physical markings or comments made by other pupils.
DO NOT ASSUME OTHERS KNOW OR THAT THE INFORMATION IS NOT IMPORTANT.
ALL INCIDENTS CAUSING CONCERN SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE NAMED CHILD PROTECTION MEMBER OF STAFF
The named child protection staff member is:Mr Bolton (Nominated Child Protection Staff Member)
In the absence of Mr Bolton, Mr Naylor is the nominated child protection member of staff.
What do I do if a child is telling me something?
•Be a good listener and don’t appear shocked
•Take what the child says seriously , don’t be dismissive
•If they are recalling, let them finish (they may never start again)
•Avoid asking questions but if you do, ask non-leading questions to clarify but don’t investigate*
•Tell them that they have done the right thing by telling you and don’t allocate blame or be judgemental
•Tell them what will happen next, in an age appropriate way
•Make a note of the conversation as soon as possible using ‘their words’ (keep all notes safe as they could form evidence in court)
•Refer the disclosure to the ‘designated child protection person’
•Maintain utter confidentiality
*Example non leading questions:
“Is there anything else you want to tell me?”
“You said it happened at 11’ o’clock, is that 11’ o’clock morning or night?”
*Example of leading questions:
“Do you get hit?”
“Does X hurt you at home too?”
The need for confidentiality cannot be over emphasised. Should there be legal actions, breaches of confidentiality can contaminate the process of investigation and result in genuine cases being dismissed.
If you share a disclosure or a concern with the nominated child protection staff member, actions that are appropriate will be taken. It is unlikely that you will be made aware of consequences, although you may be asked later to clarify what you has been said or what you have heard.
Health and Safety
Mr Bolton is the school Health and Safety Co-ordinator. Visitors are directed to the Health and Safety Poster located in the staff toilet if they are unfamiliar with appropriate legislation.
Food
Please do not share food with children. CHILDREN ARE NOT PERMITTED TO SHARE SNACKS – DOING SO INCREASES THE RISK OF AN ATTACK FOR THOSE SUFFERING FROM ALLERGIES.
Drinks
Hot drinks are not permitted in the classroom, corridors or playground unless contained in a sealed/lidded mug.
Toilets
Pupils are permitted to use the toilet during lessons if necessary but should be encouraged to use them during break-times.
Volunteers should use the staff toilet (which is situated on the right hand side of the hall if entering from the main entrance) and are not permitted to enter children’s toilets.
First Aid
First aid boxes and materials are located in the main corridor, staff toilets and school office.
All our current staff members are first aid trained.
Medical conditions
As with many schools, there are children with on-going medical conditions that may become apparent and a concern during the school day. It is the responsibility of the class teacher to ensure that any such condition that may affect the well-being of a pupil is highlighted to all visiting adults. For example: Pupils in need of inhalers if they are leaving school grounds or completing activities that may require their use.
EPI Pens/Allergies
Staff are to make all adult helpers aware of children prone to anaphylactic reactions and the location of their medication.
Useful information
Staff
Headteacher
Mr Bolton
Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
Mr Naylor
Mrs Fisher
Early Years Foundation Stage
Mrs Brookes
Miss Bunn
Year 1 and 2
Mr Bolton
Miss Bunn
Year 3 and 4
Mrs Fisher
MsDadswell
Year 5 and 6
Mr Naylor
Mrs Seargent
Business Manager/ School Office
Mrs Worrall
Teaching Assistant
Miss Chadwick
Ms Gray
Mrs Barden
Mrs Hardy
Mr Bates
In the absence of Mr Bolton, Mr Naylor is nominated as the senior and responsible staff member. Should none of these staff be available please talk toMrs Fisher orMrsWorrall.
Fire Actions
Fire actions are posted on exits and within the classrooms. Please take time to read these. A map highlighting nearest fire exits and fire-fighting equipment is marked.
Fire action priority is to remove children, not fight fires. If in doubt, sound the alarm and get the children out.
In the event of a fire alarm activation the children should be taken outside to line with up with their class at the bottom of the playground. A register/headcount is to be taken and any absent pupils are to be reported to the Headteacher.It is the duty of the Headteacher and Business Manager to ensure toilets are cleared. Staff and visitors are to remain with pupils unless directed otherwise. If necessary the senior member of staff will make the decision to take children onto the school field.