Volunteering in the school

What Are the Benefits of Getting Involved?

Getting involved is a great way to show your kids that you take an interest in their education. It also sends a positive message that you consider school a worthwhile cause.

Parent volunteers are essential to organizing and chaperoning fundraising events and other school activities.

Parent volunteers offer a huge resource and support base for the school community. They also show their kids the importance of participating in the larger community.

Working with teachers, administrators, and other parents will help you understand your child’s daily activities. You’ll also tap into trends and fads of school life that can help you communicate with your kids as they grow and change — all without intruding on their privacy or personal space.

What Can I Do?

Here are some of the ways a parent volunteer can help:

  • School Lunch/Playtime (requires DBS)
  • Classroom Helper (requires DBS)
  • Reading Helper (requires DBS)
  • Library Assistant (requires DBS)
  • Fundraising events such as Bake Sale, World Food Festival, Auction of Promises
  • Class trip chaperone

Remember that not everyone is suited for the same type of involvement. You may have to “try on” a few activities before you find something that feels right. 

Commitment

If you are taking on a role in the school that requires DBS Certification then we will ask that you make a commitment of at least 1-3 terms and are able to help weekly. The school funds the DBS Check which is £80 per person. Since the school is investing in you we want to make sure that you are ready for the commitment. There may be someone in your life that you might consider asking to volunteer as well. Grandparents make great volunteers. We believe that everyone has something to offer the community!

What Else Should I Know?

Here are a few tips to keep in mind when signing up to volunteer:

  • Be clear about how much time you’re willing to volunteer. Don’t be afraid to say no if you’re asked to do more than you feel comfortable with — but try to say it early enough so that someone else can take your place. Many trips and activities can’t happen unless the school has enough chaperones or supervisors.
  • Start small. Don’t offer to coordinate the holiday bake sale, the band recital, and a swim meet all at once. If you’ve taken on too much, find out if you can pass some duties to other parents.
  • Don’t give your child special treatment when you’re volunteering at the school. Follow your child’s cues to find out how much interaction works for both of you. Most kids enjoy having their parents involved, but if yours seems uncomfortable, consider taking a more behind-the-scenes approach. Make it clear that you aren’t there to spy — you’re only trying to help out the school.
  • Get feedback from the teachers and students. Find out what’s most and least helpful to them, and ask what you can do to make the most of the time you spend on school activities. It’s important to communicate openly with teachers, administrators, students, and volunteers. Be flexible and responsive as the needs of the students and the school change.

Remember that volunteering not only benefits your kids. It helps the classroom, the whole school, and the community by giving students positive interaction, support, and encouragement.

Time Credits

Time Credits is something we are excited to offer this year. You can earn them for yourself or you can donate them back to the school so the kids might be able to participate in an activity such as:

BBC RADIO 3 LUNCHTIME CONCERTS AT ST. LUKE’S 

BARBICAN CINEMA (TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY ONLY)

LITTLE ANGEL THEATRE 

ALEXANDRA PALACE ICE RINK

Contact PWVolunteers@yahoo.com to inquire about what opportunities are available.

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