Helpers in School Policy

Helpers in School Policy

Helpers in School Policy At Blandford St. Mary we strongly believe in being part of the community and involving parents closely in the life of the school. We welcome parents into school and value their input into the education and experiences of our children. Parents have a wealth of strengths that they can bring to the school. We want to make parents and helpers feel welcome in our school and valued in whatever they can offer. In order to make this partnership a success this policy helps outline the expectations and responsibilities for all involved.

Offering to Help Before starting to help parents are asked to share their interest with a member of staff to discuss the possibility of helping in school. It is important that the parent/helper is comfortable in what they are doing when in school, so they are encouraged to state what their strengths are and what they would most like to do when discussing the prospect of helping in school. There are a range of activities that are helpful to the school; in the classroom helpers can hear children read, work with a group or share their expertise during a particular project. Outside the classroom helpers can provide assistance to the staff through mounting work, laminating, helping to tidy and organise library books or sports equipment or working on school grounds such as the gardens.

Parent helpers are asked to be aware that their presence in the same classroom as their child can sometimes cause adverse reactions and to consider carefully the beneficial results of helping in a different classroom. The staff reserve the right to make this request if at any time they feel that difficulties are arising.

ALL helpers in school will need an up to date CRB check completed before helping in school. The office staff are happy to help with providing you with the appropriate forms.

Getting Started When starting to help at Blandford St. Mary helpers are asked to read through the school’s Helpers in School policy and sign the guidelines register to show they understand their roles and responsibilities. Additionally, the school has the responsibility to explain any health and safety issues to ensure the safety of both the helpers and the children within the school. Helpers are asked to sign in and out and to wear a visitors badge when working within the school.

If, for any reason, a helper finds themselves unsure or having any concerns they are advised to and welcome to speak to a senior member of staff to allay any concerns.

S. Harris Policy review date: July 09 Date of Renewal: November 2010 Date of Adoption:

Guidelines for Helpers in School Thank you for volunteering to help in our school. Please take time to read through these guidelines to help you in your role as helper in our school. 

All helpers must have an up to date CRB check before helping in school.

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All helpers need to be familiar with any health and safety issues within the school (for example what to do in case of a fire) plus understand who to turn to if concerned about child protection. Please do ask if unsure about this.

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Please make sure you sign in and out and wear a visitor’s badge whilst in school.

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Whilst you are in the classroom you will sometimes see children being disciplined.

However sorry you feel for them, please do not give them any comfort or support.

You will not always be aware of what has happened previously, or the warnings that have been given.

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We have well defined procedures for informing Parents of what has happened whilst the children are in school and we will be the first to discuss any issues where we have concerns. Please do not be tempted to relay anything you have seen or heard in a classroom to other Parents, we need to be assured that you will exercise total discretion in all respects when you are helping in school.

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Please do not use the opportunity as a parent helper to seek additional information about your own child e.g. looking in drawers, books, asking class teachers about child’s progress.

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Adult helpers are welcomed into the staffroom at breaktimes to enjoy a drink and a chance to relax, but we do ask everyone to be aware that items of a confidential nature are sometimes discussed here.

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If you are helping on a regular basis and are unable to attend, please let the office staff know as soon as possible.

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We ask that confidentiality be maintained; you are asked to respect confidentiality and therefore requested not to discuss other children or situations with other parents outside of the school building whilst operating in school as a helper.

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We really value your support and wouldn’t like you to feel concerned or unsure in any situation. Please seek guidance or share concerns with staff as soon as possible.

Your help and support is very much valued. We hope that you enjoy helping in school and find it to be a rewarding experience.