How to become a volunteer at Halsford Park

We are always looking for members of our school community to come and volunteer at school to help our children.

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the local community and we have seen the benefits of having volunteers coming into school to help with reading, gardening etc. It can also be a great way to gain experience of working with children if this is a career you are considering.

Most of our volunteers currently work to support children with reading, however, if you have a passion for outdoor learning and gardening, and you are free on a Friday afternoon, then helping out with outdoor learning may be for you!

Where will I be helping?

We know that for some children, having someone they know in school to help can be very exciting however, it can also be distracting and impact on their learning.  Our policy is therefore is for adults to volunteer in different year group to their child.  This also ensures we can share our volunteers across the whole school to ensure all year groups benefit.

For anyone that would like to come in and volunteer on a regular basis, we require them to have a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check prior to starting as a volunteer in school.

The school will need to apply for this on your behalf (we cannot accept DBS from other organisations).

What do I need to do to obtain a DBS?

First, bring two forms of photo ID e.g drivers license and passport to the school office along with a utility bill (less than 3 months old) or your most recent Council Tax bill.  The office will take copies of these and pass them to our business manager to begin the application.  We will also need to take your email address at this time.

Once this is complete, you will receive a confirmation email and we will be informed.

Once you have received your DBS certificate, please bring this into the school office so we can note this on our Single Central Record.

What happens next?

Once your DBS has been received, a member of the staff team will be in contact with you to confirm which day/s or times are most suitable for you.

Before starting your role as a volunteer, we will ask you to read and complete the following:

• Read the most up to date version of Keeping Children Safe in Education (click here)
• Read Safeguarding/Health & Safety Information for Parents/Carers and Visitors (below)
• Read Parents/Carers and Visitors Code of Conduct (click here)
• Read A Guide for Volunteers (below)
• Meet with a member of our Designated Safeguarding Team to know and understand your role

We also ask all volunteers to participate in safeguarding training once a year, in line with our school policy (dates will be confirmed termly).  The school office will contact you with dates.

Safeguarding

 

• Child Protection, Safeguarding & Health & Safety Information Leaflet

A Guide for Volunteers

• A Guide for Volunteers

Guidelines for Helping on Educational Visits

• Guidance for Helpers on trips HP 2023