Becoming involved with primary school

[ituser01]

I am a just recently qualified technician at a local secondary school (large too!) and we currently support no schools other than ourselves.

 

I'm interested in personally helping out (maybe at lunch times) for an hour or so at a nearby primary school for the purpose of experience really as many near us have no support and it's good to get a feel of a different school. What's the best way about doing this?

 

Bear in mind i'm full time.

[richbrowncardiff]

I would speak to the HT or your LM as they will likely have contacts and I'm sure would be happy to put you in touch. They may even give you time to go and help out. Most councils have a scheme which allows you to volunteer for x amount of time per year whilst still being paid. just a word of caution though don't get dragged into being free support for life.

[SimonRushton]

Where in the country are you?

[ituser01]

Ulverston area Cumbria.

[SimonRushton]

Ok, can't help personally (being in Devon) but can say for sure your employer and any local primary will both applaud and welcome you taking the initiative and making this happen. They will both be engaged in helping kids to 'have go, take a chance' and to adopt an open mindset, if you do the same you are sure to impress and to open doors for yourself.

[GRitchie]

Ulverston area Cumbria.

 

Ulverston? Which school in particular - I'm Cumbria myself (might even recognise my name).

I know UVHS support a fair few of the primary schools in Ulverston.

[mthomas08]

As much as I would too do the same thing and from your own professional development it's very positive.

 

Realistically though there is always the possibility that they may want more. That the hour a day or a week may not suffice, what happens when a serious incident occurs. Are you effectively on call for this other place?

 

Having had an area dumped on to my lap because people didn't listen, luckily enough we got on well with the HT and made an agreement. I can honestly say a lot of places will not fully appreciate that what you do is volunteer work not contracted to do it.

[DSapseid]

We sell support to our local primaries 1/2 a day a week plus callouts. Gives the primary peace of mind that all there problems will be solved and also gives a little bit extra money into the school!