Helping in School Policy

Here are the details regarding our helping in school policy.

At Lepton we value our parents highly as part of our school community. Thank you for giving up your time to come into school to help us on a voluntary basis. The member of staff you are helping will make their own arrangements with you and will try to utilise your individual skills and talents. The aim of this booklet is to provide you with some basic information which we all hope will be of some help to you. However if you need any other advice, please ask.

What can you expect?
You will never be expected to work with large groups of children, usually no more than six at any one time.

The class teacher will discuss with you any practical issues that may concern you.

You will never be expected to plan an activity. Sometimes the teacher may give you an activity sheet which highlights the key learning objectives. Try to lead the activity and conversation towards these objectives.

The teacher will always explain what they want you to do. If it isn't clear, please ask them again so that you are fully sure about what is expected of you.

You need to understand the school's health and safety policy especially in respect of the procedures in case of fire or other instances which require the premises to be evacuated. You may find it useful to read the school's staff handbook which gives extended advice to the school staff.

Remember - The teacher is the responsible person in the classroom and you should ask him/her first if any problems arise.

The teacher is responsible for good discipline
The first time that children work with an adult, they may be a little excited or may be withdrawn. We nevertheless expect them to be polite and courteous at all times and see it as part of the learning process to ensure that they are. If a child is not following instructions bring this to the teacher's attention, you should not take it upon yourself to get involved in disciplinary issues.

To ensure the children's safety
Our school policy is to ask all helpers to undergo a screening process so that records can be checked and we can ensure your suitability for working with children. You may be asked to complete forms asking for personal details and to supply documents for checking. We can only allow you to help if you agree to the checking procedures.

Useful tip
Whatever the task, one of the main aims is to develop language. Time spent talking to and listening to the children is always time well spent.

We want children to practice thinking. If the task involves solving a problem, give them lots of time to make suggestions. If the suggestion has obvious flaws, ask them more questions. Don't be too eager to give them the answer even if it seems obvious to you.

Remember that it is more important that the children work through the process. For example, when baking, let the children do as much as they possibly can, particularly weighing and measuring, this is more important than producing good cakes.

Confidentiality is important
When working in school, you may hear or see things that are of a sensitive nature. Children often tell us things that happen at home and we learn quickly not to talk to others about what we have heard. I am sure you will understand why we ask you not to disclose things that children have told you or to talk with others about individual children you have come into contact with. Relationships based on complete trust are essential and beneficial for all parties. We would encourage you to discuss any concerns you may have about what you have heard or seen with the class teacher, headteacher or deputy headteacher who will then deal with the issue accordingly. It would be regarded as unacceptable for you to take matters into your own hands and report to parents directly. Please remember that we expect discretion and total confidentiality at all times.

Guidance on Fire Drill
The fire alarm is a siren, not a bell. On hearing this, you must evacuate the building, observing the following procedure: