Newbridge Primary School Volunteer Policy

Transcription

1 Newbridge Primary School Volunteer Policy Author: Tony Day Role: Volunteer Co-ordinator Date written: Nov 2009 Review date: Every three years 1

2 Newbridge Primary School - Volunteer Policy Introduction Volunteers at our school bring with them a range of skills and experience that can enhance the learning opportunities, achievement and enjoyment of children at our school. We welcome and encourage volunteers from the all sections of the local community. Our Volunteers include: Parents and other relatives of pupils Members of the Governing Body Ex-pupils Students on work experience Ex-members of staff Local residents The types of activities that Volunteers support and assist with include: Hearing children read Working with small groups of children Working alongside individual children Undertaking art & craft activities with children Working in our school Learning Resource Centre Running or assisting with after-school clubs Working with children on the computers Accompanying school visits Becoming a Volunteer Anyone wishing to become a volunteer, either for a one off event, such as a school visit, or on a more regular basis (e.g. hearing children read), should approach the school Volunteer Coordinator, Tony Day, who will be pleased to explain the volunteering opportunities at our school and answer any questions prospective volunteers may have. Tony can be contacted via the main school office ( ) or via tony_day@newbridge.bathnes.sch.uk. Volunteers will be invited to complete the Volunteer Information Sheet (see Appendix 1) with their contact details, type of activities they would like to help with, and the times they are available to help. Before starting to help in school, volunteers should complete the Volunteer Agreement (Appendix 2), which sets out the school s expectations of volunteers and asks Volunteers to confirm they have received a copy of this policy. Volunteers will also be required to read and sign a copy of the school s Safeguarding Policy (copy at Appendix 3). 2

3 Our school s Core Principles and Aims All adults who work in our school, whether a paid member of staff or a volunteer are expected to work and behave in such as way as to actively support and promote our school s core principles, values and key aims. These are set out below. Our Values We will know and value each child and look for the best in them We will value and respect every member of the school community and everyone will be encouraged to take responsibility, to make a contribution and to achieve their full potential The core values of integrity, courtesy, trust and care will suffuse every aspect of school life and all will be expected to treat others as they would wish to be treated We will be an open, welcoming and responsive school with clear lines of communication We will have high expectations of ourselves and each other The school will be at the heart of the local community Teaching and Learning We will ensure every learner experiences success We will be an inclusive environment in which we are all learners and one where the learning needs of the individual are recognised We will make learning active and relevant We will strive to ensure that the whole school is an excellent learning environment which inspires, excites and celebrates effort and achievement There will be a broad curriculum of high quality and high expectations We will endeavour to place the child at the centre of his/her learning and each will be given opportunities to make links, to make choices and take responsibility for their learning We will strive to connect learning before and after 3.15pm We will help our children to develop the skills and attitudes of motivated and successful learners Our School Through a rich curricular and extra-curricular programme, and strong links with the community, we will help each child discover and develop their talents and interests We believe in collective ownership and developing leadership throughout the organisation We will use every appropriate opportunity to unify the school and develop a whole school culture Confidentiality Volunteers in school are bound by a code of confidentiality. Under this code, it is essential that volunteers never discuss or share with any unauthorised person (inside or outside of school) any personal or confidential information about any child(ren) or any school matters of which they become aware during their volunteer activities. If volunteers 3

4 are ever unsure about what information they may share with whom, they should ask the teacher or member of school staff who is their nominated point of contact. Any concerns that volunteers may have about the children they work with or come into contact should be voiced with the teacher or member of staff who is the volunteer s nominated point of contact or with the Deputy Headteacher or Headteacher and NOT with the parents-carers of the child or any other persons inside or outside of school. Comments regarding children s behaviour or learning can be highly sensitive, and if taken out of context, can cause distress to the parents-carers of a child if they hear about such issues through a third party rather than directly from relevant school staff. Volunteers who are concerned about anything another adult in the school does or says should raise the matter with the Deputy Headteacher or Headteacher. Support and Supervision All volunteers are assigned a teacher or other member of school staff as their nominated point of contact to support and supervise their volunteer work in school. However, teachers or other relevant paid members of school staff retain responsibility for children at all times, including the children s behaviour and the activities they are undertaking. Volunteers should have clear guidance from their point of contact as to how an activity is carried out and what the expected outcomes of an activity are. Volunteers are encouraged to seek further advice or guidance from their point of contact in the event of any query or problem regarding children s understanding of a task or behaviour or any other problem associated with the planning or conduct of any activity or task. Health & Safety The school has a Health & Safety Policy, a copy of which will be provided to volunteers as party of their Welcome-Induction Pack. Volunteers nominated points of contact will ensure that volunteers are clear about emergency procedures (e.g. fire alarms and evacuation arrangements) and about any safety aspects associated with a particular task (e.g. using design technology equipment, accompanying children on visits, etc). Volunteers need to exercise due care and attention and immediately report any obvious hazards or concerns to their nominated point of contact or, if they are unavailable, to the Deputy Head Teacher, Head Teacher or another member of school staff. Child Protection The welfare of all children attending Newbridge is paramount. To ensure the safety of our children, we adopt the following procedures: All volunteers are given a copy of the Volunteer Policy and asked to sign a Volunteer Agreement (see appendix 2) To ensure the safety of our pupils at all times, all of our volunteers must have been cleared by the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB). A certificate is issued to the individual to produce in school We require volunteers to read the school s Safeguarding Policy and to sign a copy to indicate that they have read it 4

5 Complaints Procedure Should any concerns or complaints be raised about a volunteer, they will be referred to the Headteacher /Deputy Headteacher for consideration. Similarly any complaints made by a volunteer would be referred to the Headteacher / Deputy Headteacher. The Headteacher/Deputy Headteacher reserves the right to take the following action: To speak with a volunteer about a breach of their Volunteer Agreement and seek reassurance that this will not happen again; Offer an alternative placement for a volunteer (e.g. helping with another activity or in another class); Inform the volunteer that the school no longer requires their services The full school Complaints Procedure is set out in the School Handbook (which is available from the School Office). Monitoring and Review This Policy has been approved by the Governing Body and will be reviewed annually and updated in the light of any new guidance or circumstances. Signed: Dated: 5

6 Appendix 1 VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SHEET Thank you very much for your interest in volunteering at Newbridge Primary School. To help us better understand how you would like to be involved and hopefully match your interests to the volunteer opportunities at our school, it would be helpful if you could please take a few minutes to complete this information sheet and then return it to Tony Day, our Volunteer Coordinator (contact details below). Personal details and interests in volunteering Name: Phone: Postal address: Name(s) of any child(ren) you have at Newbridge: I am an existing volunteer and I would like to continue to offer my help I have not helped voluntarily at Newbridge before but I would like to help in the future I am unable to give voluntary help at Newbridge Your availability (please tick) I can offer help weekly * I can offer help on a regular basis * I can offer help when needed I can offer help once in a while * If you are able to help on a weekly or regular basis, please indicate the days and times when you are available: Subjects and activities in which you would like to become involved (please tick) Curriculum subjects and other activities: Administrative activities Reading Physical Education Library Writing French Resources Maths ICT Putting up displays Science Art Other activities (please state): Other activities (please state): Music Design Technology Topic work (history/geography) Religious Education Please indicate the skills, interests, knowledge or experience you have that might benefit the children/school: Any Other Comments (if you have any other comments or questions, please add them here) MANY THANKS FOR COMPLETING THIS QUESTIONNAIRE! Tony Day, Newbridge Primary Volunteer Co-ordinator ( ) tony_day@newbridge.bathnes.sch.uk

7 Appendix 2 School - Volunteer Agreement Volunteers are a very important and valued part of Newbridge Primary School. We greatly appreciate your willingness to make available to our school your time and energy and we very much hope that you will enjoy your volunteering with us and feel a full part of our team. This agreement describes what you can expect from the school, and what we hope for from you. The school aims to always be flexible and open to ideas, so please let us know if your circumstances change or you have any suggestions for how we can improve our school and, in particular, how we can improve our arrangements for volunteer activities. What volunteers can expect from Newbridge Primary School We will: Always do our best to make you feel welcome and valued in your work with the school Arrange suitable Welcome/Induction arrangements intended to: Fully clarify the role/activities you have volunteered to assist with Introduce you to the teachers or other members of school staff with whom you will be working Make you fully aware of key school procedures, organisation and information relevant to your work as a volunteer Provide or arrange any training you may need Enable completion of other formalities (including Criminal Record Bureau checks) Answer any questions you may have Endeavour to keep our volunteers up to date with events in our school via newsletters and relevant information posted on the school website Consult volunteers about matters affecting volunteering arrangements at our school Arrange appropriate insurance to cover volunteers and their volunteer activities (whether these occur in-school or off-site) Always aim to provide a safe workplace Apply our equal opportunities policy to all Newbridge volunteers Provide appropriate references to any volunteers who may need them

8 Volunteer Agreement As a volunteer at Newbridge Primary School, I: Agree to work reliably to the best of my ability, and to give as much warning as possible whenever I cannot work when expected (please contact the school office on ) Agree to conscientiously apply Newbridge Primary School s policies, rules and procedures, including those relating to health and safety, equal opportunities and confidentiality Agree to never discuss or share with any unauthorised person (inside or outside of school) any personal or confidential information about any child(ren) or any school matters of which I may become aware during my volunteer activities. (If you are ever unsure about what you may share with whom, please ask the teacher or member of school staff with whom you usually work.) Agree to read and adhere to the school s Child Protection Policy and the school s Equal Opportunities Policy, copies of which are available from the school office and on the school website Confirm that I have read and understood the Newbridge Primary School Volunteering Policy and agree to work according to it Signed on behalf of Newbridge Primary School: Signature:. Position: Newbridge Volunteers Coordinator Name (print): Tony Day Date: Signed by Volunteer Signed by volunteer:. Name (print): Date: Important note: This agreement is binding in honour only and is not intended to be a legally binding contract of employment

9 Appendix 3 Safe Guarding Policy Proof of Receipt Child Protection Child Protection Procedures extracts taken from Newbridge Primary School Child Protection Policy 2009 Everyone in the education service shares an objective to help keep children and young people safe by contributing to: Providing a safe environment for children and young people to learn in education settings; and Identifying children and young people who are suffering or likely to suffer significant harm, and taking appropriate action with the aim of making sure they are kept safe both at home and in the education setting Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education DfES 2007 School Commitment Newbridge Primary School is committed to Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of all of its pupils. Each pupil s welfare is of paramount importance. We recognise that some children may be especially vulnerable to abuse e.g. those with Special Educational Needs, those living in adverse circumstances. We recognise that children who are abused or neglected may find it difficult to develop a sense of self worth and to view the world in a positive way. Whilst at school, their behaviour may be challenging, we recognise that some children who have experienced abuse may harm others. We will always take a considered and sensitive approach in order that we can support all of our pupils. Safer recruitment and selection The school pays full regard to DfES guidance Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education Jan We ensure that all appropriate measures are applied in relation to everyone who works in the school who is likely to be perceived by the children as a safe and trustworthy adult including. Therefore a CRB Enhanced Disclosure is obtained for volunteers further to a risk assessment considering the regularity, frequency, duration and nature of contact Safe practice The school follows IRSC (The National Network of Investigation and Referral Support Co-ordinators). Guidance for Safe Working Practice for the Protection of Children and Staff in Education Settings to ensure that staff are safe and aware of behaviours which should be avoided. Please see link for full document. Safe working practice ensures that pupils are safe and that all volunteers: attend appropriate induction training are responsible for their own actions and behaviour and should avoid any conduct which would lead any reasonable person to question their motivation and intentions; work in an open and transparent way inform the Designated Teacher for Child Protection (Gill Kennaugh) of any concerns record any incidents apply the same professional standards regardless of gender or sexuality; are aware that breaches of the law could result in criminal action being taken against them. Identifying and reporting concerns Adults in school are well placed to observe any physical, emotional or behavioural signs which indicate that a child may be suffering significant harm. The relationships between staff, pupils, parents and the public which foster respect, confidence and trust can lead to disclosures of abuse, and/or school staff being alerted to concerns. It is not the responsibility of the school staff/volunteers to investigate welfare concerns or determine the truth of any disclosure or allegation. All staff/volunteers, however, have a duty to recognise concerns and maintain an open mind. Accordingly all concerns regarding the welfare of pupils will be recorded and discussed with the designated

10 teacher with responsibility for child protection (or the deputy designated person Mr Croker) prior to any discussion with parents. Volunteers must immediately report: any suspicion that a child is injured, marked, or bruised in a way which is not readily attributable to the normal knocks or scrapes received in play any explanation given which appears inconsistent or suspicious any behaviours which give rise to suspicions that a child may have suffered harm (e.g. worrying drawings or play) any concerns that a child may be suffering from inadequate care, ill treatment, or emotional maltreatment any concerns that a child is presenting signs or symptoms of abuse or neglect any significant changes in a child s presentation, including non-attendance any hint or disclosure of abuse from any person any concerns regarding person(s) who may pose a risk to children (e.g. living in a household with children present) Responding to Disclosure Disclosures or information may be received from pupils, parents or other members of the public. School recognises that those who disclose such information may do so with difficulty, having chosen carefully to whom they will speak. Accordingly all staff/volunteers will handle disclosures with sensitivity. If a child has a special educational need that may impair their ability to express such information, we ensure that the assigned teaching assistant has the necessary communication skills to support in this. e.g. Makoton. Such information cannot remain confidential and staff/volunteers will immediately communicate what they have been told to the designated teacher and make a contemporaneous record. Principles Staff/volunteers will not investigate but will, wherever possible, elicit enough information to pass on to the designated person in order that s/he can make an informed decision of what to do next. Wherever possible information should be recorded on the school s Child Concern Form (attached). Staff/Volunteers will: listen to and take seriously any disclosure or information that a child may be at risk of harm try to ensure that the person disclosing does not have to speak to another member of school staff clarify the information try to keep questions to a minimum and of an open nature e.g. Can you tell me what happened? rather than Did x hit you? try not to show signs of shock, horror or surprise not express feelings or judgements regarding any person alleged to have harmed the child explain sensitively to the person that they have a responsibility to refer the information to the senior designated person reassure and support the person as far as possible explain that only those who need to know will be told explain what will happen next and that the person will be involved as appropriate This information should be passed immediately to the designated teacher with responsibility for child protection and will be dealt with according to child protection procedures. We understand that if a situation of this nature were to occur that it would be distressful and upsetting for any member of staff/volunteer. In this way we will offer support to the staff member/volunteer in the best possible way. Signed. Employee/Volunteer Signed.. Designated Teacher Child Protection Date