Volunteer Work in Schools

[sarz]

I want to become a teaching assistant.

I need to be able to help in a school unpaid or paid depending on what the school wants.

Does anyone no any schools that need anyone?

Does anyone work in a school that can help me?

Thank you.

[Fuschia]

There is a lot of demand for this, actually and I think most schools find that the time required to induct, supervise and support volunteers makes it not very cost effective. Sorry to bring bad news.

It might be different if you really stand out from the crowd, but most new TAs we recruit now (I am senior manager in a school) tend to be graduates, due to the state of the job market....

You might find a private nursery willing to take on a volunteer... that would give you experience of early years at least.

[sarz]

Thank you for your help and advice.

[Fuschia]

It's always worth sending your CV to local schools then calling to follow it up. Good luck!

[sarz]

Thanks again

[victor]

Why don't you just try asking at local schools? Most schools welcome parents in to help with reading, etc, so it is possible that they would like a volunteer who is not a parent.

The thing is, you will probably have to have a CRB check done - it may be that the school will organise this, but you will have to ask the individual school.

[nicolemodesti]

Not all or most TA's recruited are graduates these days. Also volunteers can be beneficial in a school especially as schools have been hit by budget cuts. CRB check would be required which is an easy application to do. Speaking from personal experience as a teacher and senior leader within another borough. Worth getting a feel of what individual school ethos is on volunteer TAs. Good luck!

[blainiac]

Have you thought about reading with children who need extra help to get experience? I have volunteered with http://www.vrh.org.uk. If accepted you will receive relevant training. Once you are placed in a school, then perhaps this might provide opportunities to obtain further experience. Hope you find a placement soon.