Volunteers

 

Volunteering at Brunswick

 

We welcome and encourage volunteers into our school community as they bring a wealth of skills and experience that can enhance the learning opportunities of our children.

 

Volunteers may be parents or carers, relatives, ex-pupils, students from other educational establishments or interested local residents. Through volunteering you learn how a school works and become involved with a community of adults all working together to promote learning.

 

We prefer to offer volunteering opportunities for a minimum of half a term, rather than very short-term placements. We feel this is better for volunteers and pupils, as teachers can begin to plan for the volunteer, and their support becomes part of weekly routines. Children also build meaningful learning relationships over time. Volunteers who have moved on to courses and jobs after volunteering with us, have told us how important it was to work with us in this way, as it gave them the opportunity to reflect on their role, how children learn and how teachers teach.

 

Parents and carers volunteering in school are not generally assigned to work in their own child’s class, apart from on one-off projects (see below). This is because it can be very distracting for young children if they see their parent or carer walking in and out of class or working somewhere else in the room.

 

Volunteers may help in a variety of ways, including hearing children read, working with a group or individuals, assisting with projects in school or supporting off-site visits.

 

Special roles:

We also have a number of other volunteer roles that might suit your interests or skills.

  • Forest School: Maddy Alexander, our Forest School teacher, is always keen to welcome volunteers who have a passion for gardening and the outdoors.
  • Library: A role that doesn’t involve children! Miss Ramalingum, our Library Lead, would welcome volunteers to help keep our library in order.
  • Lunchtime crafts or games: If you would like to spend some time making and/or playing, then this is the role for you!

 

 

Becoming a volunteer

Anyone wishing to become a volunteer should express their interest by emailing

volunteers@brunswick.brighton-hove.sch.uk

 

The application process for regular in-school volunteers includes:

  • Completion of the volunteer application form
  • A brief initial meeting to ascertain your suitability for the role
  • Provision of two satisfactory references
  • DBS clearance
  • Attendance at safeguarding training

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Individuals wishing to support on a one-off basis, such as a school trip, are not required to supply references.

 

We look forward to you joining us as we continue our journey of Achieving Success with Determination and Joy.