The following Do’s and Don’ts should give you a good idea of the school’s expectations of you:

  • Do attend regularly, the children very soon look forward to your visits and are disappointed if you let them down.

  • Do be enthusiastic, remember you are an ambassador for higher education so let your enthusiasm for your subject show, it will rub off on the children.

  • Do be pro-active, don’t feel you have to wait to be told what to do (remember you are no longer a pupil). If you are unsure what you should be doing don’t be afraid to ask. The following simple questions might help you in approaching the teacher:

    • What would you like me to do today?
    • Is there anyone that you would like me to help today?
    • Is there any preparation I can help you with?
    • How can I help today?
    • Shall I give out the handouts/books etc?

    • Is there anything I should prepare for next week?

  • Do engage with the children and get involved in what they are doing. These simple questions may help:

    • Would you like me to help you with this?
    • Would you explain to me what you are doing?
    • Can I see what you are working on?
    • Do you understand this all right?

    • Would you mind if I watch what you are doing?

  • Do always behave in a professional manner while at the school; remember you are there as a member of staff and the children need to see you as such. Report anything you are concerned about to your class teacher before leaving the school.

  • Do behave in a professional manner and this includes what you wear. You should always be clean and tidy and avoid very short skirts, jeans, low cut tops or torn trousers and large or unsuitable logos.

  • Do try to enjoy it and have fun!

     

  • Don’t use your mobile phone on school premises. You must turn your phone off on arrival and keep it off throughout your time in the schools.

  • Don’t discipline the children, this is the teacher’s responsibility.

  • Don’t become over friendly with the children or have favourites within the class, remember you are there as a member of staff. Never allow a child to follow you or become a friend on social media.

  • Don’t miss a visit or stop attending your school without letting them know.

  • Don’t drop out of the programme without any explanation. You will be letting the children and teacher in your class down and letting your fellow volunteers down by damaging the reputation of the scheme.