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 teacher. 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 get involved and fully engaged with the class. The sooner you do the easier it will be, the more you will enjoy it and the more you will get out of the experience. So however nervous you feel on your first visit just take a deep breath and just go for it! You won’t regret it!
  • 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.
  • Do try and enjoy it and have fun!
  • Do dress appropriately, you should always look clean and tidy and
    very short skirts, low cut tops or torn trousers and large or unsuitable logos.
  • 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 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 down the children and teacher in your class and letting  your fellow volunteers down by damaging the reput