EVC Spring 2026_magazine_AWdigital - Flipbook - Page 34
MAKE THE MOST OF
YOUR VISIT VOLUNTEERS
How to get the best out of the parents and carers who volunteer to help with school visits
Volunteer helpers are a vital part of any
school visit. As well as freeing up staff
who are needed at school, they can bring
skills that add to the children’s learning.
They might be expert birdwatchers
or history buffs, or they may even be
qualified to lead an activity, such as
orienteering or football training.
Knowing how to get the most out of your
volunteers can make all the difference
to a visit, explains Emma Williams from
EVOLVE Advice.
34
Planning the trip
Check your school policy on volunteers and follow it
carefully. It is the school’s responsibility to make sure
volunteers are competent and to vet them appropriately;
OEAP NG 3.2g Vetting and Disclosure and Barring
Service (DBS) Checks will help you decide if a check is
needed and what kind.
Ensure that staff know they must supervise volunteers;
helpers shouldn’t be alone with the children.
TIP
Volunteer drivers? Use the model form
in OEAP NG 4.5c Transport in Private Cars
Understandably, most volunteers won’t be aware of
the risk management, supervision and safeguarding
considerations that are needed for educational visits,
so set out your expectations from the start. For example,
make it clear to volunteers that they can’t bring along
other children they may be caring for.
