Parent Helper's Booklet

Introduction


Welcome to Abbeymead School.

Thank you for offering to help in school. Your help is greatly appreciated, whether it be to share a particular talent or interest with us or undertake more general, practical tasks around the school. Both are equally valuable.

This booklet should help to ensure that you are comfortable and happy working with us and that your time in school is used as effectively as possible. Hopefully it will answer some of the questions you may be asking yourself.








Parents can help in the following ways........



 Play games
 Talk with children
 Work with small groups
 Help with changing for swimming
 Spelling activities
 Food technology
 Making resources
 Help with clubs
 Go on trips
 Art and craft
 Share experiences
 Group reading
 Filing and admin.
 Help to run the creche

and many many more activities!
















What will be expected of you?

 Talk to children about their work
 To follow the instructions given to you by the teacher, as closely as possible. If unsure ASK
 Respond with encouragement
 Help children feel secure and successful
 Listen attentively to children
 Show interest in the children with whom you are working
 Report any problems/successes to the teacher
 You will not be asked to do anything a member of staff wouldn't be prepared to do if they had the time
 You will not be placed in a direct teaching situation
 You will not be asked to do anything you are not confident or happy about.


However.....
By the nature of the work you are doing with them, the children will naturally learn a great deal from you.
How can you help the teacher?


 Listen carefully to instructions and ask questions to clarify anything
 Learn where resources are kept
 Know your way around.
 Take notice of and use key vocabulary
 Know clearly the teachers expectations of work, tidiness and classroom routines

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What will the children be like?

It is important to remember that every child is different and unique.
 Some will pick up new ideas quickly
 Some will be quiet, lively or shy
 Some children will have difficulty speaking clearly
 Some children will have difficulties with learning
 Some will try to dominate in group situations
 Some may have difficult understanding and following instructions
 Some may be very confident and forthright
 Some will be from different cultures.
 Your own children may not act as you would expect



We feel it is important to develop children?s individuality.

How can you help the children?
 Be sensitive to their needs.
 Make the children feel good about themselves
 Treat all children in the same way
 Encourage the children to always do their best
 Show all children that they are valued and important
 Equally value and respect all cultures
 Do your best to avoid stereotyping
 Explain clearly and slowly to ensure understanding
 Listen carefully to children.
 Make them feel successful and secure.





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What other responsibilities will you have?

 Avoid discussing anything you have heard in school with others
 Remain totally confidential regarding children you are working with.
 Be supportive of the work we do
 Report any behavior that you find unacceptable


If you are unsure about what do next, how to react in a given situation or how you can be most helpful please ask your child?s teacher or Di Heron (parent liaison) You will soon be pointed in the right direction.

Things you can do while the teacher is teaching the whole class


 Sharpen pencils
 Filing
 Change reading books
 Wash paint brushes
 Sweep up sand
 Mend books
 Mend puzzle boxes

Please ask the teacher if he/she is happy for you to do the above independently.







Useful Information

8.40am register
10.05am assembly on Mon.,Wed. and Fri.
10.20am K.S.1 playtime
10.40am Everyone back to base.
11.55 am K.S.1 lunch
12.45pm K.S.1 back to base
K.S.2 lunch
1.35pm K.S.2 back to base.
2.15pm K.S.1 playtime
2.30pm K.S.1 back to base.
2.55pm home time

This is a basic timetable of the day. At break time you are welcome to join us for cup of coffee/tea in the staff room.
?Grown-up? toilets can be found near to the staff room.


Always report to reception to sign yourself in and to get a ?visitor? badge.
Remember to sign yourself out before you go.

You need to fill in a Police check form and a parent helper form, then hand them to Di Heron.

If you are willing to do some work at home e.g. mending books or making games etc please let your child?s teacher know.

Please let us know if you can not come when you are expected.