Volunteers

Dear Volunteer

Thank you for your interest in volunteering at Goldsworth Primary School. We feel that the involvement of parents in our children’s education is vital and we encourage active participation in many ways.

In order for you to work in school as a volunteer:

  • you will need to complete a Volunteer interest form, giving us some details about your availability and interests.
  • you will need to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Please be assured that all information will be treated in the strictest confidence. These checks are an Ofsted requirement and are done for the best interests and safety of the children.
  • read key documents prior to undertaking your role as a volunteer, giving information about the school and our expectations, in particular regarding safeguarding of children.
  • if you have not been resident in the UK for at least the previous 5 years, you may be asked to provide a certificate of good conduct from each country where you have resided for 12 months or more.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Update Service

An enhanced DBS check must be carried out for all volunteers to ensure that Goldsworth Primary School complies with the recommended safeguarding procedures and upholds its legal responsibility to safeguarding. If you already hold a DBS certificate we may be able to accept this in lieu of a new application in the following circumstances:

  • Update Service – If you have registered for the Update Service (https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service) please request an update to your enhanced DBS which should be sufficient to meet the School’s requirements.
  • We may also accept an enhanced DBS check that is less than 3 months old from a recognised professional body.

DBS Application – The Application Process

  1. Applicants must express their interest in completing a DBS application, this can be done via the school office.
  2. Upon application, applicants will receive a guidance document detailing instructions on how to start the online DBS application process.
  3. Once the applicant has completed the first stage of the process they must provide the school with 3 original forms of identification (not photocopies) as per the list of valid identity documents listed on the guidance together with payment for the fee. Their identification will be copied and the originals returned immediately.
  4. The school will then verify the identity documents and complete the second stage of the application via the online service. Please note: the application process may take any length of time from a few days to a few months which is beyond the control of the school.
  5. The applicant should register their Certificate with the DBS Update Service and return the Status check consent form.
  6. Once the applicant has received their DBS certificate, they must bring it into school.

How to register your DBS certificate with the DBS Update Service

This service reduces the need to apply for multiple Certificates when you move from one job to another in the same workforce or when a recheck is required. Organisations can carry out a quick online Status check (with your consent) to see if an individual’s Certificate is still up to date – saving you both time and money. There is no charge if you are a volunteer and your subscription will automatically be renewed annually.

By subscribing to this service you will be able to:

  • Add/Remove DBS Applications/Certificates.
  • View the organisations who have checked the status of your Certificate(s).
  • Amend your contact details.

You can register as soon as you have your application form reference number (you will receive this when you apply for your DBS).

You can also register with your Certificate number when you receive your DBS certificate. If so, you must do so within 30 calendar days of the ‘date of issue’ which is printed on the certificate.

Consent for Status checks

You will be asked to complete and return a consent form once you have subscribed to the DBS Update Service. This will allow the Trust to make future checks against your DBS certificate as frequently as is operationally required for safeguarding purposes.

Safeguarding Policies and Documentation

In line with School procedures volunteers are required to read all documents in the Documents section of this page prior to volunteering

To comply with Health and Safety regulations, you must sign in and out at the main office each time you volunteer, whether you are remaining in school or helping on a school trip. You must also wear your temporary ID badge whilst on the premises.

If you have any queries or concerns regarding the above, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

In this Section

Documents

TitleLink
Behaviour Policy for Supply Staff and Volunteers
Childcare Disqualification Disclosure Form
Guidance and Protocol for Supply Staff and Volunteers
Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy
Safeguarding Induction Guidance for Supply Staff and Volunteers
Staff Behaviour Policy
What to do if you are worried a child is being abused