Tips for Volunteers

Handy Hints

Mentors who have been working in the programme for a number of years report that it is good practice in developing their partnership with the school and the teachers to:

Build up a good relationship with the Time to Read coordinator in the school and with another important person: the secretary! Excellent communication with these key adults in the school is critical.
Your first point of contact is the school coordinator, so if there is any problem, you bring it to his or her attention.
Be reliable. Always contact the school as soon as possible if you cannot make a session. Keep contact details of your company coordinator, (relief volunteer, if there is one) and your fellow mentors in the school so that you can let them know if you are not able to attend a particular session.
Always call at the school office; make yourself known; and sign-in before starting your session, according to the school security policy.
You will, through time, become a familiar face around the school, but it is sensible to wear proof of identity (eg, your company identity card) if you have one.
If, unexpectedly, you find the other mentors have not arrived for the Time to Read session, seek guidance from the school office, Time to Read coordinator, or principal. It should be possible to find a suitable open location in the school for you to go ahead with your children for that session.
If time permits, mentors can perhaps meet teachers over a cup of coffee during the morning break—a good opportunity to exchange information/progress about the children.
Schools have been asked to arrange a meeting with the Time to Read mentors toward the end of each term, an opportunity to meet with the children's teachers to discuss progress and to deal with any issues. Talk to your school coordinator about this meeting, which may have to take place in the early afternoon to facilitate the release of teachers from class—it may perhaps replace your regular Time to Read session that particular week.
Mentors don't have to go to all the school events they will be invited to! The school staff will certainly not expect that, but it would be good if you were able, over time, to attend some of these. The children would enjoy seeing you at these events, and it is also possibly an opportunity for you to meet their parents at these more social times.

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