1 Supporting Parents and Carers as Volunteers in Our SchoolsVolunteer Induction Supporting Parents and Carers as Volunteers in Our Schools Insert school name and crest Ask volunteers to sign in as they arrive. Keep a register of those who view the PowerPoint presentation. Template 1.
2 Thank you for attending this session.Volunteers are essential and highly valued in our school communities. We are grateful for your support and the contribution you make sharing your gifts and talents with our school.
3 Introduction Parents in our schools play a significant role in supporting the Vision and Values of Catholic schools in our Diocese. We strongly encourage the development of relationships with parents and the wider parish community as partners on the education journey. Our schools commit to: nurturing each individual’s growth in faith and unique potential offering outstanding educational experiences founded on Catholic values fostering partnership between parents and staff in the education of their children creating communities of respect for each other, the wider society and the earth encouraging active engagement in social justice issues, the service of others and the promotion of peace. Welcome, thank volunteers for interest and commitment. The statement of Schools Commitment is directly from the CSO “Nature and Purpose of Catholic Schools”.
4 What will this Volunteer Induction focus on?Volunteering The Code of Conduct Child Protection Working in Our Schools Confidentiality and Privacy Work, Health and Safety (WH&S) Emergency Evacuation Procedures/Map First Aid and Accident Notification by Parent/Volunteer Incident Reporting Please advise this is intended to be an overview only. All volunteers are expected to read the handbook carefully and maintain it with their papers for reference. Volunteers are also reminded that should they have any questions or concerns they must raise them with the Principal. If Principals are unsure of the appropriate response to a volunteer, they should consult HR – Garry Muirhead.
5 All of whom have a WHS responsibility.1. Volunteering: pages 3-4 Parents traditionally have played an important role in supporting schools. In January 2012, a number of changes were made to the Work, Health and Safety (WHS) legislation including who is now considered a worker. A worker now includes an employee, a contractor and a volunteer. All of whom have a WHS responsibility. Some roles that have been traditionally filled by volunteers include: Assistance in school canteens and P & F activities. Collaboration with staff to develop policy when requested. Support of learning by aiding teachers to implement reading, maths, art and craft activities Assistance in coaching and encouragement of sporting teams and activities There are many areas in which parents and carers have volunteered their time.
6 2. Code of Conduct – Volunteers, Parents and Carers: Page 5Our school communities strive to be places that model our Christian values. Parents and carers choose a Catholic education for their children that is reflective of their values, beliefs and hopes. Our children learn from us and so all volunteers in Catholic schools are expected to conduct themselves in accordance with the Code of Conduct – Volunteers, Parents and Carers (see Appendix 2). The Code of Conduct – Volunteers, Parents and Carers provides guidance to volunteers regarding the expectations of the school and Diocese with respect to their behaviour and dealings with others in the school community. Volunteers should be reminded their conduct is a model for their own children and the children of others. Volunteers should be encouraged to model Christian values in all their dealings with others in our school communities. Volunteers could be reminded that the expectations parents have of their own children with respect to behaviour and their approach to others should be modelled by themselves.
7 3. Child Protection: Page 6We take child protection seriously All volunteers are required to complete a Working With Children Check (WWCC) for Volunteers. Volunteers who suspect a child has suffered abuse or neglect are required to report this to the Principal (or AP if unavailable) as soon as possible (within 24 hours) or to Zimmerman Services or Police.
8 3. Child Protection: Page 6 (cont’d)As a volunteer you may be reported to the Ombudsman if an allegation is received that you have engaged in “reportable conduct”. The Diocese has an obligation under law to investigate. You must report any allegations regarding staff or other volunteers of the Diocese to the Principal immediately. Volunteers are legally required to inform the school if they have been charged with any criminal offices which may impact their ability to perform in their role as a Volunteer. Volunteers are required to inform the school as soon as an allegation under the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 is made against them. This requirement includes any allegation made against you external to the school in which you are volunteering. Volunteers are also able to contact the Diocesan Child Protection Unit - Zimmerman Services, directly. Remind volunteers of the role of Zimmerman Services in our Diocese and draw their attention to the contact details contained in the handbook.
9 4. Working in Our Schools: Pages 6 & 7Volunteers are required to complete registration procedures in the event communication is needed with you or your emergency contact. You will need to complete: Form 1 – Volunteer Registration form Form 2 – Confidentiality Agreement Form 3 – Image Release form Form 4 – Working with Children Check Clearance Number Verification & Declaration form Depending on your volunteer role, you may also be required to complete or provide other documentation to the school. Please read the Volunteer/Contractor Collection notice (Appendix 1) for further details.
10 4. Working in our schools : Page 6 & 7 (cont’d)Dress code: Appropriate clothing and non-slip footwear. Identification: You must sign in on entering the school grounds and sign out upon leaving the school grounds. Identification will be provided and must be worn/displayed at all times when on the school grounds. Smoking: Not permitted in any school facilities or whilst accompanying children of a CSO school. Photography: Please be mindful of the privacy of others. Children of any age will usually only be photographed with parents permission. Insurance: As a volunteer, schools have provided you with Personal Accident for Volunteers cover. Details of Insurer in the Volunteers Handbook. Stress: 1. Signing in and out is critical. Remind the importance of this in the event of an emergency or critical incident. 2. Smoking, even when taking students off site on an excursion is not permitted. 3. Volunteers should not take photographs of other children. Do not share photos on social media that include children other than your own.
11 4. Working in Our Schools: Pages 6 & 7 (cont’d)Communication: The Principal is responsible for you in your volunteer role. If you have any concerns or question, please consult the Principal. Health issue/medication: Never purchase, give or administer medication to a student. Health issues may also impact food and drink consumed. Infection control: Please take time to recover if you are unwell. Your own vaccination status should also be checked for common childhood illnesses and tetanus. Remind volunteers about their need to communicate with Principals if unsure about any matter. Stress underlying health issues such as allergies that volunteers may not be aware of in some children. Recommend checking of personal vaccination status.
12 5. Confidentiality and Privacy: Page 8While volunteering, you may overhear or become aware of information regarding students, staff or other volunteers. This information must be kept confidential. It is a legal requirement. Occasionally, information may be provided to you about a student by the school to enable you to carry out your volunteer role. This information needs to be treated as private and confidential. Confidentiality will also be breached when confidential material is published on social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. When talking to others, we all need to be aware that children are present. Often, conversations can be overheard and the potential for them to be repeated, inaccurately, is significant. Engaging in conversations with other parents and making negative comments about school or teachers can make others uncomfortable as well as not helping resolve the problem – arrange a time when you can sit down with the teacher or Principal and talk the issue through. While social media and s are great ways to keep in touch, using them to criticise or make negative comments about others is definitely dangerous and is not in keeping with the values we teach and live by. The use of social media by parents or carers to engage in abusive or inflammatory remarks about staff or the school can have serious legal implications. If comments are about the school, the school can also take action which may include responsible persons being excluded from the school. Serious breaches may be reported to the police for investigation. If comments are directed towards other parents or students, parents have the right to contact the social media service or Police. Remember, if you have a problem, take it to the teacher or Principal. Finally, when we speak to others, our words can be very powerful and have the potential to do great harm…or bring about wonderful outcomes.
13 6. Work, Health & Safety (WH&S): Pages 9 & 10It is everyone's responsibility to make their workplace safe and happy. As a volunteer under the new Work Health & Safety legislation you now have the same responsibilities as any paid employee. The Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle has a responsibility to: Provide a safe and healthy school environment. Take action to identify and control hazards in the workplace. Supply personal protective equipment if required. Provide training information and instruction as necessary. Volunteers have a responsibility to: Work safely, following safe work procedures. Work within the limits of their role description. Not put others at risk. Report any hazards, mishaps or injuries.
14 To maintain a safe environment…As a “worker” for schools you have the following WHS responsibilities: Comply with the schools WHS procedures and instructions Take reasonable care of yourself and others who may be affected by your actions Safely perform the required task and be aware of the risks and hazards associated with your work Identify and report workplace hazards Report any incidents and near misses to your Principal or their delegate Maintain a good standard of “house keeping” at work Ask for help if you don’t feel you can complete a task safely Speak to others if you feel they are working unsafely or report directly to the Principal or their delegate. Maintain all equipment in good working order and immediately notify your Principal or their delegate of any faults before use. Be proactive and a positive role model for safety.
15 Identifying Workplace RisksPrior to every task you should: Stop – think before you act Assess – check for hazards Be safe – complete the task, only when it is safe to do so What is an Incident and When Do I Report It? An incident is not just when an injury occurs but also when an accident happens that has the potential to cause an injury. This is considered a Near Miss incident. No matter what type of incident it is, it should ALWAYS be reported immediately
16 How Do I Report an Incident?As soon as possible let your Principal or their delegate know of the incident. You will need to complete an Injury, Illness and Incident form which includes providing details on: How the incident happened The result of the incident Any hazards that contributed to the incident This must be then provided to your Principal or their delegate.
17 7. First Aid and Accident Notification by a VolunteerIf you should happen to need First Aid or have an accident while volunteering at school, please alert the nearest staff member and seek their assistance. All schools have a First Aid Officer, who will be able to provide first aid assistance for you and will assist you in completing the Injury, Illness and Incident form. The Principal or their delegate may also wish to speak with you regarding the incident. So it is important that you alert staff who will render assistance.
18 8. Emergency Evacuation Procedures/MapAdd school evacuation map here Our school has emergency procedures that must be adhered to by all volunteers. Please make yourself aware of the Emergency Assembly Point as well as the procedures to follow in the event of an emergency. Staff will direct you if emergency procedures need to be followed. A copy of this map and procedures is posted in all classrooms.
19 Summary During this session we have covered:An overview of the Volunteer Induction Handbook Child protection requirements Communication Working in our schools – things to be aware of Confidentiality and privacy requirements Work, health and safety: Identifying risks and reporting First Aid: What to do in the event of injury or an accident Emergency procedures and evacuation Form 1 – 4 are contained in the back of your Volunteer Induction Handbook. Please take some time to complete these. You may return these at the completion of this presentation to (responsible staff member only). These forms must be completed before you are able to participate as a volunteer. FORM 1 – Volunteer Registration Form: this allows us to make contact with you and ensure that we have details of your contacts in the event of an emergency impacting you. FORM 2 – Confidentiality Agreement: this agreement clarifies the requirement for confidentiality and privacy of members of our community to be respected. FORM 3 – Photograph/Video permission form: FORM 4 – Working With Children Check Clearance Number Verification & Declaration Form: this form requires you to provide a 100 Point ID check and can be completed and returned to the school administration office with where your ID will be checked. FORM 5 – 100 Point Proof of Identity Check
20 Thank you! Your willingness to partner with and support our school makes a difference! PLEASE REMIND VOLUNTEERS TO COMPLETE AND SUBMIT (4) FORMS ATTACHED.