FAQ

Students in Schools FAQ

Got a question? We've got you covered.

Students in Schools FAQ

What do I need to do for my first lesson?

On your first visit to your school you need to take the following items with you:

Your DBS certificate (if your school have let you start before receiving this you must take it to show the school as soon as it arrives)

Photo ID e.g. driving licence, or passport

On your first visit please arrive about 20 minutes before your lesson is due to start. Allow plenty of travelling time until you are familiar with the journey, bus times etc.

What happens if my timetable changes and clashes with my school session?

If timetable changes impact on your volunteering, it is your responsibility to speak to your school to re-arrange an alternative time for you to visit. Please talk directly to your class or link teacher as soon as possible so that they have time to find you another class. Please do not ask the Students in Schools office to arrange this for you as this will take much longer. However, you must notify the SiS Office of these changes to your volunteering schedule once they have been confirmed by your school.

What do I need to do to complete the scheme?

A minimum of 10 visits in your chosen school is required to complete the scheme so you are unlikely to achieve this within a single term. Therefore, please make sure you know when the schools return after their winter or spring holidays and if your timetable has changed, follow the advice above.

What do I do if I want to withdraw from the scheme?

If there is an issue or you are not enjoying the experience, please talk to us before you decide to withdraw as we may be able to solve the issue. Withdrawing can cause reputational damage impacting on future volunteers and upset the schoolchildren who look forward to your visits so it is important to do this delicately.

However, if you do need to withdraw you must let the school know and email Students in Schools at sis@reading.ac.uk giving as much notice as possible.

Can I stay on in my school after completing 10 visits?

Schools have safeguarding responsibilities and for admin reasons need an end date. The school and SiS team should never be in a position where we are not aware of our volunteers movements and so if you would like to extend your stay then a new end date needs to be provided to everyone. The process is;

First, speak with your class teacher to arrange a new end date

Notify the schools admin team of your new end date (can be done via the reception in person on your way out)

Email sis@reading.ac.uk to notify us of the new end date

What if I’m ill when due to attend school?

f you are unwell and unable to attend you must let the school know as soon as possible. You can contact the school office by telephone or email or use the ‘Message’ option in the SiS student portal.

What if the weather is severe?

Check the school’s website as any urgent announcement will be prominently posted here. Local radio can also be a useful source of updates. Do not try to email or call the school as the school will not be in a position to respond to individual queries.

What do I need to do for my final lesson?

Let the teacher know it will be your final session as the children will want to say goodbye to you and make sure to thank the school for hosting you . You should receive an email from the SiS team on this date acknowledging your finish. If you do not receive an email within 3 working days then please do let us know that you have finished.

How can I claim my travel expenses?

If the school you are attending qualifies for travel expenses, keep all of your receipts , fill out the invoice form and email it to SIS@Reading.ac.uk to verify.

Can I volunteer again next year?

Yes, returning volunteers will be given priority allocation to a school of their choice. You will not need to attend another training session or get another DBS certificate, although you will still need to be in possession of your original certificate.