Volunteers
Volunteers at our school bring with them a range of skills and experience that can enhance the learning opportunities of children at our school.
Our Volunteers include:
• Parents of pupils
• Friends of the school
• Students on work experience
• Members of the Governing Body
The types of activities that volunteers are engaged include:
• Hearing children read - see below for more information
• Working with small groups of children
• Undertaking art and craft activities with children
• Assisting with Forest School - see below for more information
All adults who work in our school, whether a paid member of staff or a volunteer are expected to work and behave in such a way as to actively promote our school ethos which is underpinned by the schools aims and values and to agree to a code of conduct.
Volunteer to Hear Readers!
We are always looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support our children and make a real difference
in our children's learning journey. One incredibly valuable way you can help is by hearing individual
readers.
Why Volunteer to Hear Readers?
Reading is the cornerstone of all learning, and the more practice our children get, the more
confident and fluent they become. As a volunteer reader, you'll:
- Make a huge impact: Provide invaluable one-on-one reading practice that directly boosts a child's literacy skills and confidence.
- Boost confidence: Help children feel more positive about their reading abilities in a supportive and encouraging environment.
- Foster a love of reading: Share your passion for books and stories, sparking joy and curiosity in young minds.
- Become part of our school community: Connect with staff and pupils, experiencing the vibrant atmosphere of Harlington Lower School firsthand.
- Develop your own skills: Enhance your communication and interpersonal skills while working with children.
What Would You Be Doing?
As a volunteer reader, you'll primarily be:
- Listening to individual children read: Providing a calm and focused environment for them to practice.
- Offering gentle encouragement and praise: Helping children feel successful and motivated.
- Supporting their understanding: Asking simple questions about the text to check comprehension.
- Making notes: Briefly recording progress or areas where a child might need more support (we'll show you how!).
You don't need any special qualifications – just a love of reading and a desire to help children thrive. We'll provide a brief induction to ensure you feel comfortable and confident in your role.
When Can You Help?
Our reading sessions usually take place during school hours. We're flexible and can work around your availability, whether you can offer an hour a week, a morning, or even just occasionally. Every little bit of support makes a huge difference!
Interested in Learning More?
If you're interested in volunteering with us, please contact the school office via office@harlingtonlower.co.uk. We'd be delighted to discuss how you can help our children become confident and lifelong readers!
Volunteer at Forest School!
We are excited that our Forest School programme is now at a point where it will be used by all children at Harlington Lower School throughout the 2025-2026 academic year! To make this incredible outdoor learning experience a resounding success, we're looking for volunteers to help us out!
What is Forest School?
The ethos behind Forest School is based more on the process of learning than it is on the content - more on the ‘how’ than the ‘what’. This means that genuine Forest School practice steps boldly out of the shadow and limitation of planned activities and ventures collaboratively into the realms of the unplanned, unexpected and ultimately unlimited. Children and young people are given encouragement to direct their own learning - this often requires catalysing on the part of the Forest School leader either through stimulating play in the outdoors or through scaffolding a child’s learning, but mostly through simply observing how children are in the outdoors. Significantly, and on many levels, a woodland environment is central in supporting this very dynamic approach to learning: the passage of time, from the changing of the seasons, to the contemplation of an ancient tree; the dynamic nature of an outdoor environment - a source of smells, textures, sounds and tastes; a range of visual stimuli from near too far, high to low, very big to very small; and the infinite layers of historical, cultural, spiritual and mythological significance that speak of our deep relationship with trees and woodland through the ages.
What Will Children Be Doing at Forest School?
Children at Forest School will engage in a variety of structured activities, alongside closely supervised unstructured play and structured risk-taking activities involving tools like saws, knives, and fire. While each session will have a flexible plan, it will be guided by the children's interests and discoveries, making every Forest School session unique.
Examples of structured activities include:
- Learning about lashing and knots
- Shelter building
- Natural weaving and art
- Storytelling
- Safe tool use
- Tree recognition and animal tracks
- Natural games
- Fire lighting
- Crafts and cooking
We will make the most of the unique resources available in our woodland, using natural materials, working with tools and fires (with appropriate adult support), and fostering high levels of independence and teamwork. Forest School sessions will follow a comfortable pattern. We'll begin by getting to know our woodland area, understanding boundaries, and learning about safety. Typically, each visit will introduce a new activity – from a bug hunt or making a 'forest friend' from natural resources, to following a texture trail or building dens.
The dedicated Forest School team will ensure every program is both fun and educationally valuable, and we'll continuously reflect on and evaluate each session to ensure the best possible experience for all our children.
Why Volunteer for Forest School?
Volunteering at our Forest School is a fantastic opportunity to:
- Make a real difference: Help children develop a sense of wonder, curiosity, self-esteem, and confidence in the natural world.
- Be part of a supportive team: Join us in providing incredible opportunities for holistic development through fun, outdoor experiences.
- Gain valuable experience: Ideal for anyone considering a career in outdoor learning, education, or working with children.
- Boost your own well-being: Experience increased physical and mental health through interaction with nature.
- Develop new skills: Learn alongside the children, developing skills in areas like tool use, fire lighting, native plants, and more!
What Would You Be Doing?
As a Forest School volunteer, you would be helping with:
- Assisting Forest School Leaders with practical and craft activities.
- Supporting children's learning and development during sessions.
- Helping children build self-esteem and confidence.
- Assisting with the upkeep of tools and equipment.
- Supervising children, always ensuring our key elements: Safety, Respect, Fun.
- Helping to set up and tidy up after sessions.
Interested in Learning More?
If you're interested in volunteering or have any questions, please contact the school office via office@harlingtonlower.co.uk. We're happy to discuss how your time and passion can contribute to our exciting new Forest School journey.