Welcome to your role as a classroom volunteer at Preston College. You are here to support the lead teacher and help create a positive learning environment. Think of the lead teacher as the captain of a ship, steering the lesson and making all the key decisions. As a volunteer, you are a vital member of the crew, helping to ensure everything runs smoothly.

You will not be asked to lead a lesson, mark formal assessments, or plan the curriculum. Your main purpose is to assist the teacher, support the students in their activities, and help with low-level administrative tasks. This might include preparing materials, helping set up the classroom, or working with a small group of students on a specific task set by the teacher.

Your support acts as a bridge, making the teacher more accessible to a larger group of students and helping learners feel more comfortable practising their English. By handling small tasks, you free up the teacher to focus on teaching.

Even as a volunteer, you are a representative of Preston College and a role model for the students. Professional conduct is essential. This means being punctual for every session. Arriving on time, or even a few minutes early, shows respect for the teacher and students and allows you to be briefed before the lesson begins.

Your attendance should be reliable. If you are unable to attend a session, please inform the college with as much notice as possible. The teacher will be planning activities with your support in mind.

There isn't a strict uniform, but the dress code is smart-casual. This means clean, professional, and comfortable clothing. Avoid anything with offensive slogans or images. You are modelling workplace expectations for the learners, many of whom are studying English to improve their employment prospects.

During your time in the classroom, you will likely become aware of personal information about students. This could be related to their academic progress, their personal circumstances, or their contact details. All of this information is confidential and must be protected.

This principle is supported by data protection laws like GDPR. In practice, this means you should not discuss a student's performance or personal details with friends, family, or even other students. If you have any concerns about a student, you must only discuss them with the lead teacher or another designated member of college staff.

Safeguarding is about protecting the health, well-being, and human rights of adults at risk, enabling them to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. Your role is not to be a safeguarding expert, but to be aware and vigilant. If a student discloses something that concerns you, or if you observe any behaviour that worries you, it is your duty to report it immediately to the lead teacher. Do not attempt to investigate or solve the issue yourself. Your only responsibility is to report your concerns to the correct person.

Your professionalism and understanding of these boundaries are what make you an invaluable part of our team. By following these guidelines, you help us maintain a safe, respectful, and effective learning environment for everyone.