Get involved in your local school 

After years of demanding toddlers, it can be a relief to see them off to school and have some time just for ‘you’. But have you ever considered following them and becoming involved in school life yourself?

 

One practical way is to help in a classroom. You might be asked to listen to children read, help someone struggling with a maths lesson, or even just refill the paint pots!

Louisa helps in her daughter’s class. ‘I enjoy the contact with children and seeing them progress over the year. There are so many jobs that teachers have no time for, and by helping I can relieve some of the pressure.’

Margaret, a retired teacher comments, ’teachers have different expectations of what they would like a parent to do in class. The important thing is to be flexible and willing to help out wherever needed.’

Older people with more time on their hands are also welcome. If you can commit to helping  at the same time each week, it’s easier for the teacher to have things ready for you to do.

 

For several years I worked as a lunchtime supervisor one day a week at my daughter’s primary school. You learn a lot about the pressures your children face at school through seeing what goes on in the playground! Some children are starved of affection, and even a kind word from a dinner lady can make their day!

 ‘It is very hard to recruit people for jobs like this, partly because of their low pay and low status’ says Adrian Jones, until recently a head teacher of a junior school. ‘If Christians were to volunteer to do these jobs in a school as a form of service, teaching staff would be bowled over, and it would make a big impression.'

 

You can get also involved in the policy making of a school by becoming a school governor. The governing body works with the head teacher and staff to ‘make strategic decisions about the school, to act as a critical friend to the school and to be accountable for its work.’ Many schools are crying out for people prepared to give time and energy to this vital task and you don’t have to have children attending the school to get involved.

More overtly Christian involvement can come through taking assemblies, praying for the school or running a children’s club. The Schools Prayer Network was formed after a teacher in Glasgow saw vandalism dramatically decrease at his school after he and several pupils prayed. Its vision is to encourage committed prayer for every school in the UK.  When three or four four of us prayed weekly at our local primary school, vandalism at the school decreased, and we were able to support the teachers through OFSTED and other issues.

 

In 1988 the new education act stated that school assemblies must be 'wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character.’ This can be a great way to get involved in schools. In our area, local churches support an assemblies team made up of lay people from all denominations. ‘We have three teams, visiting 27 primary and 3 secondary schools once every half term’ says Alison, who leads the group. ‘People don’t have to be very confident to get involved – one lady felt all she could do at first was put overheads on the projector, but now her confidence has grown and she is involved in other things.’

Many schools are reluctant to have local Christians take assemblies due to bad experiences in the past, so quality is key. Be aware that something that works well in Sunday school may not be appropriate for a school. Published material often provides a good starting point for the assemblies, but they need to be adapted to fit. Alison continues, ' If staff feel there is a good educational content to the assembly you will be invited back, even if they have reservations about the Christian content. '

 

Throughout the UK, there are clubs meeting in schools to encourage Christian pupils and share the gospel with unchurched children. Alison leads ‘Allsorts’ at her children’s school, for year 4 and 5 children. It is so popular they have a waiting list for children wanting to attend.

'Realistically not every child will go to church' she says, 'but they all go to school, so I went to them. Hours of helping in my children's classroom's meant I had a good relationship with the teachers and they were happy for me to run the club. Three other parents help me, and I do a couple of hours preparation a week. We want to give children a sense of belonging and being accepted, especially to those who find school difficult.’

 

Many people would love to be involved in their children’s school, however because of work and other commitments, it is just not possible to give the time to volunteer. But all is not lost, you too can help.

 Is there anything you could donate to your school? There are several Christian resources for children moving between primary and secondary school – Scripture Union’s ‘It’s your move’ booklet being one of them. On a practical note, Jane’s husband owns a printing business, and they gave their daughter’s school huge amounts of craft card. Even turning up at fundraising events and being prepared to support the school by spending money is a positive witness!

 

Teaching has become an increasingly stressful occupation, and your church could adopt a teacher, supporting them with prayer and encouragement.

‘30% of new teachers leave the profession within 3 years of qualifying,' says Adrian Jones. 'Teachers need an outlet for the stress and pressure they are under and they can’t necessarily do that in their school. Churches have a vital role to play by supporting Christian teachers in their congregation and community.’