We’ve had a number of queries about school supply staff and volunteers and if they can return to schools in September. The answer in short is yes they can. The DfE advice for supply teachers also applies to other temporary staff working in schools such as support staff working on a supply basis, peripatetic teachers such sports coaches, and those engaged to deliver before and after school clubs.
Here’s the latest DfE guidance about supply staff, peripatetic staff, coaches and volunteers:
Supply teachers and other temporary or peripatetic teachers
Settings can continue to engage supply teachers and other supply staff during this period. The DfE recommend that settings consider using the Department for Education’s and Crown Commercial Service’s agency supply deal when hiring agency workers, as this offers a list of preferred suppliers that must be transparent about the rates they charge.
Supply staff and other temporary workers can move between settings, but education leaders will want to consider how to minimise the number of visitors to the setting where possible. Where it is necessary to use supply and to welcome visitors to the setting such as peripatetic teachers, those individuals will be expected to comply with the setting’s arrangements for managing and minimising risk. To minimise the numbers of temporary staff entering the setting’s premises, and secure best value, settings may wish to use longer assignments with supply teachers and agree a minimum number of hours across the academic year. This advice for supply teachers also applies to other temporary staff working in schools such as support staff working on a supply basis, peripatetic teachers such as sports coaches, and those engaged to deliver before and after school clubs.
Other support
Volunteers may be used to support the work of the setting, as would usually be the case. It is important that they are properly supported and given appropriate roles. Where settings and colleges are utilising volunteers, they should continue to follow the checking and risk assessment process as set out in the volunteer section in Part 3 of Keeping Children Safe in Education. Under no circumstances should a volunteer who has not been checked be left unsupervised or allowed to work in regulated activity. Mixing of volunteers across groups should be kept to a minimum, and they should remain 2 metres from pupils and staff where possible.
For further advice take a look at the government guidance.
If you need to carry out risk assessments, draft or update policies or look at Vulnerable Person Risk Assessments for people returning to work ready for September, please get in touch. We will be happy to help. We are also still processing DBS checks for any new staff or volunteers starting. Click here for more information.
