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2012 Active Schools Na H-Eileanan an Iar Volunteer Hand Book
2012
Active Schools
Na H-Eileanan an Iar
Volunteer Hand Book
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Contents Page
Welcome
Page 3 About Active Schools
Page 4 A Curriculum for Excellence
Page 5 - 6 Volunteering Page 7
Volunteer Time Line Page 8
Your Role Page 9
Important Information Page 10 - 11
Good Practice and Child Protection Page 12
General Standards Page 13
Rules of the Gym Hall Page 14
Things to Keep in Mind Page 15 Final Note Page 16
Sport and Health Contacts Page 17 - 18 Useful Links Page 19
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Welcome
Comhairle nan Eilean Siar would like to thank you for becoming a volunteer coach for the Active Schools Team. We hope that you and the children find the sessions both rewarding and fun.
This induction manual is aimed at ensuring you are equipped with all the relevant information and contact details that are required to ensure that your sessions are a success and that you personally develop as a coach/volunteer.
Training opportunities are available to volunteers and coaches throughout the year. If you would like to undertake informal workshops or a National Governing Body (NGB) awards please contact your Active Schools Coordinator. Your local coordinator contact details can be found on page 17 and 18.
Judo Club Dance Clubs
Stornoway Primary Bikeability Pupils pictured with Volunteers James Mackenzie (left) and Sgt MacKay (Right)
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About Active Schools
The fundamental aim of the Active Schools Network is to offer all children and young people the opportunities and motivation to adopt active, healthy lifestyles, now and into adulthood. Active Schools is supported by sportscotland, the Scottish Government and Comhairle nan Eilean Siar.
The aim of Active Schools is to make: more children, more active, more often
The Active Schools initiative has the following objectives:
To increase physical activity levels among school aged children. To improve motivation and attitude of children and young people to help increase achievements in all aspects of school and community settings. To increase the levels of sport participate in both formal and informal community settings. To increase number of young people acting as sports leaders, coaches and volunteers in both school and community settings.
Active Schools works in 5 main areas: Extra Curricular
The organisation and development of activity clubs outside of school hours, in general, using school areas (gym hall and playgrounds).
Curricular During school hours Active Schools work to ensure teacher know how to give pupils active breaks. We also work closely with the school health curriculum to
ensure pupils develop their knowledge of what makes then a healthy and confident individual. Play Ensuring all children have fun, exciting and active breaks at school. Travel Encouraging and providing the knowledge and resources
for children to travel actively to school. Community Linking with activity within the community to ensure children have pathways to lifelong active pursuits.
Walk to School Week
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A Curriculum for Excellence
A Curriculum for Excellence (CfE) is seen as the totality of experiences planned for children and young people through their education, regardless of where they are educated. It looks at the development of the whole child rather than simply academic achievement. CfE aims to enable every child to become a confident individual, an effective contributor, a responsible citizen and a successful learner. Active Schools (AS) contributes to the CfE by sending out strong messages on the importance and benefits of physical activity and sport throughout the school and into the wider community. AS also demonstrates strong links with the 10 Dimensions of Excellence which can be seen on page 6. AS believe that all their projects can play a significant role within each of these values.
Active Schools assists schools in attaining the following key components of health and well-being within CfE:
Providing quality, safe and fun physical activity opportunities - including sport - before, during and after school.
Increasing activity opportunities by linking more with the community. Actively promoting positive attitudes towards participation in physical activity with
pupils, school staff, families and the community. Ensuring that physical activity, health and well-being complement the school
policy on inclusion and equal opportunities. Encouraging and supporting pupils to reach their full potential within physical
education, physical activity and sport.
Bikeability Scotland working with
local Police Force.
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10 Dimensions of Excellence
How? What? When? Where?
1. Engages young people in the highest quality learning activities 2. Focuses on outcomes & maximizes success for all learners 3. Develops a culture of ambition & achievement 4. Promotes well-being & respect 5. Values & empowers its staff & young people 6. Reflects on its own work & thrives on challenge 7. Develops a common vision among children and young people, parents & staff 8. Fosters high quality leadership at all levels 9. Works in partnership with other agencies & its community 10. Works together with parents to improve learning
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Volunteering
There are many benefits to volunteering for Active Schools.
Gives you the opportunity to lead or assist in activities within a local school setting. Expand your experiences and gain new training and possibly new qualifications. Build your own confidence and that of young people with the school. Work closely with your Active School Co-ordinator to identify new, exciting and suitable activities to develop the programme. Help promote the aims and objectives of the Active schools project. Participate in local and national volunteering awards and get recognised for your commitment. Meet new people, and have fun!
Volunteers from the local Ladies Football team
assist with football Tournament.
Volunteers Quotes:
“I have been able to work through my
football coaching badges as a result of
volunteering with Active Schools”
****
“I needed coaching experience to get
into Uni, so I looked into volunteering
through my local VC. I was then
assigned to Active Schools and have
been coaching ever since, and now
have paid summer work”
****
“I really enjoy working with children
of different ages and I have grown in
confidence since I started my
volunteering”
****
“I love seeing the children progress, its
so rewarding”
“I enjoy working with lots of different people
and have made great friends thanks to
volunteering”
****
“It’s nice to get out and do something in my
local community.”
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Volunteer Time Line
Your Active Schools Coordinator will either meet you for the first session or will be in contact to ensure you are fully prepared for you first session.
Initial contact – What is this?
Fill out volunteering form
Apply through local VC
Contact an AS Coordinator
First Meeting – What next?
Discuss PVG Scheme form
What role may suit you best?
Arrange Induction and discuss training
Establishing the Opportunity
Await return of PVG certificate
Establish best position for you
Meet School Head Teacher
Begin Volunteering!
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Your Role
To support a group of children during Active Schools sessions, including providing pastoral support and encouragement. To maintain an acceptable level of behaviour and contribute to the positive ethos of the group. To maintain an accurate register of attendees (these will be collected by your ASC at certain times of the school year). In conjunction with specialist staff, to take responsibility for the organisation of the group. To support the work of any specialist teachers. To support the Active Schools Coordinator with cash handling related to sessions if necessary. To ensure that the school as a whole is aware of the aims and objectives of sessions and that any good practice developed is fed back to colleagues and impacts on practice in school. To contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of Active Schools sessions. To feedback to the Active Schools Coordinator and relevant partners information relating to the progress of the sessions. To support the Active Schools Coordinator with all the health and safety issues related to the Active School sessions. Signing In As the majority of sessions will take place within primary schools, coaches are expected to follow school protocol by signing the visitor’s book prior to each session. In some cases a visitor’s pass will be issued by schools to enable pupils to identify visitors. Important If for any reason you are unable to attend a session it is vital that you contact the school, giving as much notice as possible, so that alternative arrangements can be made. You are also expected to contact your Active Schools Coordinator at the earliest opportunity (if you cannot contact your coordinator please contact the Active Schools Manager).
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Important Information
1. Health and Safety As part of the volunteer agreement, you must agree to comply with your duties and work with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar in adhering to Health and Safety duties and responsibilities under the Health and Safety Policy. A full copy of CNES Health and Safety Policy can be obtained by contacting your Active Schools Coordinator. You should co-operate in the implementation of this policy by:
Being aware and acting with care for your own safety and that of others. Using all items provided by the CNES and Active Schools correctly, as shown
in your training. All accidents, dangerous occurrences and near misses are immediately reported
to the Active Schools Coordinator. Your Active Schools Coordinator should familiarise you will all emergency
procedures and any hazardous situations that may be applicable to the area in which they are working.
If you identify a condition that in your opinion is hazardous, then please report it immediately to your Active Schools Coordinator
If you have a Health and Safety concern inform your Active Schools Coordinator who will then take the necessary steps to ensure your concern is dealt with.
2. Equal Opportunities
Active Schools realises that to provide quality services to children in the Western Isles, it is essential that both you and the children you work with are free from discrimination. A full copy of the Equal Opportunities Policy can be obtained by contacting your Active School Coordinator.
3. Insurance As a volunteer with Active Schools, you will be covered by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar Insurance at the same level as paid Comhairle staff.
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4. Personal Belongings You are responsible for any belongings that you wish to take along with you to an activity. Whilst we will do everything we can to help, please be aware that the project holds no responsibility towards the loss, theft or damage of personal belongings.
5. Contact with the Media All media contact should only take place where there has been an agreement on the content of material by the Active Schools Coordinator. Contact with the press of Media and any approached or enquires should be directed to the Active Schools Coordinator. A copy of the Media Policy can be obtained from the Active Schools Coordinator.
6. Expenses Active Schools nan Eilean an Iar are unable to reimburse expenses incurred on your voluntary placement.
7. Volunteer Policy Every volunteer will be given a paper copy of the Active Schools Volunteer Policy. The Volunteer Policy is reviewed annually to ensure that it remains appropriate to the needs of our volunteers. It also sets out the broad principles of voluntary involvements within Active Schools.
8. Data Protection This legislation is designed to cover the collecting, storing, processing and distribution of personal data. It gives rights to individuals about whom information is recorded. The local authority is responsible for ensuring that they comply with the terms of the Data Protection act 1998. For a full copy please ask your Active Schools Coordinator.
After School Clubs
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Good Practise and Child Protection
The safety and protection of children and vulnerable people is of paramount importance. Any issues relating to a concern you may have for a child should be dealt with promptly. Always take any allegation seriously and never dismiss any allegation. DO NOT interrogate a child or ask leading questions, as this may have a detrimental effect on any future investigation. If you have any concerns relating to a child attending your session contact a member of staff who has been designated as the Child Protection Officer within the school immediately. It is also your responsibility to inform your Active Schools Coordinator at the nearest possible opportunity. For more information regarding child protection courses contact your Active Schools Coordinator. Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme In February 2011, the Scottish Government introduced a new membership scheme to replace and improve on the current disclosure arrangements for people who work with vulnerable groups. As an Active Schools coach/volunteer you will be required to complete an application to join the PVG Scheme. You may also be required to attend a short interview with the Head Teacher of the school in which you will be delivering.
Traverse Wall Activities
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General Standards Coaches should be of smart appearance and wear appropriate clothing for the session. Coaches are role models and must lead by example at all times in terms of dress, behaviour, language etc. Mobile phones must not be used at any time during sessions. All phones must be switched off or silenced for the duration of the session. Coaches/Volunteers are requested to ensure that care is taken when using equipment. Coaches who notice that equipment is damaged should inform the school/Active Schools Coordinator immediately. Coaches/Volunteers should follow the health and safety regulations of the area in which they work. Special attention should be paid to the emergency procedures for the school where sessions are being delivered. Be prepared - all sessions should be planned with clear outcomes. Be specific - appropriate games and practices should be selected depending upon the
age group, maturity and skill level of the participants.
Be Positive! - aim to give enthusiastic and constructive feedback rather than negative criticism. Be enthusiastic - ensure that sessions are fun and enjoyable and promote the ethos of fair play. Be fair - all children should be treated equally, with respect and dignity regardless of ability level. Be responsible - never leave a group unattended at any time. Ask pupils to inform you when they need to leave the room to go to the toilet, and always ensure that you are aware of their return. Be punctual - aim to arrive at your session approximately 10-15 minutes prior to the start of your session to check your designated working area is safe and free from hazards. Be aware - careful observation of children/pupils during the session should avoid potential accidents.
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Rules of the Gym Hall
The following rules should be kept in mind at all times when working with children in the school environment. Please be aware that each school may have its own set of rules and it is important to find out what these are before starting you sessions.
o No Jewellery
o Always wear appropriate clothing
o Correct footwear should be worn at all times.
o No football jerseys
o Fair play
o Respect your activity leader
o No chewing gum
o Only water to be consumed i.e. NO fizzy drinks
o No climbing on the wall bars
o Use equipment appropriately
Clubgolf
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Things to Keep in Mind
If a child lives with criticism A child will learn to condemn If a child lives with hostility
He will learn to fight If a child lives with ridicule She will learn to be shy If a child lives with shame He learns to feel guilt
If a child lives with tolerance She will learn to be patient
If a child lives with encouragement He will learn to be confident If a child lives with praise She will learn to appreciate If a child lives with fairness
He will learn the meaning of justice If a child lives with security She will learn to have faith If a child lives with approval He will learn to like himself
If a child lives with acceptance She will learn to accept others
FSA/SRU Rugby Project
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Final Note
Hopefully you will find this handbook easy to understand and a useful tool throughout your involvement with Active Schools. Make sure you visit our Active Schools Website for up to date news on projects and activities, and to view our biannual newsletter. An electronic copy of our newsletter will also be sent out to all out volunteers so you never miss out on news in your area. If you have any queries concerning the information contained in the Volunteer handbook, please do not hesitate to contact your Active Schools Coordinator.
Multi School Football Festival
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Sport and Health Contacts
Iain ‘GG’ Campbell Sports Development Services Manager (Western Isles) Lewis Sports Centre Sandwick Road Isle of Lewis HS1 2PZ Tel: (01851) 822782 e-mail: [email protected]
Jenna Stewart Active Schools Coordinator – West Side & Harris Lewis Sports Centre Sandwick Road Isle of Lewis HS1 2PZ Tel: (01851) 822783 e-mail: [email protected]
Eric Macleod Active Schools Coordinator - Greater Broadbay Lewis Sports Centre Sandwick Road Isle of Lewis HS1 2PZ Tel: (01851) 822784 e-mail: [email protected]
Christine Macquarrie Active Schools Coordinator - Uist Lionacleit Education Centre Benbecula HS7 5PJ Tel: (01870) 333591 e-mail: [email protected]
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Sport and Health Contacts (Cont.)
Tim Pickering Outdoor Learning Manager Sandwick Road Isle of Lewis HS1 2BW Tel: (01851) 822810 e-mail: [email protected]
Isi Oakley Outdoor Learning Manager Sandwick Road Isle of Lewis HS1 2BW Tel: (01851) 822810 e-mail: [email protected]
Katie Denehy Active Schools Coordinator - Barra Castlebay School Isle of Barra Tel: (01871) 810100 e-mail: [email protected]
Steven Munro Community Sports Development Officer Lewis Sports Centre Sandwick Road Isle of Lewis HS1 2PZ Tel: (01851) 822785 e-mail: [email protected]
Tony Wade Western Isles Facilities Manager Lewis Sports Centre Sandwick Road Isle of Lewis HS1 2PZ Tel: (01851) 822780 e-mail: [email protected]
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Useful links
Active Schools CNES www.cne-siar.gov.uk/activeschools Sport and Health CNES www.cne-siar.gov.uk/sportandhealth
Sportscotland www.sportscotland.org.uk Healthier Scotland www.takelifeon.co.uk Volunteer Centre Western Isles www.volunteeringwesternisles.co.uk A Curriculum for Excellence www.curriculum-for-excellence.co.uk Active Nation www.ouractivenation.co.uk Health Promotion School www.educationscotland.gov.uk Island Games Association www.islandgames.net Commonwealth Games 2014 www.thecgf.com
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NOTES
