Volunteers in Primary Schools (also known as VIPs) was established by UEA Volunteers in 2002 to meet the needs of local primary schools. The scheme places an emphasis on working with schools in Norwich where the need for additional support from volunteers is greatest and most beneficial for pupils and teachers. Placements are designed to be fun and rewarding with positive outcomes for all those involved. The scheme works in partnership with UEA Secondary Schools Mentoring, the Student Associates Scheme and Norfolk Reading Partners.

Read what previous Volunteers have to say about their experiences.

The minimum time commitment for volunteers is either 8 or 12 school based sessions depending on the Placement Option you choose (see below). Placements are open ended, so you can either complete after 8 or 12 sessions, or you can choose to continue. After a training session at UEA you will meet with the school Contact Teacher for the scheme (usually the Head Teacher) to organise a weekly session that best meets your needs and the needs of the school.

School Placement Options

Reading Partners

Volunteers work with small groups of children to encourage and support literacy skills development. This activity makes a real difference- reading is the basis for educational progression and the individual attention enhances the children's confidence, achievement and enjoyment of reading. The time commitment is 12 sessions, usually a one hour session per week.

Number Partners

Volunteers work with small groups of children to encourage and support numeracy skills development. By helping with maths work and by playing mathematical games you will enhance the pupils confidence, achievement and enjoyment of maths. The time commitment is 12 sessions, usually a one hour session per week.

Classroom Volunteers

Volunteers provide support in a classroom environment working alongside the class teacher. Activities are as varied as the school curriculum and may include key skills support, science, art sessions and IT. The time commitment is 8 sessions, usually a full morning or afternoon session per week.

Session Leaders

Volunteers organise their own educational sessions based on their skills and areas of knowledge or interest. Current opportunities include Lunchtime Football Clubs, Netball Clubs, French Language Tutoring and German Language Tutoring. The minimum time commitment is 12 sessions, usually a one hour session per week.

Special School Volunteers

Volunteers choose their activities by arrangement with the school. Current activities include classroom support, practical activities support and swimming/sports sessions. The minimum time commitment is 8 sessions, usually a full morning or afternoon session per week.

How to get involved or find out more

Applications for the current programme are now closed. The students involved have started their placements.

There is very likely to be another programme starting in the first half of 2009. How it will be managed, and by whom, is currently being considered

If you are interested in that programme, please contact us with your name and details. We will add you to the names of others also interested. We will keep you all in touch with developments, and with the application process for joining the next scheme.

You may wish to consider other options