Volunteer Mentor Review

In class support of children, mentoring them in Maths, English and foundation subjects. Engaging with the children at break and lunchtime, and building close relationships with them to help develop their social and emotional skills. Supporting the class teacher in any way required. Afterschool tutoring of small groups for extra support . Fridays are used as a leadership development opportunity where you receive talks from leaders and develop your skills.

Developed leadership, teamwork, problem solving, positivity, aiming high. Developed my self confidence and had great levels of responsibility, both to the children and my teammates. I felt much more competent than I ever had after the year, and realised I am capable of more than I thought, and am able to be a great leader.

I was given a lot of responsibility, and a lot of trust was put in me by the class teacher. I was the main support for a group of low-ability children, and was expected to mentor the group everyday to assure they achieved the same level of work as the rest of their classmates. Trusted to keep on top of things to avoid overloading the class teacher with pressure, and often managing a groups children.

Great levels of support. Your impact officer is always available every day to talk and advise you through any issues. You receive observations to check how you are doing, and occasional meetings to check in on your progress. Your team around school is always supportive too to help through any issues.

It is very lively and inclusive. They encourage participation from everyone, so it is hard to just take a backseat during your experience. The City Year staff make it an exceptionally warm and friendly environment, and positivity and inclusivity is a big part of their ethos.

I would do this experience 10 times over. I would not have asked for better people to work with, or an experience any different. I recommend this experience to anyone I can. The skills and self confidence you develop are amazing, and you learn so much about yourself.

Yes

You need to be open minded and willing to engage. Come at the opportunity ready to learn and change. You will be making a difference to children, and so really need to commit yourself to the role. You need to be willing to give what you take and support others.