Islington celebrates its excellent volunteers
The work of Islington’s Volunteers for Excellence (VfEs) was celebrated last
week at a special event at Newington Green Primary School. 40 volunteers were
awarded certificates in recognition of the learning support they give to
pupils in Islington primary schools, and to acknowledge their effort and
participation in the scheme. Islington’s VfEs were also treated to a short
performances by groups of schoolchildren reciting poetry, singing and reading
letters of thanks.
The Volunteers for Excellence project has been running since 2001, and was
set-up under the Excellence in Cities (EiC) Learning Mentor Strand at
CEA@Islington. It attracts members of the community to volunteer for at least
one hour a week, for a minimum of one term, in an Islington primary school.
The VfEs work in schools to support children with their learning. Their help
ranges from one-to-one reading assistance, to drama, artwork and support with
other school-based projects. Many volunteers are people who want to gain
experience for PGCEs and various childcare courses; others give up their time
to contribute something to the community and to participate in the school
environment.
There are currently 10 Islington primary schools involved in the scheme. These
are: Canonbury, Copenhagen, Drayton Park, Highbury Quadrant, Moreland,
Newington Green, New North Community, Rotherfield, St Andrew’s and St Jude’s
and St Paul’s primary schools. In the last academic year alone, over 60
volunteers have been trained and placed in one of these schools. Community
Service Volunteers (CSVs) provide an evening of training for the volunteers
before they begin in schools. Once in schools, ongoing support is provided by
volunteer coordinators in each school, as well as by CEA@Islington’s Volunteer
Coordinator.
Eleanor Schooling, Director of Education Services, CEA@Islington said: ‘This
annual event is so important in giving Islington’s VfEs the recognition they
deserve. My thanks go to all the VfEs for their help in improving and
supporting the learning of our primary pupils.’
If you would like to know more about the scheme please contact Elaine Garret,
Volunteer for Excellence Coordinator at Excellence in Cities, CEA@Islington on
020 7527 5705.
For more information, please contact CEA@Islington's Communications Department: