Volunteering in the Education Sector

There are plenty of opportunities for people to volunteer in the education sector. These range from working with pre-school children through to secondary school activities and beyond.

Many pre-schools offer volunteers a range of activities, such as reading stories, interacting with children and being part of playgroup. In infants and primary schools volunteers often help with activities such as reading and numeracy programs, excursions and working bees.

In some high schools, volunteers are needed to work in the school canteen, to act as mentors and to take part in sport days, inter-school sports, social activities and to support school participation in major NSW events such as World Youth Day.

Note: This section covers adults working in schools. Go to the section on Children & Young People for information on volunteering opportunities for children and young people.

Local Schools

Use the Public School Locator  to find the public schools nearest you.

Local Council

Local councils usually have information about volunteering at all types of local schools on their website.  Go to your local council’s website and search for 'volunteer' using their own site’s search functionality. The NSW Government’s Local Council Search will be able to tell you which local council area you live in.

Parents and Citizens Association (P&C)

Many parents and community members formalise their connection with a local school by joining the school’s Parents and Citizens Association (P&C).  Under NSW legislation the objectives of a P&C Association are to: 

• promote the interests of the school by bringing parents, citizens, pupils and teaching staff into close co-operation
• assist in providing equipment required by the school
• report to the Minister the material requirements of the school
• assist the teaching staff in the establishment of school policy and management in all facets of school activity.

Associations meet on a regular basis, generally at monthly intervals, and carry out activities in accordance with their resolutions. Members are commonly involved in fund raising, working bees, supporting school events and being a link between the school and the community.

To find your local P&C Association click on the Public School Locator. If  the school has a website then using the website’s internal search facility, conduct a search for 'Parents and Citizens Association'. If the school has no website, then call the school's contact number to find out about it's P&C association.

NSW laws for volunteering with children

Organisations employing people or using volunteers to work with children are required to protect children from harm.

Under NSW law, both prospective employees and volunteers for child-related work must complete a Prohibited Employment Declaration form. Employers are accountable for ensuring this happens. The NSW Commission for Children and Young People has more information on this and related issues. The Prohibited Employment Declaration form can also be downloaded from this site. Information can also be found on the NSW Guide to Volunteering site – go to the chapter on compliance.