🏫 How to Find a Voluntary School Placement (Even If You're Not Sure What to Say)

If you're planning to become a Teaching Assistant in the UK, one of your first challenges is securing voluntary experience in a school.

Whether you're enrolling on a Level 2 Certificate, Level 3 Certificate or Diploma in Supporting Teaching and Learning, most recognised qualifications require you to spend at least one full day or two half days a week in a classroom.

This article will guide you through exactly what to say — by email, phone, or in person — even if you’ve never done anything like this before.

🧠 Why Voluntary Experience Is Required

The qualifications offered by Study from Home are listed on the Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF), meaning they’re accepted by schools, local authorities, and Ofsted.

You’ll need to:

• Support learning in a real classroom.
• Apply what you're studying to real situations.
• Gain confidence, experience, and insight.

✉️ How to Approach a School for Voluntary Work

You can do this in three ways:

1. 📧 Send a short email.
2. 📞 Make a quick phone call.
3. 🚶 Visit the school in person.

📧 Email Template

Subject: Voluntary Placement Enquiry – Teaching Assistant Course

Dear [Headteacher's Name / School Office],

I hope you’re well.

I’m preparing to enrol on a [Level 2 / Level 3] Teaching Assistant course, and as part of the qualification I need to gain regular classroom experience — ideally one full day or two half days per week.

I would be very grateful for the opportunity to volunteer in your school.

I’d be happy to assist wherever needed, and I’m willing to carry out any DBS checks or safeguarding steps required.

Please let me know if this is something your school might consider.

I’d love to send more information or come in for a quick chat.

Kind regards,
[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

📞 What to Say on the Phone

Hi, my name is [Your Name].

I’m about to enrol on a Teaching Assistant course, and as part of it I’m looking to gain some voluntary experience in a classroom — one full day or two half days a week.

I’d be happy to help wherever needed and can complete any safeguarding checks.

Would it be okay to speak to the right person or send over more details by email?

🚶 What to Say in Person

Hi, I’m looking to start a Teaching Assistant course and I’m hoping to find a local school where I can gain some voluntary classroom experience.

I’d be happy to help wherever needed, and I’ve brought a letter with my details.

Would it be possible to pass it along to the Headteacher or someone who handles placements?

🧩 Real Example: Mahani’s Personalised Voluntary Work Guide

Here’s how one of our students approached schools, based on her real background:

📧 Mahani’s Email Example

🎯 Want Your Own Custom Voluntary Work Guide?

✅ Final Tips for Success

• Be polite, genuine, and concise.
• Visit or contact multiple schools — don’t be discouraged by a “no”.
• Once you find a placement, let us know and we’ll guide you through the next step.