VTO provides free one to one tuition to children and young people (aged 8-18) to help tackle the attainment gap in Scotland. We work with young people from diverse backgrounds including those from low income families, care experience, EAL, or those faced with perceived barriers to learning. Our volunteers are responsible for developing a person-centred tutoring experience online. A key part of this role is relationship building, mentoring, instilling confidence, and empowering young people through education. Volunteers from a range of diverse backgrounds and experiences are welcome.
What will I be doing?
- Working one-to-one with a young person who requires tutoring support online.
- Relationship-building and mentoring
- Instilling a growth mindset towards learning
- Monitoring and recording progress of learning and keeping in contact with your assigned Learning Communities Coordinator
- Take part in relevant training
- Tutoring in English, Maths and potentially other subjects, dependent on experience
- Sourcing and creating engaging ways to support pupils’ skills and learning
What skills do I need?
You don't need any formal teaching or mentoring qualifications to become a tutor.
- Capability, creativity, and enthusiasm to communicate and work with children and young people
- Good relationship-building skills
- Ability to support young people with a lack of confidence/motivation
- Ability to be non-judgmental, empathetic, and supportive
What skills and experience will I develop through this role?
We want to support our volunteers through their time with us.
- Satisfaction of giving something back and reducing the attainment gap
- Gain teaching, tutoring and youth work experience useful in careers working with young people
- Developing new enhanced communication skills
- Enhanced personal statement/CV
- Fulfill volunteering requirement of Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme/Saltire Awards scheme if eligible
- Reference after 6 months
All kinds of families can find it hard to cope for all sorts of reasons, maybe because of the illness or disability of a child or because of post-natal illness, bereavement or loneliness.
Being a group volunteer provides an opportunity to encourage play opportunities between parents and children, to help reduce social isolation for families and be a listening ear.
The commitment would be 2-3 hours a week with full training and ongoing support throughout.