General FAQ
What is The Reader Writer Collective?
The Reader Writer Collective is a community connection network designed to link schools with volunteers who can provide reader and writer support during assessments and examinations.
We are not a school, tutoring service, learning support provider or assessment organisation.
We simply connect schools with community volunteers who have expressed an interest in helping.
Do I need to be a teacher?
No. You do not need to be a teacher, Learning Support Coordinator, or specialist. Your role is simply to read or write exactly what is required by the student.
Do I need to know the subject?
No. You do not need to know the content being assessed. Your role is to provide access to the words or handwriting, not to interpret or explain the material.
Do I need a police vet? Who decides whether a volunteer is suitable?
We do not conduct police vetting or assess volunteer suitability. Each school remains responsible for determining whether a volunteer is suitable to assist within their environment and under their assessment procedures. Schools are responsible for undertaking any screening, vetting, reference checks or onboarding processes they require.
Will I receive training?
Any training or assessment-specific briefing is provided by the school. We do not train volunteers; schools remain responsible for supervision and onboarding. Volunteers operate under the direction and supervision of the school at all times.
Who determines which students receive reader or writer support?
Schools determine student eligibility and any approved assessment accommodations. Reader & Writer Volunteers NZ has no involvement in these decisions. Volunteers should not be assigned to their own child or to situations where a conflict of interest exists. Assignment decisions remain the responsibility of the school.
Can anyone register as a volunteer?
Anyone can register their interest. However, schools decide whether a volunteer is suitable for their specific needs and may require additional checks, vetting or training before accepting assistance.