Work Experience

Monday 29th June to Friday 3rd July 2009

GUIDE TO WORK EXPERIENCE FOR PARENTS AND CARERS

Work experience gives students the opportunity to gain an insight into working life.  It gives them first hand active experience of what work entails as well as an appreciation of the disciplines and relationships involved.  It is seen as part of the student’s development and is lined with work done back in the classroom.

ORGANISATION
Students are carefully prepared for work experience, and follow up work is done resulting from the experience gained.  Contact is maintained whilst on work experience through visits by staff.  These ensure that the student’s placement is progressing satisfactorily.

At the end of the placement, the employer is asked to complete a short report on the student’s progress.  Students are required to complete various tasks both during and after their placement, with some set by the school and some by the employer.

TYPES OF WORK
A wide range of placements are available.  However, there are legal restrictions on the types of work which can be undertaken by young people.  These requirements are fully complied with in the organisation of work experience.

HOURS OF WORK
The hours worked will be those normally worked by young employees in the organisation concerned.

PAYMENT AND EXPENSES
No payment is permitted whilst on work experience.  Some employers offer assistance with lunch or fares, and this is allowed.  Students are expected to make their own way to and from the placement.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
Students must obey the organisation’s safety regulations at the placement.  Under law the student is an employee whilst on work experience, and so has a personal responsibility for both her/his own health and safety and that of colleagues in the workplace.  As for all employees, the employer has the responsibility of checking that the student understands the regulations and to ensure that adequate supervision and training is always given.  The preparation programme in the school has included work on health and safety in the workplace.

CONFIDENTIALITY
Students must not disclose any information that is confidential to the employer.  This is particularly relevant where staff or customer records are being handled.

ILLNESS/ABSENCE FROM THE WORKPLACE
If your son or daughter cannot attend work experience on any day, the employer must be contacted by telephone as soon as possible, as people will be expecting him/her.  The school must also be notified immediately so that visits to the student can be cancelled.  The school should also be contacted if any other difficulty arises.

INSURANCE
Every effort is made to ensure that the risk of accidents is minimal.  Checks are made to ensure that employers have all the appropriate insurances that they are legally required to hold.  West Sussex County Council has a Personal Accident policy which covers students whilst on work experience.

PARENT OR CARER’S CONSENT
Students cannot take part in work experience unless the parent or carer’s written consent is obtained