Old Road, Conisbrough, Doncaster, DN12 3LR
Telephone (01709) 864978
Fax (01709) 864996
Email: admin@pennineview.doncaster.sch.uk
Head Teacher: Jo Barker Carr
WORK RELATED LEARNING
POLICY
Date: June 2015
Review Date:
June 2017
Work Related Learning
Policy June 2015
Rationale
Work Related Learning (WRL) aims to give our students direct experience of the world of
work. Students are given the opportunity to gain knowledge, experiences and increased
personal motivation.
Through WRL students learn new skills, meet new people and develop key skills including
communication, working with others and problem solving. They may gain confidence and
self-esteem and develop their independence.
WRL has an important part to play in helping our students make an effective transition from
school to employment.
Objectives
WRL forms part of broad curriculum that provides a wide range of experiences and
opportunities for our pupils to learn and to grow as individuals. The objectives are:
 To deliver a curriculum that provides quality IAG to our students.
 To gain accreditation through ASDAN PSD awards.
 To provide all students with work placement visits.
 To provide most students with at least one fortnight’s continuous work experience.
 Some students will further develop their independent travel skills.
These objectives are achieved through partnership between students, their
parents/guardians, school and Participation Service (formerly Connexions) advisors. This is
part of the individual learning programme for each student. Students are encouraged to
take an active part in preparing for placements and to evaluate them on completion.
Provision
In Key Stage 4 pupils are taught about the world of work in PSD lessons and also given
opportunities in form time to discuss careers and use resources. Additionally there are
opportunites for students to take responsibilities in School to practise work skills. An
options group is offered where pupils can practise further for the world of work and can gain
experience and training in a range of jobs.
Throughout year 11 there are 3 opportunities for placements for up to two weeks at a time.
Additionally placements on a weekly basis are considered for some individuals who are
more likely to become NEET (Not in education, employment or training). Opportunities may
also occur for other students, for example a successful training and placement programme
was implemented for year 10 pupils in 2009-10 through European funding that was
available.
WRL is currently predominantly organized through Business and Education Together
(BET), formerly Business and Education South Yorkshire (BESY), who have begun to build
up a good bank of experience of what works for our students. Other providers are
considered where they have been approved by DMBC.
WRL is part of careers information, advice and guidance (IAG) given in school.
The Pastoral Care team supports student development of independent travel skills.
Management of WRL
The Key Stage 4 Manager is responsible for
 The management and co-ordination of the various aspects of WRL;
 How the effectiveness and benefits of work related activities are to be measured,
monitored and evaluated;
 Ensuring appropriate channels of communication are maintained at senior
management level, and with the governing body and with parents.
Individual subject staff are responsible for
 Ensuring that they support WRL through their schemes of work
Safety of pupils – this is the responsibility of SMT
Health and Safety at placements and matters of insurance, plus risk assessments for
individual pupils carried out through BET. Information passed to BET needs to include
whether Social Services are involved with pupil and whether pupil has any medical needs.
Information provided to employers – consideration for any potential impacts or risks on
employers, including possible impacts from pupil’s parents/carers/family background.
Particular concern needs to be given to any placements where pupils may come into
contact with younger children or vulnerable adults. Where pupil has particular medical
needs it is essential that appropriate arrangements are made and agreed between
employer and parent/carer.
Identification of vulnerable pupils – discussed within SMT meeting to agree what risks there
are to pupil on placement and also concerns for potential placements. Consideration also
needs to be given to trustworthiness, honesty and reliability of individuals – will the
placement suit the individual or is there a significant risk of student failing to meet
expectations?
Prior to placement starting pupil should be supported to complete an interview. This may be
done by phone. Checklist for each pupil completed (see appendix ‘Work Experience
Checklist’). Once on placement contact with employer needs to be made in first week by
phone, and should be followed up by a visit to pupil on placement in following week.
Policy Review
The school policy will be reviewed annually and key priorities when identified will be
incorporated into the School Development Plan.
WORK EXPERIENCE CHECKLIST
Student:
Work placement:
Dates of placement:
Checklist
Is student clear where placement is?
Has student returned parental consent?
Pre-placement interview done.
Are there any medical arrangements required
and if so have they been agreed with employer
and parent/carer?
Student has made satisfactory travel
arrangements.
Does student know what to wear?
Is student clear about start and finish times?
Is student clear who to contact at placement for
any queries or concerns?
Does student know what to do if they are ill and
unable to go?
Has school transport been informed?
Signed:
Mr Wilson
Head of Key Stage 4
Date:
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