The following pages are available:

	Searching for a Placement
	A flowchart to illustrate the work experience process
	Frequently Asked Questions
	Don't know what to do for Work Experience?
	Contacting an employer

Students should try to organise their own work experience. Having said this, the school can assist in searching for placements. Students are welcome to drop in to the Careers Centre (in the Learning Resource Centre) which is open every lunch time for support in all careers related matters including work experience. Obviously it cannot be guaranteed that all students will be able to get exactly what they want but we will do my best in the time and using the resources that we have! Please try and be as realistic and flexible as possible.

Arranging work experience can be difficult as often there is strong competition for placements from students from Wellsway and other schools. Often employers respond more positively to students who contact them directly as opposed to school attempting to reserve places. Act now to avoid disappointment.

Students should remember the following points in particular:

	The real value lies in the general experience of working life rather than the specific job-related tasks.
	It could help in career choice but it is unlikely to lead to a job offer.
	An extremely high standard of behaviour is expected. Reports of misconduct are treated with great concern.

During the placement, in most respects (except pay) they will be treated as young workers by employers and the school cannot exercise its normal supervisory role. Health and Safety checks/vetting of employers’ insurance will be coordinated through school. Please note that all placements must have both Employers Liability Insurance and Public Liability Insurance; the school does not organise insurance.

Parents should return their reply form to the tutor by 18th September 2009 even if they don't have firm confirmation at this stage. The information provided will help the Careers Education & Guidance Co-ordinator to support students and speed up the work experience process. Once a placement has been found, parents will be issued a consent form and the completed form must be returned to school by 29th January 2010. This is to ensure that all necessary health and safety checks can be carried out in time for the placement to start.

This is a superb opportunity for children to gain some valuable skills and experience in the world of work and we are most grateful for parental support. The school has been greatly encouraged by the positive feedback received from employers in recent years. We are fully expecting similar reports this year.

Mrs J.Yeo-Walker
Careers Education & Guidance Co-ordinator