Guidelines for Work Experience/Volunteer Placements in School

St Thomas More Catholic Primary School receives numerous requests for work experience and volunteer placements during the school year and acknowledges the benefits that such placements can offer.  Individuals wishing to pursue a career in the education sector can sample the professional values, social interaction, daily routines and demands that typify a job based in school.

In addition to the benefits that they derive, people on placements can also offer a positive contribution to the school. Their enthusiasm and practical help can add interest to classrooms and support learning in a practical manner.

It is important that the number of people who are on work experience in the school does not become intrusive. Neither should work experience be to the detriment of our pupils’ care and education.

Offer of a Placement

Local Schools, Colleges and Universities

The school already has established links with several educational providers. These include:

• All Saints Academy
• Pates Grammar School
• University of Gloucestershire
• Gloucestershire College

These establishments contact school initially on behalf of students to determine the availability of placements. Any agreement to provide work experience will be after consideration of the following criteria:

• The teacher is happy to accept a student
• The additional adult presence would not hinder the smooth running of the class
• No child in the class is related to the student
• Suitable documentation is provided (e.g. insurance, consent forms, application form references) and the applicant obtains a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if appropriate.

Once the school has agreed to offer a placement to students from these establishments, the student would be expected to contact school to arrange a meeting, which would include an induction briefing.

Other Placements (e.g. Pre PGCE or Volunteers)

All other applicants will be required to complete a brief application form and provide details of two referees. The form will be considered by the Deputy Head in conjunction with the Senior Leadership Team and the classroom teacher involved with the placement.  This may be less at certain key times during the year. Priority will be given to people requiring placements from establishments with whom we have existing links as identified above.

For the purposes of work experience, the school encourages ex-pupils, ex-staff members and current parents to approach other local schools.