Dear Parent/Carer

In November of this year, your child will be given the opportunity to take part in a work experience placement which is an integral part of the work experience programme. This programme is completed through the Social Education department in the school and will involve your child learning all about the processes involved in applying for a job, going to work and working in a different environment.

This work experience opportunity is offered in conjunction with East Lothian Council and Work Experience Services Continuing Education Gateway.  All placements are thoroughly checked for Health and Safety and their suitability for young people.  Many of the placement providers have offered their services over a number of years and pupils have benefited from their experience.

There is a wide selection of jobs and places of work to choose from throughout Edinburgh and East Lothian.  When deciding upon a placement, pupils are invited to look through a catalogue of available placements and choose one which they think will be most suited to their existing skills and qualities.

Once the placement details have been confirmed, I would ask that all parents/carers discuss their son/daughter’s placement with him/her and begin to look into travel arrangements.  If there are any problems please contact us as soon as possible.

We recognise that not every pupil will be guaranteed a job that is most suited to him/her or of interest regarding career intention and we therefore give pupils the opportunity to organise their own work placement.  In recent years however the laws regarding Health and Safety in the work place have become much more stringent and there is a great deal of paper work to be completed before we can allow any pupil to undertake a self found work experience placement at their chosen venue.  In the event of pupils choosing to organise their own placements, it is their responsibility to ensure that the necessary paperwork is completed by both parent and employer and returned to the school by the date stated below. Unfortunately, if the paper work is not completed in time, we cannot guarantee that the placement will be possible. Pupils can collect the relevant forms from their Social Education teachers or from myself.  Please note, self found placements must take place in the same week as all other placements.

So that we can efficiently deal with the paper work, I would ask that you take a note of the dates below, to ensure that your son/daughter has made all the necessary returns in good time.

Week beginning 31 August: The database will be available for pupils to select a job. First booking round.

18 September: Final date for acceptance of self found placements

12 October: Parental Consent forms must be returned

23 November – 27 November: Work Experience Week for all S4 Pupils

7 December: Pupils must return their ‘log books’

I am sure you will agree that this is an exciting opportunity for all pupils in S4.  I thank you in advance for all your help and support.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions relating to the above.

Yours faithfully

Miss Easson
Principal Teacher of Guidance