Helping students explore careers, develop confidence, and gain real-world experience

Introduction

Work experience is an exciting and valuable part of our whole-school careers programme. It gives students the chance to explore the world of work, build important employability skills, and start thinking confidently about their future.

Dates of Work Experience 2027

Our Year 10 Work Experience Programme runs from:

Monday 1 February – Friday 12 February 2027

Students attend a placement with an employer for the full two-week period.

Is Work Experience Compulsory?

Work experience is an expected and integral part of the school’s careers programme, and all students are expected to take part. This reflects the Government’s Modern Work Experience guidance, which aims to ensure that every young person has access to meaningful workplace experiences as part of their education.

Further information can be found in the statutory guidance:
Careers guidance and access for education and training providers (GOV.UK)

Why Work Experience Matters

Work experience helps students to:

• Discover what different workplaces are really like
• Build confidence, independence, and resilience
• Develop key employability skills such as communication, teamwork, and problem solving
• Explore career ideas and pathways
• Strengthen applications for college, apprenticeships, and part-time work

Finding a Placement

With the support of parents and carers, we encourage students to find their own work experience placements. This helps them take ownership of the process, develop confidence and communication skills, and secure opportunities that reflect their individual interests, strengths, and future aspirations.

Suitable placements include:

• Local businesses
• Charities and community organisations
• Retail, hospitality, and service sector employers
• Trades and technical workplaces
• Creative industries
• Health, education, and public services
• Primary schools, nurseries, and pre-schools

If, despite the support of parents or carers, a placement is not found, please contact the Work Experience Coordinator as soon as possible. We will be happy to provide additional guidance and help identify suitable opportunities.

Health & Safety Requirements

All employers must:

• Hold Employer’s Liability Insurance (ELI)
• Provide a safe working environment
• Offer age-appropriate, supervised tasks
• Complete the employer section of the Unifrog placement agreement, including a risk assessment, health and safety information, and a copy of their ELI certificate
• Contact the school if any concerns arise

Some sole traders or self-employed individuals may not hold Employer’s Liability Insurance (ELI). If a company does not have ELI in place, the placement may not be able to proceed. Where ELI is not in place, it is recommended that appropriate cover is arranged to ensure adequate protection for students.

Students Must:

• Follow all safety instructions
• Wear appropriate clothing or PPE
• Behave professionally and respectfully
• Report any issues to both the employer and the school

What Parents/Carers Must Do

Parents and carers play an important role in supporting students with their work experience. They should:

• Support their child in finding a suitable placement
• Ensure all required information is completed accurately on Unifrog
• Share relevant information about any medical conditions, additional needs, or disabilities
• Check that placement details (including employer information) are correct before submission
• Encourage their child to behave responsibly and follow health and safety expectations
• Inform the school of any concerns as soon as possible
• Inform both the employer and the school if their child is unwell or unable to attend

What Students Can and Cannot Do

Students may:

• Complete tasks that are safe and risk assessed
• Work under supervision
• Take part in age-appropriate activities
• Undertake meaningful and purposeful tasks

Students cannot:

 • Use hazardous machinery
• Work at height
• Handle dangerous chemicals
• Work unsupervised
• Work outside the UK
• Work evenings after 8pm or overnight

We may allow irregular working hours (e.g. in performance settings such as dance) where appropriate insurance is in place. In these cases, parental consent is required, and the school provides a contact number monitored until 8pm.

Travel, Hours, and Attendance

• Families are responsible for arranging travel
• Working hours should align with the employer’s normal schedule but must be reasonable for a Year 10 student
• Students are expected to attend for the full placement period

If a placement is shorter due to business needs (e.g. closures or training days), please contact Mrs Saunders to confirm suitability.

• All absences must be reported to both the employer and the school before the start of the working day

Advising Employers About Support Needs

Parents and carers should provide key information through Unifrog. Being open about additional needs or disabilities allows employers to offer appropriate support.

Sharing relevant medical information is strongly encouraged. While every effort is made to ensure safety, providing this information helps employers respond appropriately if needed.

Unifrog Placements Tool

We use the Unifrog Placements Tool to bring together students, parents/carers, employers, and the school in one secure system. It streamlines the process and ensures all placements meet safeguarding and safety requirements.

This form should only be completed once an employer has agreed to host a student.

 Parent/carers do not need a login as they access the form through their child’s account.

Preparing for Work Experience

Students take part in a structured preparation programme, including:

• PSHRE lessons covering workplace expectations, behaviour, safeguarding, and safety
• Employer talks and alumni insights
• Support for students with additional needs, including those with an EHCP

Support may include:

• Additional communication with employers
• Preparation around routines and expectations
• Safeguarding guidance for working with children
• Health and safety awareness

During the Placement

Students should:

• Arrive on time
• Be polite and professional
• Show interest and ask questions
• Follow instructions carefully
• Keep a daily log
• Inform both the school and employer of any absence or medical appointment

How We Keep in Touch

The school maintains contact with employers throughout the placement.

Where possible, staff will visit placements. Where this is not feasible, contact will be maintained via telephone or email.

All contact is recorded on Unifrog to support safeguarding.

After the Placement

Employer Evaluation (Unifrog)
Employers are invited to complete an evaluation to provide feedback.

Student Debrief Students will:

• Complete a reflection
• Review skills gained
• Update their CV
• Use the experience to support post-16 applications

The school uses feedback to continually improve the programme.

When will work experience take place?

Work experience will run from Monday 1st February to Friday 12th February 2027.

Is work experience compulsory?

Yes, work experience is an important part of our careers programme. It helps students develop essential skills, confidence, and an understanding of the workplace.

Students are not expected to have their future career mapped out at 14 or 15. Instead, work experience helps them to understand:

• what they enjoy
• what they are good at
• what environments suit them

How long is work experience?

Work experience runs across a full two-week period. Students are expected to attend their placement each working day.

Working hours

The Working Time Regulations 1998 apply to students on work experience. The number and pattern of hours are normally agreed between the employer, school, student, and parent/carer.

• Students should, where possible, work normal business hours
• Evening work may be permitted if agreed in advance by the school
• Maximum: 40 hours per week. Recommended minimum: 25 hours per week

Where can students complete their placement?

Placements must be with suitable employers in England or Wales who hold valid Employers’ Liability Insurance.

Please note:

• Many sole traders are not eligible due to insurance limitations
• If in doubt, contact Mrs. Saunders,  Work Experience Coordinator for advice

Are there restrictions on the type of work students can do?

Yes. In line with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance, students under 16:

• must not undertake hazardous work or use dangerous machinery
• must not work late evenings or overnight
• must always be supervised

How does my child find a placement?

Students are encouraged to take the lead, with support from home and school. This helps build independence and increases the likelihood of finding something they enjoy.

Ways to find a placement:

• Family and friends – personal contacts can often help
• Local businesses – shops, primary schools, nurseries, councils, museums, healthcare providers
• Online searches – e.g. “Year 10 work experience” plus your town
• School support – speak to the Work Experience Coordinator

Why do students find their own placement?

Taking responsibility for securing a placement is a valuable learning experience that builds confidence and independence.

Students are expected to:

• secure a suitable placement
• provide accurate information on Unifrog
• meet deadlines
• communicate clearly and politely with employers

Can placements be outside the local area?

Yes, provided:

• the employer has valid Employers’ Liability Insurance
• the placement is in England or Wales
• parents/carers give permission. If the placement is further away, students will usually need to stay with extended family, and we ask parent/carers to provide confirmation of this.

Can students return to their primary school?

Yes. Students may apply for roles such as:

• classroom assistant
• administrative support
• site or caretaker support

What placements are difficult to secure?

Some sectors are restricted or highly competitive, including:

• police and armed forces
• hospitals (due to age restrictions)
• construction sites (due to safety regulations and CSCS requirements)

However, students can gain relevant skills through alternative placements.

Can students do work experience in a hospital at this age?

Typically, no. Most hospital environments require participants to be over 18.

Alternatives include:

• pharmacies
• GP or dental surgeries (administrative roles)
• retail or charity outlets within hospital grounds

Do students need a DBS check?

No. DBS checks cannot be requested for children under 16.

For students aged 16–17 (if applicable), the employer must ensure appropriate supervision. An enhanced DBS check may be required for the employer, not the student.

Can students complete more than one placement?

Yes, if necessary. However, most students complete one placement over the full two weeks for a more immersive experience.

If completing two placements:

• both must be recorded separately on Unifrog
• correct dates must be provided for each employer

Will students have an interview?

Some employers may require an interview before confirming a placement. Parents/carers are asked to support students in attending these if requested.

Are placements paid?

Work experience placements are unpaid.

Students may need to cover:

• travel costs
• food and drink

What costs are involved?

Possible costs include:

• transport
• lunch and refreshments
• specialist equipment (e.g. safety boots, although some employers provide these)

Does the placement need insurance?

Yes. All placements must have valid Employers’ Liability Insurance.

If a placement involves a family business or self-employment, please contact the Work Experience Coordinator before proceeding.

How can parents/carers support their child?

You can help by:

• encouraging early applications
• supporting communication with employers
• checking deadlines
• offering reassurance and guidance

What happens if my child cannot find a placement?

Support is available. Please contact the Work Experience Coordinator for advice and guidance.

How does the school check placements are suitable?

The work experience provider (employer) is responsible for a student’s health and safety when they’re on work experience. This is set out in guidance from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). However, there are things the school does to make sure the placement is as safe as possible for the student in line with this guidance and the  Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) 2025 and DfE guidance:

• We follow national health and safety guidance and carry out additional checks.

• All placements are reviewed for safety and safeguarding
• Information is shared in line with employers the DfE's guidance for 16 to 19 study programmes (section 1, sub-section ‘students with special educational needs and/or disabilities’).
• Employers provide key information via Unifrog
• Robust checks are made for higher-risk environments

What is a high-risk placement?

Some workplaces involve higher levels of risk, such as:

• construction sites
• farms or stables
• garages
• catering kitchens

These placements are carefully reviewed and may require additional safety measures.

What happens if a placement is cancelled?

Occasionally, employers may withdraw a placement.

• If this happens early, students may find an alternative
• If within four weeks of the start date, the school will support students in securing another placement

During and After Work Experience

What if there is a problem at the placement?

Contact the school as soon as possible so that any concerns can be addressed promptly.

What if my child is unwell?

Please inform both the employer and the school, as you would for a normal school absence.

What are the expectations during placement?

Students should:

• attend every day
• be punctual and reliable
• show a positive, professional attitude
• follow workplace rules and health and safety guidance
• keep notes or complete their work experience journal

What checks does the school carry out?

A member of staff will:

• make an initial phone call
• arrange a visit where possible

If distance prevents a visit, a phone check-in will be completed instead. All checks are recorded on Unifrog.

What happens after work experience?

After half term, students take part in a debrief session, including:

• reflecting on their experience
• updating their CV

Will there be another opportunity to do work experience?

Students may arrange additional work experience independently during school holidays. However, this is the only work experience opportunity within the Key Stage 4 curriculum.

Who should we contact for support?

Please contact Mrs. Saunders, Work Experience Coordinator with any questions or concerns at any stage.

What is the Unifrog Work Experience Tool?

The Unifrog Placements Tool helps manage all the administration involved in work experience. It works through a series of online forms that must be completed in sequence. When one form is finished, the system automatically emails the next person in the process.

All forms are sent by email, so it is essential that everyone involved has the correct email address entered and checks their inbox regularly. To avoid issues, Unifrog shows each person the email addresses of everyone else involved. This Unifrog video demonstrates the process: https://cdn.unifrog.org/video/hfxcu5f6a6/720.mp4

The tool should only be used once an employer has agreed to host a placement, and you have all the details needed to complete the form. Parent/carers do not need a login as they access the form through their child’s account.

Adding a Placement to Unifrog

1. Student Initial Form

This form captures key information, including:

• Type of placement (in person)
• Employer/organisation name
• Start and end dates
• Contact person and email
• Address
• Travel arrangements
• Whether the student will live at home
• Any medical or support information
• Parent/carer emergency contact details
• Learning objectives for the placement (What skills do you want to develop? What do you want to learn?)
• Agreement to rules (safety, confidentiality, absence, etc.)

How students access the form:

• Log into Unifrog via the Unifrog logo on itslearning
• Click Sign in with Microsoft
• Scroll down to Recording and select Placements
• All placements are in person
• The placement coordinator is Mrs Saunders

Students will need the following employer details:

• Organisation name
• Address
• Main contact name
• Email address
• Telephone number

Once submitted, the system automatically notifies the employer.

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2. Employer Completes the Employer Form

Employers receive an automated email containing the student’s details and placement dates. They must complete the employer form, which includes:

• Health and safety questions
• Confirmation of Employer’s Liability Insurance
• A brief outline of tasks and activities

Once submitted, Unifrog automatically moves the process on to parents/carers.

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3. Parents/Carers Review and Agree

Parents/carers receive an automated email asking them to:

• Review the placement information
• Confirm their agreement to the placement
• Approve travel arrangements and working hours

Their approval is recorded instantly on Unifrog and alerts the school to carry out final checks.

If you are not receiving automated emails, please check your junk folder and add noreply@unifrog.org to your safe sender list.

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4. The School Reviews and Approves

The school reviews all student, employer, and parent information in line with relevant guidance, including KCSIE, HSE, and DfE requirements. Once all checks are complete, the placement is formally approved.

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Further Support

If you need guidance on work experience or using the Unifrog Placements Tool, please contact:

Mrs Fiona Saunders
Work Experience Coordinator
Fiona.Saunders@crookhorn.hants.sch.uk