Hi everyone,

we need a bit of advice.  My cousin is due to do her work experience this year and still hasn't found a placement.
She's desperate to do something with dogs, and was hoping to do her work experience at a kennel near to where she lives.  Unfortunately they have lots of kids going and can't take her.

Here's the problem....She lives in Solihull, and I live in West Wales.  I thought about asking if she wanted to come here to do her work experience.  I suppose we'd be called a show and breeding kennel, although we only breed once or twice per year.
Do you think the school would have a problem with her coming here?  Her parents are fine with it, but have said it's basically down to what the school says.

It might be a stupid idea, as we're so far away, but I'd like to hear any thoughts on this.

Thanks all,

Lisa

Hiya
My son is trying to get a work placement at the minute too. A lot of places you try dont offer it, & from people I've spoken to there is a lot of paperwork & health & safety aspects that have to be taken into account. However, a few of my sons mates seem to be working with family businesses so I would definately try asking the school what they think.
Good Luck
Penny

I stopped taking work experience students because of the hassle with paperwork,  health & safety etc.  I am taking one next month though because I know her already, she comes to my classes and is very sensible so I figure I'll put up with the paperwork.  You have to have employers liability insurance.

When I did my work experiance i had to find somewhere that was within the county, pay if it was outside the county and could only go within a limit, so that means \i couldn't go for miles up to kennels :(

Rox

Go for it.  School should agree but will need to check relevant insurance is in place.  My son did his work experience with a gamekeeper about 5 years ago whose estate was about 30 miles from us.  They even gave him board and lodgings for the week at no extra charge.  The nice thing is that he has worked there on every available spare moment since, sometimes for months at a time and he even takes the dog.

I would have thought it would be ok. My half sister did hers with me (I dont think she realised how UN glamorous it was til then! :D)

Thanks for that everybody.

I suppose it's worth asking the school.  They can only say no after all can't they?

I appreciate the help.

Take care,

Lisa

My brother did his work experience with my dad as a plumber and he was self employed.
When i was at school (soo long ago lol) we were told if they had none suitable they were happy to let us arrange one.

I think it may depend if it is out of the County/Education District.  I think Connexions have to approve the individually found work placements, so you might find they set a maximum distance they will travel to check out your facilities.  My nephew was horrified to be offered placements with animals - 2 of his options were a kennel and a stable!  He has chosen a car valeting place of all things!
bye
Gwen

Hey Gwen don't knock it lol there's BIG money in car valeting i take mine every other week and it costs £15 a go and they always have a queue! I have to drop it off straight after the school run or i don't get it in that day! :D

He is already considering it as a career!  Says he wants to use this placement to discover the equipment which is best and techniques, then when leaves school will set up by himself in one of our units!  This has amazed my Sister and self, as he has never before shown any sign of going to do anything after school apart from play video games!  However, he is also going on an Army Officer Trainee day (because they get lunch :) )  No hope of him making Officer grade,  so I think the car wash may be the way to go.  It is very hard to think of suitable jobs/training for someone with this problems - dyslexic, dyspraxic, ADD, et, etc, and who has missed out on most of his schooling up until this last year!
bye
Gwen

The school should check out the placement while the student is there to make sure there are proper health and safety requirements, fire extinguishers, first aid points/accident reporting and the like - also proper insurance cover...May be a problem if you are not an employer??

You're probably right Rozzer. 

Oh well, never mind.  I was just looking forward to having someone to clean the kennels for me :D  Looks likes she'll have to come over here at easter just for a holiday instead.

Lisa (looking forward to the break!!)