Work Experience in year 11

[IAmcuriousyellow]

Does anyone know if this is compulsory, ie a legal requirement? I don't think my DS who is AS can deal with it at all.. and has no clue as to what kind of work he would aim for eventually. I've told the school I don't want him to participate and have been called for a meeting - do I have a leg to stand on? It's a small private school where he has come a long way in two years, but I have major concerns over this.

Has anyone declined the opportunity before?

Definitely not a legal requirement.

However, at some point presumably he will need to work.
Can he really not cope yet, or would a supportive placement be maybe helpful?

What are his strengths? What is he planning to do for 6th form?

Could not the parents' network find him something where he can be supported and not judged?

Thanks for your reply Teen. In 6th form he may well be retaking a GCSE, also A levels in History, Geography and Business Studies along with English to AS only.

You're right, he does need to work at some point! But I know there's another WE opportunity to come in year 12 and hoped I could hold out for that one. But I feel better about the meeting knowing the facts, so thank you again.

Is there an environment available to him where he would be comfortable? Either your or your partner's (or another close relative/friend) workplace that would take him on?

Hi Iam, I was really worried about AS DS doing work experience but it was such a positive experience for him. The placement he had was nothing like what he plans to do in the future but it really boosted his confidence and was a turning point for him.

Students at my school who do not organise their own placement would be set to work at school instead, helping out the caretakers, doing photocopying etc.

It could be a really positive experience if you found the right placement. Why do you think he would not cope now?