Work Experience in Action at Daventry Hill School

At Daventry Hill School (DHS), work experience is more than just time spent in a workplace; it is a carefully supported, meaningful pathway that builds confidence, independence and future ambition.

In line with the government’s modern work experience agenda, we are committed to ensuring that every learner has access to high-quality, purposeful and inclusive experiences that reflect real employment environments. Modern work experience is about more than observation; it is about participation, contribution and understanding what the world of work truly offers.

For us, work experience is not confined to a single moment in the academic calendar. While we recognise the benefits of the traditional two-week block placement, delivered in isolation, it often does not provide the depth of understanding or sustained skill development that many learners need.

That is why we promote and deliver work experience throughout the entire academic year. A longer-term, structured approach allows learners to build familiarity, confidence and competence over time, rather than feeling overwhelmed by a short, intensive placement.

By working closely with employers, we ensure placements are planned at times that align with organisational needs and operational requirements. This flexible, partnership-led model benefits both learners and employers, creating meaningful, manageable and impactful experiences that support real progression.

Learners' experiences are individualised to their needs and aspirations, and here are a few examples of how this is being achieved.

Stepping Into the Team at Staverton Park Hotel.

Mia, Owen and Aaron, have begun their 10-week placement at Staverton Park Hotel, attending twice a week on a rota system.

Mia joined the conference team and quickly became part of the operation. Her responsibilities included setting up conference halls, preparing rooms, refilling coffee stations and serving refreshments. In a standout moment, a conference attendee approached Mia to request photocopies and delivery to their session, treating her as a member of staff. With confidence and support from the team, Mia provided an email address for the documents, ensured copies were made and personally delivered them. A fantastic example of professionalism and composure in action.

Meanwhile, Owen and Aaron have been working with the grounds team, clearing debris from the golf course following recent tree canopy work to improve grass growth. They have learnt about land maintenance, teamwork and even how to help keep a golf course dry — a skill many of us didn’t know existed! Their hard work outdoors has been praised by the team.

Giving Back: Volunteering at the Local Food Bank

Max, Joe, Erik and Shreya have been volunteering at the local food bank twice a week, sorting donations, date-checking stock, restocking shelves and preparing referral packages for families in need.

This placement not only builds employability skills but strengthens learners’ understanding of community contribution, responsibility and teamwork. It is powerful to see our young people actively giving back while developing transferable workplace skills.

Developing Systems and Resilience at Simply Conveyancing

Our ongoing partnership with Simply continues to provide valuable office-based experience. Learners support administrative efficiency by sorting incoming and outgoing posts, processing cancelled files and maintaining organised systems for legal teams.

Jack, in particular, has shown remarkable perseverance. Dyslexia has made identifying addresses challenging at times, but with support from the workplace team and Job Coach Danni, he has developed a system that works for him. Watching him overcome barriers and grow in confidence has been a brilliant reminder that the right support unlocks potential. Our learners truly become part of the team.

Supporting the Community: Library and Nursery Placements

Owen and Sienna are thriving at the local library, ensuring books are accessible, completing weekly stock checks in the shop and restocking when needed. Owen has even used his artistic skills to contribute to display boards, combining creativity with responsibility.

At Holbourn House Nursery, Olivia and Aleeza have immersed themselves in early years practice. Both are now confidently planning activities and building strong relationships with the children. Feedback from the nursery has been overwhelmingly positive. When it’s time to leave, it is often the children who don’t want to let go a true testament to the bonds they’ve formed. (And yes, one memorable moment involved Aleeza ending up in “jail” during imaginative play!)

A Team Effort

None of this would have be possible without the dedication of our careers team and, in particular, careers leader – Louise, and the incredible Job Coach, Danni. The commitment to sourcing meaningful placements, preparing learners, supporting employers and nurturing confidence is instrumental in the success of our programme.

Work experience at DHS is structured, supported and ambitious. It reflects our belief that learners with SEND deserve rich, aspirational and properly scaffolded opportunities that prepare them for adulthood in a realistic and empowering way.

Looking Ahead

With placements running across multiple weeks and learners attending on rotation, this is only the beginning. We look forward to sharing more updates as our students continue to grow in skill, confidence and independence.

We are incredibly proud of every learner stepping into these roles, of the employers who open their doors, and of the staff who make it all happen.

This is a modern work experience in action, meaningful, inclusive and transformative. If you would like to get involved, we would love to hear from you.