Today the 8th of September I met with my other mentor Shona Clark. Shona like Lee is an Active Coordinator for Active Schools Edinburgh, she is in charge of the Forrester Cluster which is North West Edinburgh, this area is more idea for me to do placement as I live in that area of Edinburgh, although may still do some of my placement within the Leith Cluster with Lee.
The main reason for the meeting with Shona was to sort my PVG. This I need to do for my placement as I will be working with children. I have previously completed it before as have done voluntary with children, but need to be done each time your working with different company and to comply with their policies. Shona was very helpful and ensured I completed form correctly, she told me it will be sent out tomorrow with the rest that is getting sent out and said may take up to 14 days for it to come through. Due to this wont able to start for over a week, this worried me a little as wondered how will I get hours in and mentioned this also to Shona.
Shona assured me that will able to get hours in once I told her my availability. There is many extra curriculum sport activities within active schools usually at lunch time, when school finishes and also there is one which are full day where I can work alongside one of the coaches. Activities at lunch and after school are around and 1 hour some have 2 one after the other. Due to my availability will able to do at least do 3/4 hours a week alone with these activities, and on the full day would be 8 hours. So once PVG throughs I could potentially complete my all my placement hours within 3-4 weeks. This has took the pressure away of not being able to get done.
Shona and myself also spoke about continuing voluntary work once the placement was complete and potential coaching courses I could be put on.
It must be quite frustrating for you waiting for your disclosure to come through. I am sure that you will get the opportunity to get your hours in once it does though. There is always lots of stuff going on in Active Schools!
I know how you feel with needing to wait on your disclosure as I am still waiting on mine too. It is good to hear that the Active Schools coordinators have been very helpful and welcoming. It is also great to hear that you are interested in keeping up your voluntary work afterwards and are interested in getting coaching badges. Good luck for when your placement starts and enjoy it!
Chloe
That is great that you have found a placement around your local area although it is pretty frustrating that you have to wait for your PVG to come through. I am undertaking a similar work placement as yourself as i am working with Active Stirling. I hope you enjoy coaching extra curriculum sport activities as this widens your knowedlge and skills. I enjoy coaching sports that i am less confident in as i find it very challenging at times! I hope your PGV comes through as soon as possible and i wish you all the best – Lauren
Hi Holly, I am glad that you can also work in the area where you live. As your classmates mentioned above, I understand that it takes time to get PVG done before you start which made you uneasy. However, I am pleased that Shona provided some clear ideas on working hours. Hope you enjoy upcoming work! Romie
I found this interesting as I am currently in a similar position regarding my placement too. With the PVG taking time, and the delayed start to the work experience. I hope it all goes smoothly and quickly from now on, and that you find your placement enjoyable.