Case Study: PSCO Visit

Event/Activity – Employer visit to Primary YRS 3 to 6

Numbers attending- 22 pupils

Aim of the Activity

• Increasing employer engagement
• Aspirational
• Raising industry sectors profiles and appeal to students
• Benchmarks-2,3, 4, 5, 6

During the term Primary classes have looked at the different jobs linked to our local services. One pupil was interested in being a prison officer, but many said they wanted to be police officers when they are older. Our local PCSO, Iain Sweatman, visits our school so we invited him to speak specifically about his job and the role he does in the community.

They found out that the role of a PCSO is to:

• Police neighbourhoods, primarily through visible patrol, reassuring the public. The role is diverse; from attending community events to helping solve street-based problems including drugs related crime and anti-social behaviour.

Skills required.

Active listening skills. knowledge of public safety and security. customer service skills, patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations.

Activity

All the pupils were excited about the visit as prior to the visit, pupils discussed what they would like to find out. They wrote down at least three questions that they would like answered. They were very varied and most of the pupils managed to clearly read out their questions.

Iain was introduced to all of the pupils and gave a brief outline of his own experience on why he chose this career. He discussed the qualifications he needed as well as the training required before answering questions the pupils had prepared.

Questions Asked

• What do police dogs do in their spare time?
• How much money do police officers make?
• Why did you want to be a policeman?
• What did you have to do to become a policeman? -Train/ study
• Do you practise using your taser?
• Do you all wear the same uniform?
• Do you have a gun?
• Who gets to have a police dog?
• What type of dogs can be a police dog?
• What jobs do police dogs do?

Iain answered all of the pupils’ questions in detail, so that pupils had a clear understanding of what it might be like to work in the police force. He was also happy to return to school and answer any other questions that they might have.

Quotes from the Visit

‘I want to be a police officer and work with dogs’
‘That was amazing’

Impact of the Visit

All the pupils enjoyed the visit from Iain Sweatman. They were very inspired and were surprised at how many different types of careers options that are available, but it was clear we have a class of dog handlers!

Staff will look at other careers where they could work with dogs, such as rescue centres, dog wardens and trainers and invite them in to speak to our pupils.

Iain very kindly has offered to sort out a visit from a police dog handler which we know the pupils will love.