Barnsley Academy

Our Nicholas Associate's all:together placement management system meets the high standards of the most improved school in Yorkshire and Humberside.

In the search for an innovative and cutting edge work experience management programme, Jane Harris (Learning Director) and Dean Watkins (Future Leader) decided that all:together was just what was needed and the new system was launched at the Academy in May 2011. all:together placement management system has been developed by the Nicholas Associates Software team, part of the Stafforce family.

The core system was configured to ensure that it met the specific needs of the Academy and the Academy also has the option to extend the system as their work experience programme continues to develop.

James Waring, Head of NA Software says: “We have worked closely with Barnsley Academy to introduce our all:together system which makes the management of work experience in schools and colleges very simple. Alongside this we have delivered specialist training and consultancy to support the development of the systems, processes and documentation required to effectively manage work experience from start to finish”

Barnsley Academy has decided to manage all aspects of its work experience programme and recruited Mary Potter as Mentor Co-ordinator, to take responsibility for administration. NA Software trained and supported Mary in health and safely until she was competent to undertake visits on her own.

Mary speaks very positively about the new work experience management system.

“The new all:together system enables me to manage our own students effectively. I can tailor the placements to suit individual student needs and the easy-to-use database gives me the ability to set up students and match them to suitable local employers, ensuring rich learning experiences and great placement outcomes. Parents are also encouraged to access the site and share in the process of their child’s work experience. The overall aim is to increase our students’ employability skills and fully equip them for the work of work”