We’ve been delighted to take part in the Visit our Schools campaign, a national venture involving 750 employers and 650 schools, encouraging companies to spend time in schools to help pupils gain experience about work.

Over the last few months, Demeter has been working with some fantastic pupils at Portland College in Sunderland who have been gaining work experience by helping to monitor water use. We have found the project very rewarding and look forward to building on our links with Portland College.

As the organisers say, the campaign has helped celebrate the real difference that these activities can make to young people, attracting political interest and ministerial involvement and securing extensive positive national and regional media including a special report in the Financial Times.

Andy Smedley attended a special assembly last week to give certificates to pupils in recognition of their excellent work. A photograph showing the pupils, Martin Wright, Acting Head Teacher, and Andy Smedley was taken to mark the occasion.