Have you experienced problems with the postal service this year?

Are your letters delivered late?

If the answer is ‘yes,’ then you've probably not been using the First Class Skills Postal Service!

First Class Skills is a programme that Enfield Education Business Partnership has been run in primary schools for several years. It offers a world of work simulation for Year 6 pupils who are given the entire responsibility for running the school’s internal Christmas post service. To make the simulation more realistic, the pupils have to complete a customised application form, experience an interview by the First Class Skills employers (EBP staff), undertake a half-day’s training before they are presented with their uniform, badge and official employment offer letter.

Then comes three weeks of hard work – stamps to sell, money to count, cards to be collected, sorted and then delivered. You may think that does not sound too difficult, but with over 100,000 cards being sent, the mountains of cards was sometimes overwhelming.

What happens when the post is not delivered on time? The pupils have to devise strategies for dealing with the problems or answering any complaints. They also have to evaluate their own performance. At the end of the project each child receives a certificate and a letter terminating their employment.

Not only is the First Class Skills programme great fun for all the pupils, but it supports skill development and curriculum requirements.

If you are interested in the First Class Skills project please contact Enfield EBP.