A day in the Life... Sam Coates

Therfield's headteacher, Terry Reddin, had become increasingly aware of the pressures on young people and was looking for a non-teacher who could offer approachable, adult support. When he floated the idea to local churches, assistance from Ashtead Parish Churches, Bookham Baptist Church and the Pioneer People allowed him to establish the post this year.

Sam had planned to return to the design industry after settling in at Ashtead, but she'd been feeling increasingly drawn to this area of work over several months. "The advert sprang off the page at me," she recalls.

As we write, Sam is just a week into her new role, with its open brief, and thus feeling particularly well-qualified to empathise with the many new starters among the pupils.

Sam's day starts at 10.00am when she arrives in her office, still smelling of new paint after she enlisted some pupil power to help give the room a welcoming pink and yellow makeover.

	A day in the Life… Sam Coates For Sam Coates, every day is different in the newly-created role of Relational Youth Worker at Therfield School.
	Therfield's headteacher, Terry Reddin, had become increasingly aware of the pressures on young people and was looking for a non-teacher who could offer approachable, adult support. When he floated the idea to local churches, assistance from Ashtead Parish Churches, Bookham Baptist Church and the Pioneer People allowed him to establish the post this year. Sam had planned to return to the design industry after settling in at Ashtead, but she'd been feeling increasingly drawn to this area of work over several months. "The advert sprang off the page at me," she recalls. As we write, Sam is just a week into her new role, with its open brief, and thus feeling particularly well-qualified to empathise with the many new starters among the pupils. Sam's day starts at 10.00am when she arrives in her office, still smelling of new paint after she enlisted some pupil power to help give the room a welcoming pink and yellow makeover.
	After quickly catching up on any developments, she might have time to discuss the background to a particular problem with a member of staff. Then it's off to the great outdoors. "I make it a priority to see and be seen by the pupils during break and the lunch-hour. Getting to get to know people on a 'chatting and chilling' basis is an essential part of the role." After break, she might get involved a Religious Studies lesson, chat to the pupils staffing reception, and perhaps look in on the Welfare room before taking her packed lunch outdoors. The longer session offers a better opportunity to look out for pupils who aren't finding life easy. "I went through some tough times myself at school, to the point where leaving became a serious option, so I do understand how lonely a place it can feel." After lunch, there is the chance to work on problems in a more structured way, with individuals or small groups out of class. Sam's positive and approachable personality will be a real asset in building the supportive, mentoring relationships she needs to establish. Finally, there are a few minutes to plan some 'fun' activities for the pupils, before heading for home and her other role, as a curate's wife. It's a busy life, but a rewarding one.
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