Northfield Court provides valuable experience for GCSE student

Experiencing a Caring Career

Noah Rowntree, who is studying for his GCSEs next year, worked for a week at Northfield Court, a sheltered housing scheme for older people in Taunton, which is managed by The Abbeyfield Taunton Defendamus Society and is home to 12 residents. 

Northfield Court Manager, Sam Corrie, gave Noah a range of responsibilities where he assisted the staff in preparing meals, running activities, ensuring the house was clean and tidy, and maintaining the garden. 

Sam said, “Noah also had a great many opportunities to talk to the residents. He is fantastic company for them, as many of them don’t get to see their own grandchildren very often.” 

The week has clearly been an invaluable educational experience for Noah, who now has first-hand experience of what life is like in the social care sector. “We wanted him to spend the week gaining a greater insight into the mechanics of working in a setting such as Northfield Court,” Sam explained. 

“He has had ample opportunity to learn about the different roles our staff undertake, and has completed e-learning modules in safeguarding, GDPR and health and safety, all of which are critical aspects of knowledge when working with older people.” 

Noah said, “I thoroughly enjoyed my work experience placement at Abbeyfield. I think it is a very valuable place to do work experience as you get the feel of a real work environment, build up your confidence working in and around other people, and learn how to properly take care of and work with older people.” 

Fiona Fomes, Noah’s English teacher, was invited to observe him at work. “The Abbeyfield work experience placement is a wonderful opportunity for young people to understand and experience a career in social care,” she said. “Noah is learning so much about others and how to be sensitive, caring and patient. 

“It is clear that Noah is being well looking after at Northfield Court. It was great to see him happy, and I was so impressed with how he conducted himself with the residents – it was clear they also enjoyed having him in their home. 

“We will definitely be contacting Sam in the future about the possibility of work experience for more of our students.” 

Northfield Court is part of the worldwide Abbeyfield Family, comprising of hundreds of care homes, sheltered housing schemes and independent living complexes for older people across eight countries.