“My time as a newbie”: Craig Watson, Poverty Proofing Co-ordinator

In our latest team guest blog, Poverty Proofing Co-ordinator Craig Watson shares his experience of joining Children North East.

Leaving a job that you love is hard, and leaving a role that is all you have ever known is daunting but my short time so far at Children North East has confirmed to me that joining this amazing charity was absolutely the right thing to do for me.

After working in primary schools for almost a decade, eight of those spent in the West End of Newcastle, I felt I knew a little about Poverty Proofing but I had only scratched the surface. Like I said, I knew a little before I found out about the vacancy for a Poverty Proofing Co-ordinator but since getting the post, it has been a whirlwind of new learning and experiences. Even after just two weeks, I can feel myself spotting Poverty Proofing opportunities everywhere I go.

My first day began in the office, getting my head down to read through policies and training, which took way longer than I thought as every few minutes it felt like someone coming in and introducing themselves to me, making me feel really welcome from the off. Day 2 and I was in school taking part in my first Poverty Proofing audit. Talking to the children and hearing their honest experiences was fantastic and from those first few conversations, I could tell that the work I was doing, alongside my colleagues, would help to make a real positive difference to children’s lives.

Week 2 and I was in another school, this time a high school, speaking to students that sometimes seemed to tower over me … it wasn’t like this in primary school! Speaking to these students was just as rewarding though and just as evident that the work I was doing was going to make a difference. We were joined part way though our audit by another new Poverty Proofing Co-ordinator; six days in and I was no longer the newbie.

By the end of the week there were three of us who had all started in the last fortnight. It felt really nice to have our own little group where I could share my ideas and thoughts about the new job with others who were going through it at the same time. Everyone has been so warm and friendly and I already feel comfortable here. My target is to learn at least 15 people’s names and faces by Christmas … so far I think I’m up to nine.

I am excited to develop within my role and continue my work, not just in the North East but across the country helping support disadvantaged children and young people by ensuring they have the best opportunities; accessing everything a school can offer them and giving them the best start to their futures.

Follow Craig and the rest of the Poverty Proofing team on their Twitter.