Careers Information

 Careers Education Programme 2023-2024

Introduction  

This policy statement sets out our school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to the school for the purpose of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer. This complies with the school’s legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997.  

Pupil entitlement  

 All pupils in Years 8 to 13 are entitled:  

• to find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part of a careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point;  
• to hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options events, assemblies and group discussions and taster events;  
• to understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.  

For pupils of compulsory school age these encounters are mandatory and there will be a minimum of two encounters for pupils during the ‘first key phase’ t(Year 8 to 9) and two encounters for pupils during the ‘second key phase’ (Year 10 to 11). For pupils in the ‘third key phase’ (Year 12 to 13), particularly those that have not yet decided on their next steps, there are two more provider encounters available during this period, which are optional for pupils to attend. 

As a middle school we provide these encounters in Years 7 and 8.

These provider encounters will be scheduled during the main school hours and the provider will be given a reasonable amount of time to, as a minimum:  

• share information about both the provider and the approved technical education qualification and apprenticeships that the provider offers  
• explain what career routes those options could lead to  
• provide insights into what it might be like to learn or train with that provider (including the opportunity to meet staff and pupils from the provider)  
• answer questions from pupils.  

Meaningful provider encounters  

One encounter is defined as one meeting/session between pupils and one provider. We are committed to providing meaningful encounters to all pupils using the Making it meaningful checklist.  

Meaningful online engagement is also an option, and we are open to providers that are able to provide live online engagement with our pupils.  

Destinations of our pupils  

At the end of Year 8 our pupils move to their upper schools.

Management of provider access requests  

Procedure

A provider wishing to request access should contact Deputy Head Teacher Mrs. Castledine lcastledine@gilbertinglefield.com.  

Opportunities for access

The school offers the provider encounters required by law (marked in bold text) and a number of additional events, which are integrated into the school careers programme. We will offer providers an opportunity to come into school to speak to pupils or their parents or carers.  

Providers should contact Mrs. Castledine to identify the most suitable opportunity for them. 

Premises and facilities  

The school will make the main hall, classrooms or private meeting rooms available for discussions between the provider and pupils, as appropriate to the activity. The school will also make available AV and other specialist equipment to support provider presentations. This will all be discussed and agreed in advance of the visit. Facilities for online engagement can also be offered.

Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature at the Careers Resource Centre which is located in the school library, managed by the school librarian, . and available to all pupils at lunch and break times.  

Complaints

Any complaints with regards to provider access can be raised following the school complaints procedure or directly with Mrs. Castledine lcastledine@gilbertinglefield.com.

Careers Links

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