This policy statement sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to pupils at 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 9-13 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’ (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.
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 offer
• 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.
Management of provider access requests
Procedure – A provider wishing to request access should contact Mrs. Kiely, our Careers Leader.
Opportunities for access
The school offers the six provider encounters required by law and a number of additional events, integrated into the school careers programme, which can be seen on our webpage.
We will offer providers an opportunity to come into school to speak to pupils or their parents or carers. Please speak to our Careers Leader to identify the most suitable opportunity for you.
The school review our published careers information each July in readiness for each Autumn Term.
