Introduction

This policy sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to students at the school for the purposes 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.

Student entitlement

Students in Years 8 – 13 are entitled:

• To find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeship 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 evenings, assemblies, 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 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 . Meaningful online engagement is also an option, and we are open to providers that are able to provide live online engagement with our pupils.

Management of provider access requests

Procedure

A provider wishing to request access should contact Mrs Paula Cowell, Careers Lead.

Email: pcowell@carshaltonboys.org

Opportunities for access

The school offers a comprehensive Careers Education, Information and Guidance programme. An overview of this can be seen in the Careers section of the school website. 

Please speak to our Careers Lead to identify the most suitable opportunity for you.

Opportunities for access

A number of events, integrated into the school careers programme, will offer providers an opportunity to come into school to speak to pupils and/or their parent/carers.

• Future pathways guest speaker talks can be accommodated in assemblies and Personal Development sessions and at key points in the curriculum
• Careers in Tutor Time sessions (year 7-11)
• Future Friday in Tutor Time (year 12-13)
• Apprenticeships (year 9 - 13)
• Guests speaker assemblies (year 7-13)
• SEN Module  (year 9-13)
• Mock interviews (year 12 & 13)
• Directions & Destinations Careers Event (year 7- 13)
• Post 18 Aspire Sessions (year 12 & 13)

Our Safeguarding Policy sets out the school’s approach to allowing visitors to our school.

We will grant access requests that meet the following criteria:

• DBS checked
• Those without DBS must be accompanied by a member of staff at all times
• All visitors must have read and understood the school’s safeguarding policy.
• The request supports the programme of planned careers education and guidance for the targeted pupil ground and the focus appropriateness of proposed content;
• The timing of the request can be included in the schedule of events for other careers events, assemblies, visits by other providers and employers;
• The timings of the requests in relation to mock exams, final exams and moderation days, and other events already scheduled annually;
• Availability of school staff to support the visit
• The availability and appropriateness of the school's accommodation to meet the needs of the request If a request cannot be accommodated by the school, the school will contact the provider and explain reasons why and seek a solution to allow appropriate access.

 

The school Policy on safeguarding sets out the school’s approach to allowing providers into school as visitors to talk to our students.

The school will make a suitable space available for discussions between the provider and students, 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 with the Careers Lead or a member of their team.

Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature with the Careers Lead, so that these can be displayed appropriately.

 Please see School Policy 073, Click Here

 Please see Policy Page for more information, Click here

 

Last approved by Local Governing Body                                          September 2027

Next review                                                                                               September 2028