Introduction

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

Student Entitlement

Students in years 7-13 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 evenings, 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 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.

Previous Providers

In previous years we have invited the following providers from the local area to speak to our pupils:

• Lincoln UTC

Destinations of Our Pupils

Last year our year 11 pupils moved to range of providers in the local area after school:

Of 101 students:

• 86 stayed on into the school sixth form
• 12 moved onto local further education providers
• 2 took up apprenticeship offers
• 1 student – not known

Last year our year 13 pupils moved to range of providers and job opportunities after school:

90% of Year 13 students applied for a university place through UCAS and 85% took up a place.

Of those going to university:

• 87% took up their first choice (Firm).
• 6% took up their second choice (Insurance)
• 5% took up places through Clearing
• 2% of applicants decided to not take up their university places

30 non-UCAS students - application for UCAS for 2023 entry, seeking employment, seeking apprenticeships, gap year abroad, Armed Forces

Complaints

Any complaints with regards to provider access can be raised following the school  complaints procedure or directly with The Careers & Enterprise Company via provideraccess@careersandenterprise.co.uk

Management of Provider Access Requests

Procedure

A provider wishing to request access should contact the school’s IAG Co-ordinator / Work Related Learning Co-ordinators: 

• Ian Scholefield on 01529 302181 (Carre’s Grammar School) or
• The Headteacher’s PA on 01529 414044 (Kesteven and Sleaford High School)

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 parents:

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

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

Premises and Facilities

The schools will make the main hall, classrooms or private meeting rooms available for discussions between the provider and students, as appropriate to the activity. The schools 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 Leader or a member of their team.

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

Approval and Review

Approved annually by Local Governing Tier

Next review: September 2024

Signed:
S. Edwards - Chair of Governors
N. Law - Head Teacher