Thames Valley School careers provider access policy statement
Under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997, as of 2 January 2018, we have a duty to provide pupils in years 8-13 with access to providers of post-14, post-16 and post-18 education and training. This policy statement sets out how we manage access requests from these providers.
What are pupils entitled to?
Pupils must be allowed to:
- Learn more about technical education qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities, as part of a careers programme which informs pupils of the full range of education and training options available to them at each transition point.
- Hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities on offer, for example, technical education and apprenticeships – this can be achieved through options evenings, assemblies, group discussions, and taster events.
- Understand how to apply to the full range of academic and technical courses available to them.
Who handles our access requests?
Any provider wishing to request access should contact our Deputy Principal, Matt Sharpe, on 01189424750 or via email.
What opportunities are provided to allow access to pupils?
Via our school careers programme, we offer providers numerous opportunities throughout the school year to speak to pupils and/or their parents. Our annual schedule of events is as follows:
| Year Group | Autumn | Spring | Summer | |||
| Year 8 | National Careers Week | |||||
| Year 9 | Careers Curriculum – Careers Pilot, Choosing KS4 Options | National Careers Week | ||||
| Year 10 | Careers Curriculum – Careers Pilot, Career Planning | National Careers Week | ||||
| Year 11 | Assembly about opportunities at 16 | National Careers Week Career’s Pilot - Work Experience & Work Experience Placement through Education business Support Partnership |
Careers Curriculum – Labour Market |
Who should providers contact to discuss events and options?
Providers can speak to our Deputy Principal, Matthew Sharpe, to discuss possible attendance at relevant events.
Our Safeguarding Children and set out the school’s approach to allowing providers into school to speak to our pupils.
What can providers expect once a request has been accepted?
Once we have approved a provider, we will work with them to identify the best method for providing access to our pupils.
We will make the school hall, classrooms and private meeting rooms available to host discussions between providers and pupils. We will also make presentation equipment, such as projectors available to providers.
Arrangements will be discussed in advance between our career’s leader and a nominated member of the provider’s team.
Can providers leave prospectuses for pupils to read?
Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus and other relevant course literature with the school admin team who will ensure that they are placed in the school library.