Braidwood School Provider Access Policy
Introduction
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.
Provider Access Policy Statement
Access for colleges, training providers, university technical colleges, universities and all other post 16 providers, including technical, vocational and academic routes and apprenticeships
Updated January 2023
This policy statement sets out the arrangements for managing the access of providers to students 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 8-13 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. Management of provider access requests
All students in years 8 to 11 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.
In line with the updated Provider Access Legislation, from January 2023, all schools must provide a minimum of six encounters for all students with post 16 providers, as above. This is broken down into key phases: -
Year 8 or 9 - Two encounters for students that are mandatory for all to attend
Year 10 or 11 - Two encounters for students that are mandatory for all 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 students from the provider)
• answer questions from all students, including our most vulnerable and those with additional learning needs
Our school days run from 8.30 a.m. until 3.10 p.m.
As part of our careers programme, we will consider requests from approved training, apprenticeship, technical and vocational education providers, including University Technical Colleges where appropriate, to speak to our students. Braidwood School will also approach these providers directly when planning and organising key career related events throughout the school year such as school assemblies, webinars within the curriculum, including live events, careers engagement events and parents’ evenings. Meaningful encounters may be planned using the Making it meaningful checklist.
A provider wishing to request access should contact:
Mr P Bailey Tel: 0121 464 5558
Deputy Head Teacher email: p.bailey@braidwood.bham.sch.uk
Braidwood Trust School for the Deaf
Hodge Hill
Birmingham
B36 8AF
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/carers. Our school careers programme is attached to this our 'Careers Policy and Plan' (Appendix three.)
Granting Requests and Refusal of Requests
Once your request has been submitted, Braidwood School’s Careers Leader will respond to you within 10 working days. All requests will be given due consideration by the Careers Leader and Senior Leadership Team.
Once the request has been granted, we will ask you for a range of information to share with our students and parents before the session. This may be a prospectus, letter, presentation to share with students and parents in advance of your session.
This should include: -
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Details of the opportunities you offer including technical education, courses and entry requirements
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What is learning like with your institution?
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How do you prepare students for their best next step on successful completion of your
course/training?
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Provide examples of linking courses with careers relating to the labour market and recent positive destinations of students who have completed their learning with you
Requests will be considered against: -
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Clashes with other planned activities or visits.
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Interruption to preparation for public or internal examinations.
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Availability of school staff, space and resources to host the session.
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All requests will also be considered in line with the school’s Safeguarding policy. For questions on this policy statement or the wider careers programme at Braidwood School please do not hesitate to contact us.
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Braidwood School will keep a log of all provider requests for access and the outcomes and record on Compass+ to support the delivery and evaluation of the careers programme.
Please speak to Mr Bailey to identify the most suitable opportunity for you.
Upcoming events are also publicised on the school website.
Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature at Braidwood School Reception or email it to Mr P Bailey.
Safeguarding
Our safeguarding/child protection policy outlines the school’s procedure for checking the identity and suitability of visitors. A copy of this policy can also be found on our website Premises and facilities The school will make the main hall, classrooms or private meeting rooms available for discussions between the provider and students, as appropriate to the activity. As above if this is not possible due to restrictions then the school can facilitate virtual events.
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 Leader or a member of their team.
This information will be made available to our students when and how we feel it is appropriate.
Monitoring Arrangements
The school’s arrangements for managing the access of education and training providers to students is monitored by Mr Philip Bailey, Deputy Head Teacher
CEIAG Policy
A copy of our Careers Education Advice and Guidance and Work-Related Learning policy (CEIAG) can be accessed via the school website. If you would like a printed copy, please contact the school office.
This Policy will be reviewed annually - Next Review July 2024