This policy statement sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to Students 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.

All Students in years 7-11 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 January 2023, the updated Provider Access Legislation (PAL) comes into force. The updated legislation states that schools must provide at least six encounters with approved providers of apprenticeships and technical education for all students by the end of year 13. At Perryfields Academy we are committed in our obligation to meet the PAL and will ensure that our students have:

• Two encounters during the ‘first key phase” (year 8/9) that are mandatory for all pupils to attend
• A further two encounters during the ‘second key phase’ (year 10/11) that are mandatory for all pupils to attend.

Procedure:

A provider wishing to request access should contact Mrs K.Wallis: Leader responsible for Information, Advice and Guidance
Telephone: 01214217979 Email: Kayleigh.wallis@perrys.org.uk

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 Students and/or their parents. Please speak to Mrs K.Wallis 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.

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

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. 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.

Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature at reception to be added to the Careers Resource Centre, which is managed by Mrs K.Wallis. The Resource Centre is available to all students at break times and allocated lunch times.