Provider Access Policy Statement

Schools are required to ensure that pupils in years 7 to 13 have opportunities to learn about approved technical education, qualifications, or apprenticeships. This includes providing a minimum of six encounters with technical education or training providers. Additionally, schools must have a policy statement outlining the conditions under which these providers can access students.

These requirements are outlined in Section 42B of the Education Act 1997, the Skills and Post-16 Act 2022, and on page 43 of the Department for Education’s guidance on careers guidance and access for education and training providers.

What are pupils entitled to?

All pupils in years 7 to 13 are entitled to:

• Find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities as part of our careers programme, which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point.
• Hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships, e.g. through activities and events such as options events, assemblies and taster events.
• Understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.

Careers Education

Our Careers Lead is Becca Archer – becca.archer@thamesvalleyschool.org.uk

At Thames Valley School, Careers Education is offered to all students as a standalone subject. It is taught during the first term of Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Additionally, Careers education is integrated into other areas of the school curriculum, including PSHE, Life Skills, and Personal Development.

The curriculum covers elements such as:

What opportunities are provided to allow access to pupils?

Any provider wishing to request access should contact Miss Archer using the email address: becca.archer@thamesvalleyschool.org.uk

Our goal at Thames Valley School is to provide all pupils with opportunities to listen to and learn from various providers and inspirational speakers. We extend this opportunity to the parents and carers of our pupils as well. As our careers programme expands, so will our events calendar. Please see below for the current offerings:

Can you support our careers programme?

As we continue to grow, we welcome providers to contact Miss Becca Archer (becca.archer@thamesvalleyschool.org.uk) to discuss possible attendance at the school. You can get involved in the programme by hosting a Career Spotlight Talk, offering work experience placements, running workshops, or attending our annual fairs. We would love to hear from you!

As our list of providers expands, we hope to extend more opportunities to our pupils and give back to the companies that support us. If any providers would like to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature at the school, we will ensure it is shared with the pupils to help them gain further understanding and aspirations for the future.