Careers Education
Introduction
At Churchward School we are committed to providing all our students with a comprehensive programme of ‘careers education, information, advice and guidance’ (CEIAG) and work-related learning which is ambitious for them and in relation to each of the Gatsby Career Benchmarks. This is central to our work at Churchward School as we enable students to take the next steps in their lives, whatever they may be; whether it be on to a mainstream college, apprenticeship, employment or higher education. Through our students’ Personalised Progression Pathways (PPPs), we recognise their strengths and support them gaining meaningful knowledge and skills in order to achieve their aspirations, in line with our school vision: ‘Recognising strengths, gaining skills, achieving success’.
As a unique school for students with special educational needs, we take a personalised approach to CEIAG to ensure it is relevant and meaningful to each individual student which is centred around the induvial needs of the student and their EHCP.
Careers information will next be reviewed in August 2024
There are key roles carried out by the following people:
|
Name |
School Role |
Careers Role |
|
Sarah Owenson |
Deputy Head Teacher |
Careers Leader |
Contact Details:
Sarah Owenson
Telephone: 01793 209198
Email: sowenson@churchwardschool.org.uk
Careers programme
At Churchward School our careers programme starts in year 7 when, through PSHCE, students start to develop an understanding of living in the wider world and the part they play in that. This evolves as they progress through the school whilst looking at specific careers, types of working, application processes and employment rights and responsibilities. This is designed to support all students regardless of their level of need or understanding to make appropriate choices that will enhance their future. At Churchward School, careers teaching, and learning is embedded throughout the curriculum and specifically through our comprehensive PSHCE curriculum
In accordance with the Baker Clause, we provide opportunities for all students from Year 7 upwards to have access to a range of education and training providers to inform them about approved academic and technical education, qualifications or apprenticeships. Through the annual review of the EHCP process these areas are then carefully considered as part of the ‘Preparation for Adulthood’ transition process from year 9 onwards.
As students move through the school, they will be provided with opportunities 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.
- Understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses
- Have the opportunity to access appropriate work experience placements dependent on the needs, interests and aspirations of the individual
Throughout their time at Churchward School we support students to:
- Develop an invaluable set of life and employability skills essential for a successful career
- Develop an awareness of their individual strengths, areas for development, skills and aptitudes and how these link to possible careers, future education and training
- Ensure that they are well briefed on careers and work related learning so they can make informed choices about their future lives
- Take responsibility for their own behaviour, communication, attendance, punctuality and attitude to learning in order to support them. Students will have access to online career questionnaires and interactive work that can give them further guidance and support
In line with the SEND Code of Practice (2015), we support students through the Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) annual review process to consider their aspirations throughout their school career. Students are supported to make progress in the four areas of ‘Preparing for Adulthood’:
- Moving into paid employment and further/higher education
- Independent living
- Having friends and relationships and being part of the community
- Being as healthy as possible
Through a collaborative approach to target setting; involving the student, their family and school and external professionals, relevant, challenging and ambitious targets and outcomes are set which are recorded on their annual review paperwork/Personalised Progression Pathway (PPP) to ensure the appropriate provision and support is in place to support them achieving their aspirations and the very best outcomes.
Students are supported to follow the appropriate pathways and make the progress they need to, to achieve their career goals; enabling them to feel valued by, and contribute to, their community and achieve a fulfilling life. Parents/carers are key to this process; research shows that parents can be the most influential party on careers choices at secondary age. As a school, we monitor and evaluate every student’s progress towards both their EHCP targets and outcomes and work-related learning targets through the ‘Review of Assessment and Progress’ (RAP) meeting, annual review process, work experience booklets.
Local Labour Market Intelligence
Churchward school monitor the latest LMI for the Swindon and Wiltshire area to help inform our decisions such as which vocational options to offer, which employers to invite to our Careers Week and where to focus our Work Experience Programme etc.
Please follow the link to find out how to use Local Labour Market Information:
https://icould.com/stories/using-lmi-careers-decisions/
Local Labour Market Intelligence
