What should schools provide?
Independent careers guidance must be provided in schools in England to all year 8 — 13 pupils (12 — 18 year olds).
- It must be provided in an impartial manner — no bias or favouritism towards a particular education or work option
- It should explore the range of education or training options — including apprenticeships and other vocational pathways
- Advice should promote the students’ best interests
How they do it
Schools must provide students with access to some external sources of careers guidance.
This could include:
- careers fairs
- mentoring
- employer visits and talks
- college and university visits
- access to careers websites
- telephone and helpline services
Schools can also have staff providing advice and guidance to pupils.
Face-to-face advice and guidance should be arranged by a school where it is the most suitable for young people to make successful next steps — particularly for students at risk of disengaging from education or training, or those with special educational needs.
Finding careers information services
The Department for Education has published careers guidance and advice for schools, detailing what they need to provide:
- careers guidance and inspiration in schools — what they need to provide
- statutory guidance — details of what schools should consider in carrying out the duties and to comply with their legal responsibilities
- Ofsted inspectors will take account of the quality of independent advice and guidance provided in schools
Guidance for schools
The Department for Education has recently updated its guidance and advice for schools:
- Careers guidance and inspiration in schools — advice and good practice for schools.
- Statutory guidance — details of what schools should consider in carrying out the duties and to comply with their legal responsibilities.
- Careers England and Career Development Institute — information for professionals and schools.
Careers engagement: good practice brief for leaders of school and colleges published jointly by ASCL, ATL, NFER and the 157 Group.