May 2025 UPDATE - provider access legislation

The Provider Access Legislation came into force in January 2023, and requires schools to provide at least six encounters with approved providers of apprenticeships and technical education for all students:

As a minimum, schools must offer:

• 2 encounters that are mandatory for all pupils to attend that take place any time during year 8 or between 1 Septemer and 28 February during Year 9.

• 2 encounters that are mandatory for all pupils to attend that take place any time during year 10 or between 1 September and 28 February during year 11.

• The other two encounters apply to Years 12 and 13 (post-16 study).

At Seaham High School our CEIAG provision ensures that these requirements are being fully met for all students in both KS3 & KS4.

Introduction

This statement sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of external providers to pupils 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 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 appropriate transition points. The Baker Clause stipulates that schools must allow colleges and training providers access to every student in Years 8-13 (Years 8-11 at Seaham High School), to discuss the full range of progression routes including technical education qualifications and apprenticeships. In building positive relationships with a wide range of employers and providers across the region, we hope to make a contribution towards addressing skills shortages across a variety of sectors of the economy.

• To hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – at a range of school activities including options events, assemblies and taster events.

• To understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.

Management of Provider Access Requests

A provider wishing to request access should, in the first instance, contact:

Mr Chris Harbron Assistant Headteacher (Personal Development)

Telephone: 0191 5161600 Email:  c.harbron@seahamhighschool.com

Opportunities for Access

A number of events, delivered as part of the school’s careers and progression programme will offer providers an opportunity to come into school to speak to pupils and/or their parents/carers.

Please speak to the Assistant Headteacher (Personal Development) to identify the most suitable opportunity for you.

Access to pupils and/or their parents/carers will be granted at the school’s discretion, taking into account both the school’s legal obligations and the best interests of the pupils.

Access will be granted on the understanding that the information and guidance offered by providers is related to technical courses, apprenticeship opportunities or other aspects of CEIAG as agreed, in advance, by the Assistant Headteacher (Personal Development).  Providers and/or their representatives will be expected to meet the school’s safeguarding requirements.

Premises and Facilities

The school will make the main hall, classrooms or private meeting rooms available for discussions between the provider and pupils, 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 Assistant Headteacher (Personal Development) or a member of their team.

Providers are welcome to request that a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature be added to Careers section of the School Library.  This resource is available to all pupils at lunch and break times.