Bideford College Provider Access Policy Statement
Under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997, as of 2 January 2018, we have a duty to provide pupils in years 8-13 with access to providers of post-14, post-16 and post-18 education and training. This policy statement sets out how we manage access requests from these providers.
What are pupils entitled to?
Pupils must be allowed to:
- Learn more about technical education qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities, as part of a careers programme which informs pupils of the full range of education and training options available to them at each transition point.
- Hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities on offer, for example, technical education and apprenticeships – this can be achieved through options evenings, assemblies, group discussions, and taster events.
- Understand how to apply to the full range of academic and technical courses available to them.
Who handles our access requests?
Any provider wishing to request access should contact our careers leaders, Heather Cox (Key Stages 3 & 4), on telephone number 01237 477611 or via email on: hcox@bidefordcollege.org and Kimberley Gilbey (Key Stage 5) at kgilbey@bidefordcollege.org.
What opportunities are provided to allow access to pupils?
Via our school careers programme, we offer providers numerous opportunities throughout the school year to speak to pupils and/or their parents. Our annual schedule of events is as follows:
| Year/Term | Autumn | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 8 | Skills for employability | Apprenticeship Week 8-14 Feb 21 National Careers Week 1–5 March 21 Careers linked to my favourite lessons Careers Fayre Planning | Skills for life and work Individual skills |
| Year 9 | Skills within the workplace Good communication skills Gender stereotyping Planning for Options Successful behaviours | Apprenticeship Week National Careers Week Careers linked to my favourite lessons Careers Fayre planning Careers Pilot Options Evening | Britain’s working democracy |
| Year 10 | Developing teamwork skills Planning ahead for Post 16 options Employment and employee rights Work Experience Assembly and research | Apprenticeship Week 8-14 February 2021 National Careers Week 1–5 March 2021 Careers linked to my favourite lessons Careers Fayre Planning Work Experience applications Introduction to Sixth Form | Post 16 options after Bideford College Interview techniques Work Experience week Verbal communication Finance and Budgeting |
| Year 11 | Post 16 Options Applying for the next steps Sixth Form Assembly Developing teamwork skills Developing study skills | Apprenticeship Week 8-14 February 2021 National Careers Week 1–5 March 2021 Careers linked to my favourite lessons Careers Fayre Planning | Study skills and revision |
| Year 12 | Introduction to apprenticeships “What inspires me?” Email etiquette First impressions Introduction to University Why are CVs important? What are MOOCs? Finances explained Army Careers Presentation | Labour market information Career Action Plans Career interviews Oxbridge explained Managing change and transition Planning and deciding – career enhancing decisions Online Opportunities | Preparing for summer examinations Revision techniques Virtual work experience Recognising strengths and weaknesses Identify progress for decision making |
| Year 13 | UCAS applications & personal statements Careers Interviews “What inspires me?” Email etiquette First impressions Winchester University catch up Finances explained Army & RAF careers presentation Career action plan Audit of employment and apprenticeships Apprenticeships workshop CV workshop | Labour Market Information Career Action Plans Career Interviews Online Opportunities | Preparing for summer examinations Revision techniques Virtual work experience Recognising strengths and weaknesses Identify progress for decision making |
Who should providers contact to discuss events and options?
Providers can speak to our career’s leaders Heather Cox and Kimberley Gilbey, to discuss possible attendance at relevant events.
Our Child Protection and Safeguarding and Visitors Policies set out the college’s approach to allowing providers into college to speak to our pupils.
What can providers expect once a request has been accepted?
Once we have approved a provider, we will work with them to identify the best method for providing access to our pupils.
We will make the school hall, classrooms and private meeting rooms available to host discussions between providers and pupils. We will also make presentation equipment, such as projectors and televisions, available to providers.
Arrangements will be discussed in advance between our Careers Leader and a nominated member of the provider’s team.
Can providers leave prospectuses for pupils to read?
Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus and other relevant course literature with the college reception.