At Harper Green School, we are committed to helping each student, irrespective of ability, to achieve their full potential. Through a structured and stable programme, we seek to provide our students with the advice and guidance they need to help them develop the knowledge and skills required to make informed and successful choices that will reward them in their future endeavours and the world of work.

We have developed the programme using the Gatsby Foundation’s Benchmarks and the guidelines outlined in the DfE Careers Guidance and Access for Education and Training Providers document. We aim to bring out the best in everyone, operating across the curriculum and through specific careers-focused activities, to offer broad and balanced exposure to post-16 progression routes and pathways. We firmly believe that every child should leave school prepared for life and our high quality, independent careers guidance is crucial in ensuring our students make good, well thought out plans for their post-16 pathways.

As a school, we will develop and inform our students by:

• encouraging the development of self-awareness and independent thinking;
• helping them to understand the decision-making process;
• equipping them with information on current opportunities;
• providing appropriate resource materials for research and evaluation;
• offering support from our experienced and knowledgeable guidance team;
• promoting a culture in which the pupils set for themselves ambitious goals, which will advance their interests and passions.
• providing a wealth of inspirational IAG experiences which will inform, motivate and encourage our students to aim high and fulfil their personal aspirations.

Harper Green School CEIAG Strategic Plan

Vision and Mission

At Harper Green School, our mission is to inspire and motivate students by providing them with access to the information, advice, and guidance needed to give them the knowledge and confidence to take control of their future pathway plans and realise their ambitions.

This strategic plan aims to provide a comprehensive framework for delivering high-quality careers education, information, advice, and guidance to all students at Harper Green School, preparing them effectively for their future pathways.

Strategic Objectives

1. Deliver a Stable Careers Programme - Maintain a structured and stable CEIAG programme that is integrated into the curriculum and endorsed by the senior leadership team and governing body.

2. Address the Needs of Each Student - Provide personalised guidance to meet the diverse needs of all students, ensuring inclusivity and equal opportunities.

3. Link Curriculum Learning to Careers - Integrate career-related learning into all subjects to help students understand the relevance of their education to future career paths.

4. Provide Encounters with Employers and Employees - Facilitate interactions with a range of employers to give students insights into the world of work.

5. Offer Experiences of Workplaces - Organise work experience opportunities to allow students to explore different career options firsthand.

6. Ensure Encounters with Further and Higher Education - Expose students to various post-16 and post-18 education and training options, including apprenticeships and university pathways.

7. Provide Personal Guidance - Offer access to independent and impartial careers advice to support students in making informed decisions.

Implementation Plan

1. Programme Delivery

• Year 7-11 Assemblies: Conduct informative and aspirational assemblies delivered by external speakers from local colleges, training providers, STEM advocates, UTCs, apprenticeship providers, and local employers.
• Curriculum Integration: Embed career learning within subject areas, highlighting the relevance of each subject to various career paths.
• PSCHE Lessons: Deliver careers exploration, challenging stereotypes, and labour market information through PSCHE curriculum lessons in Years 7-9 and a dedicated drop-down day in Year 10. 

2. Personalised Support

• Independent Careers Advisor: Provide access to an independent careers advisor for students in Years 7-11, offering one-to-one guidance sessions.
• SEN Support: Identify and support the post-16 needs of SEN students through early careers interviews, collaboration with the SENCo, and coordination with FE establishments to ensure appropriate support is in place.

3. Employer Engagement

• Work Experience: Organise a one-week work experience programme for Year 10 students, partnering with over 200 employers annually.
• Industry Days: Host Industry Days for Years 7-9, featuring practical sessions with local employers and FE providers.
• Employer Assemblies: Arrange assemblies led by employers to discuss various career paths and share industry insights.

4. Post-16 Preparation

• IAG Evenings: Conduct Information, Advice, and Guidance evenings attended by local HE, FE, training providers, apprenticeship ambassadors, and employers for Year 10 and 11 students and their parents/carers.
• Application Support: Provide CV and personal statement sessions during form time in Year 11, along with lunchtime drop-in sessions for application assistance.
• College Visits: Facilitate visits to at least two post-16 providers by the time students leave in Year 11.

5. Monitoring and Evaluation

• Compass+ Tool: Utilise the Compass+ tool to monitor and review the CEIAG programme, ensuring alignment with the Gatsby Benchmarks.
• Feedback Mechanisms: Collect evaluations from students, staff, providers, and parents to assess the impact of the CEIAG provision.
• Destination Tracking: Work closely with the LA, Connexions service, and FE/training providers to track student destinations for up to three years after leaving school.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

• CEIAG Leader: Mrs. L Halliwell is responsible for overseeing the CEIAG programme, coordinating activities, and liaising with external partners.
• Connexions Careers Advisor: Mrs. K Garner provides independent careers advice and guidance to students.
• Teachers and School Staff: Integrate career learning into their subject areas and support students in exploring career options.
• Parents/Carers: Engage in meaningful discussions with their children regarding future plans and support them in making informed decisions.
• Alumni: Share their post-16 experiences and achievements to inspire current students.
• Employers and Community Partners: Participate in CEIAG events, offer work experience placements, and provide insights into various industries.

The Senior Leadership Team and the governing body are highly committed to the continued development and provision of CEIAG to all students.

Mrs Halliwell, Careers Lead at Harper Green and Mr S Merrills, the CE/IAG link governor, meet each year to discuss the impact of the CEIAG programme and a CEIAG update report is delivered to governors annually. The commitment from school leaders is demonstrated in the resources available and the IAG opportunities offered across the school, to students and parents and carers, throughout the year. The resulting stable and structured careers programme has the explicit backing of the senior leadership team and governing body. It prepares our students for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of later life. Benchmark 1

As a student of Harper Green School, you are entitled to receive a programme of careers education, advice, information and guidance. Your CEIAG programme will help develop and inform by:

• encouraging the development of self-awareness and independent thinking;
• helping you to understand the decision-making process;
• equipping you with information on current opportunities;
• providing you with appropriate resource materials for research and evaluation;
• offering support from our experienced and knowledgeable guidance team;
• promoting a culture in which you can set yourself ambitious goals which will advance your interests and passions.
• providing you with a wealth of inspirational IAG opportunities, activities and experiences which will inform, motivate and
• encourage you to aim high and fulfil your personal aspirations.
• developing your interview skills and improving your confidence
• providing you with post-16 organisation visits, employer encounters and workplace experiences
• providing additional support with transition planning for those students requiring extra support to engage with and settle into their post-16 education choice. Students at greater risk of becoming NEET will have transition planning sessions with the careers advisor, the SEND team, or another appropriate staff member in Year 11. Working closely with Connexions and the LA, the school will track all Year 11 leavers for two terms to ensure students have made a successful transition and to offer further support or signpost to support where necessary.

During your time at school, you will receive:

• Careers education during form time
• PSCHE lessons, Enrichment Curriculum lessons & CEIAG activities
• Opportunities to visit at least two post-16 providers by the time you leave in Year 11
• Opportunities to visit places of work and learn about real-life work experiences in Year 9 and Year 10
• Access to the Connexions Advisor
• Access to Careers resources in the careers area in the common room, year 11 form rooms and the school library, information is available in books, school website, leaflets and on computer
• Links to careers within your different subject areas relevant to the world of work
• Access to a range of training providers so you can make informed decisions
• Experience of a Professional Interview
• Information about and access to organisations covering the full range of post 16 qualifications
• IAG monthly news bulletin in Year 11
• Presentations from at least five post-16 providers along with the Connexions Careers Guidance Service, STEM organisations, employers and Apprenticeship services.
• Linking post-16 pathways and careers opportunities to curriculum learning

You can expect to be:

• Treated equally with others
• Supported to help you achieve your personal ambitions and to have access to an impartial careers advisor to assist you in developing a realistic plan to succeed in your aims
• Given careers information and advice that is up to date and impartial
• Treated with respect by visitors to the school who are part of the careers programme

Throughout the Year

• Years 7 to 11 calendared informative and aspirational assemblies delivered by external speakers from local colleges, training providers, STEM advocates, UTC's, Apprenticeship providers, Aim Higher and local employers (Benchmarks 2, 3, 4, 5, 7) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities)
• Access to an independent careers advisor in Years 7 to 11. (Benchmarks 3, 8) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Growth Throughout Life)
• Identifying and supporting the post-16 needs of SEN students by way of early careers interviews with our Connexions advisors and working with the SENCo and pupil services in FE establishments, ensuring any extended transition needs are met, and the correct support is in place. (Benchmarks 3, 8) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Growth Throughout Life)
• Working with the Greater Manchester Higher Network which has been established to address barriers within progression to Higher Education. Benchmarks 3, 7, 8 (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Growth Throughout Life)
• Curriculum subject led visits to local employers to inspire and inform pupils and establish stronger links with the business community. (Benchmarks 4, 5, 6) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Seeing the Bigger Picture)
• One to one Careers guidance interview for all our Year 11 students with our Connexions advisor to discuss the many and varied options available post-16 and to support students in their decision-making processes ensuring they are provided with up to date and relevant information. (Benchmarks 2, 3, 8) (CDI Framework – Managing Careers, Explore Possibilities, Growth Throughout Life)
• IAG monthly bulletin sent to all Year 11 students reminding them of any IAG activities in school that month and any upcoming post-16 open evenings and application deadlines.
• Informative and inspirational displays throughout the school, including past student case studies and relevant finance and labour market information. Alumnae are invited and encouraged to submit their post-16 experiences and achievements for inclusion in its newspaper and website and as case study posters displayed around the school. (Benchmarks 2, 3, 4, 7) (CDI Framework – Managing Careers, Explore Possibilities, Growth Throughout Life)
• Substantial and up to date CE/IAG section of our school's website with links to careers information, online resources and links to documents produced by the school to assist our students in their post-16 choices. (Benchmarks 1, 2) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Create Opportunities)
• Subject-specific career presentations in Years 7 to 11 delivered by employers/post 16 providers, particularly focusing on STEM subjects. (Benchmarks 2, 4, 5, 7) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Growth Throughout Life)
• A programme of lunch-time advice & application drop-in sessions from a range of post-16 representatives to include FE, HE, Sixth Form colleges, local employers, and technical & apprenticeship providers. (Benchmarks 2, 3, 7, 8) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Managing Careers)

Half Term 1/Half Term 2

• IAG evening attended by 30+ local HE, FE, training providers, Apprenticeship ambassadors, UTC's, local employers, armed service representatives and careers advisors for all Year 10 and 11 students and parents/carers. (Benchmarks 2, 3, 5, 7, 8) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities)
• All Year 10 and 11 parents receive a detailed and informative IAG booklet that details all of the activities and events we provide in post-16 preparation and includes valuable information regarding apprenticeships and traineeships. It also provides guidance on available financial support, CV's, interviews and provides website information relating to post-16 opportunities. (Benchmarks 2, 3, 8) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Growth Throughout Life, Managing Careers)
• CV and personal statement sessions during form in Year 11 (Benchmark 1)
• SEND Post-16 Coffee Morning – post-16/18 providers, parents and carers, Students and SEND staff – removing barriers to progression to FE/HE. (Benchmarks 2, 3, 5, 7, 8) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Growth Throughout Life)

Half Term 3/Half Term 4

• A professional interview day for all our Year 11 students includes representatives from HE/FE establishments, the armed forces, training providers, local employers, and alumnae (Benchmarks 2, 5, 7) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Growth Throughout Life, Managing Careers)
• EAL Post-16 Coffee Morning – post-16/18 providers, parents and carers, Students and SEND staff – removing barriers to progression to FE/HE. (Benchmarks 2, 3, 5, 7, 8) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Growth Throughout Life)
• Extended transition sessions for identified Year 11 students, including personalised taster visits to local colleges and training providers and school sessions with representatives from post-16 providers (Benchmarks 3, 7, 8) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Create Opportunities)
• Year 9 Options evening attended by our independent careers advisor (Benchmarks 3, 4, 8) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Create Opportunities)
• Year 9 Careers Day at a local college allows students to sample several different courses and link with the career pathways they can lead onto and will enable them to experience a typical college day (Benchmarks 2, 4, 7) (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Create Opportunities)

Half Term 5/Half Term 6

• PSCHE Curriculum lessons – Years 7, 8 & 9 – Careers exploration, challenging stereotypes and LMI (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Growth Throughout Life, Managing Careers)
• Year 10 PSCHE Drop Down Day – LMI and career exploration. (CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Growth Throughout Life, Managing Careers)
• One week of Work Experience in Year 10 (Benchmarks 2, 5, 6)
• All Year's Careers Week – Further information detailed below.

Half Term 6 – Careers Week – All Years - Example activities

(Benchmarks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8) CDI Framework – Explore Possibilities, Managing Careers, Seeing the Bigger Picture, Growth Throughout Life, managing Careers)

Monday

• Employer Assembly - Year 10 (Benchmarks 1, 2, 3 & 5)
• Employability Skills in form time (Benchmarks 1, 2, 3)
• Careers Focus in curriculum subjects (Benchmarks 1, 3, 4)
• Work Ex preparation, employability skills and LMI sessions with employers - Year 10 Students (Benchmarks 2, 3, 5)

Tuesday

• Women in STEM assembly - Year 9 & 10 (Benchmarks 1, 2, 3 & 5)
• Employability Skills in form time (Benchmarks 1, 2, 3)
• Careers Focus in curriculum subjects (Benchmarks 1, 3, 4)
• Year 10 Post-16 Taster Day  Students will spend the day visiting and sampling courses at a FE provider. These include, but are not limited to, FE colleges, sixth form colleges, apprenticeship providers and technical colleges. (Benchmarks 3, 7)

Wednesday

• Employer Assembly - Year 9 (Benchmarks 1, 2, 3 & 5)
• LMI info in Form Time all years (Benchmarks 1, 2, 3)
• Careers Focus in curriculum subjects (Benchmarks 1, 3, 4)
• Industry Day - Years 7, 8 & 9 - Students participating in practical sessions with local employers and FE providers, Q&A time and gathering LMI and pathways information. (Benchmarks 2, 4, 5, 7)

Thursday

• Employer Assembly - Year 8 (Benchmarks 1, 2, 3 & 5)
• Pathways information in Form Time - All years (Benchmarks 1, 2, 3)
• Careers Focus in curriculum subjects - (Benchmarks 1, 3, 4)
• Year 10 Post-16 Taster Day  Students will spend the day visiting and sampling courses at a FE provider. These include, but are not limited to, FE colleges, sixth form colleges, apprenticeship providers and technical colleges. (Benchmarks 3, 7)

Teachers and School Staff 

• To provide learners with opportunities to discover and learn about careers and employability and engage with the wider business community and employers inside and outside the classroom
• To link schemes of learning with the world of work and to discuss experiences, pathways, skills development and progression with students
• Useful Subject Related Websites

Students

• To engage with all the CEIAG events and learning opportunities provided for you - ask questions, research and discover all you can about future possibilities
• To engage fully with the work-related learning opportunities on offer through Years 7 to 11

Parents/Carers

• To be aware of the CEIAG events and to instigate meaningful discussions with your child in relation to future plans and pathway options
• To support your child, make post-16 applications before deadlines
• To use CEIAG resources and websites to help support your child at home
• Useful websites for parents/carers

Alumni 

• In Year 11, your destinations will be recorded. To allow school to track all leavers destinations for 3 years, in addition to the information that Connexions collects during this period, we will ask you to consent to being contacted each year by email, phone call or text to keep us up to date with your post 16 and post 18 destinations, courses and qualifications.
• We may also invite you into school to support current students if you are willing to give small group presentations or 1:1 meetings to share your personal post 16 pathway stories.
• We are always happy to hear from our alumni and you can email Mrs Halliwell with updates and news of your achievements as you continue your educational and employment journey at halliwelll@harpergreen.net.

Employers and the Wider Community 

If you could support the school by helping with a CEIAG event at the school, at your place of work or by offering work experience, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Ms Halliwell at  halliwelll@harpergreen.net.

We work closely with over 200 employers each year as part of our Year 10 Work Experience programme and have established links with the nearby Aldi Distribution Centre, Suez, Royal Bolton Hospital, Willmott-Dixon, MBDA and The Dept of Work & Pensions who come into school for careers fairs and events.

As part of our commitment to the GATSBY career benchmarks, Statutory Guidance and the progression of our students, we work closely with the LA, the Connexions service and our FE and training provider partners to track student destinations for up to three years after their leaving date.

To do this, we obtain ‘live’ intended destination information from students in Year 11 via Form Tutors/Head of CEIAG/Connexions Advisor, which is recorded on GO 4 Schools. We maintain records of students guidance interviews to ensure our students choose an appropriate destination. Destinations will be different for every student and are determined by a range of factors, including; attainment or predicted attainment, aptitudes, subject choices, hobbies and interests, career aspirations, skills and talents and the labour market. This combination of factors means there will be several appropriate options for each student. Therefore, it is important that every student has access to good quality career guidance and can consider and assess the range of options available to them.

During Term 2 in Year 11, we ask students to complete the ‘Data consent form for post-16 destinations Information gathering and sharing’. This information is also used to update our tracking document.

After leaving Harper Green School, we monitor and track students by using the effective data-sharing agreements with our post 16 FE partners and support from our LA and Connexions Careers Service. We gather enrolment information from colleges and training providers and obtain the annual activity survey report from Connexions and the LA. We work closely with Connexions to continue to provide guidance and support to those students that may need it.

We contact past students by telephone 12, 24 and 36 months after leaving school, using the contact details provided by the student as detailed above. We also receive destination information from colleges regarding students post-18 choices and use both of these information sources along with information gathered from sibling connections, social media, peer networks and past pupil/teacher ‘keeping in touch’ networks to develop our alumni of leavers and gather post 16 and post-18 destination information.

We are committed to promoting equal opportunities and encourage our students to challenge stereotypes, support them in overcoming any barriers and equip them with the skills and knowledge to ensure they achieve their full potential.

High quality careers education and guidance in school is essential to support young people in their post-16 ambitions by providing a clear understanding of the world of work including the various routes to the jobs and careers they wish to pursue, leading to positive employment destinations.

To help students to choose their pathways, improve their life opportunities and contribute to a productive and successful economy it is vital that all young people are given the opportunities in school to explore the full range of post-16 and 18 options including wider technical education options such as T-Levels, Apprenticeships and Higher Technical Qualifications.

Our full Provider Access Policy Statement can be found at: Provider Access Policy Statement.

Our programme is reviewed and evaluated throughout the year to ensure that we reflect any DfE Statutory changes and ensure that we continue to deliver a broad and balanced careers programme.

We use Compass+ to monitor and review our programme and to track our progress towards meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks.

Evaluations from students, staff, providers and parents enable us to measure and assess the impact of the CEIAG provision. We also use destination measures data to assess how successfully students transition to post 16 education or employment. This ongoing review and evaluation contribute to any changes we may make to the careers programme to ensure the needs of our students are met.

Adopted: November 2019

Reviewed: January 2024

Author: Mrs L Halliwell – CEIAG Leader