Provider Access Policy

Date: September 2023
Review Date: July 2024

Policy for external providers’ access to pupils for educational and learning purposes. Leigh Academy Tonbridge is part of the Leigh Academies Trust (LAT).

Pupil entitlement

All pupils in years 8 to 13 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 each transition point;
• to hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options events, assemblies and group discussions and taster events;
• to understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.

For pupils of compulsory school age these encounters are mandatory and there will be a minimum of two encounters for pupils during Phase 3 and Phase 4. For pupils in Years 12 – 13, particularly those that have not yet decided on their next steps, there are two more provider encounters available during this period, which are optional for pupils to attend.

Pupils and families outside of these Phases have an equal opportunity to access meaningful encounters with a range of providers

These provider encounters will be scheduled during the main school hours and the provider will be given a reasonable amount of time to, as a minimum:

• share information about both the provider and the approved technical education qualification and apprenticeships that the provider offers
• explain what career routes those options could lead to
• provide insights into what it might be like to learn or train with that provider (including the opportunity to meet staff and pupils from the provider) 56
• answer questions from pupils.

Meaningful provider encounters

One encounter is defined as one meeting/session between pupils and one provider. We are committed to providing meaningful encounters to all pupils using the Making it Meaningful checklist.

Meaningful online engagement is also an option, and we are open to providers that are able to provide live online engagement with our pupils.

Previous providers

In previous terms/years we have invited the following providers from the local area to speak to our pupils:

• North Kent College
• Hadlow College
• Kent University
• Canterbury Christchurch University
• Brighton University
• Runway training
• National apprenticeships programmes e.g. police, armed forces etc

Destinations of our pupils

Last year our year 11 pupils moved to range of providers in the local area after school:

Last year our year 13 pupils moved to range of providers including universities

Management of provider access requests

Procedure

A provider wishing to request access should contact Steven Reader, Vice Principal steven.reader@latonbridge.org.uk.

Opportunities for access

The school offers the six provider encounters required by law (marked in bold text) and a number of additional events, integrated into the school careers programme. We will offer providers an opportunity to come into school to speak to pupils or their parents or carers.

A variety of events, integrated into the academy’s careers programme, will offer providers an opportunity to come onto the academy premises to speak to pupils and/or their parents/carers.

LAT Working with Business (WWB) has strong links and networks with businesses and organisations and may also arrange visits to the academy as part of the overall careers programme. This is organised through partnership between LAT WWB and The Leigh Academies Trust.

Please speak to our Careers Leader to identify the most suitable opportunity for you.

Careers education by phase

Incoming visits

Providers are welcome and encouraged to propose dates, events or ideas to the Careers Lead, who will endeavour to enable such encounters as described above.

Community participation and local engagement

Where appropriate, students or groups from Leigh Academy Tonbridge take part in regular community participation and local engagement activities. Students and staff are more than happy to visit providers on-site. In KS3 students follow the IB Middle Years Programme which encourages community focused opportunities.

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 Careers Leader or a member of their team.

Meaningful online engagement is also an option, and we are open to providers that are able to provide live online engagement with our pupils.

Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature in the Learning Resource Centre, which is managed by the school librarian. The Learning Resource Centre is available to all pupils at lunch and break times.

Complaints

Any complaints with regards to provider access can be raised following the school complaints procedure or directly with The Careers & Enterprise Company via provideraccess@careersandenterprise.co.uk

Approval and review

Approval pending: Leigh Academy Tonbridge Local Governing Body