Provider Access Policy
Introduction
This policy statement sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to students at the school 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.
What is Provider Access Legislation (PAL)?
PAL, the latest evolution of the Baker Clause, is a requirement for state schools in England. It stipulates that schools must give access to colleges and training providers to advise their students in Years 8-13 about non-traditional academic routes, like T levels and apprenticeships.
In order to comply with these requirements we:
- Provide access – we work with training providers and advisors who visit the school to support students.
- Facilitate six encounters with training providers, which should happen at specific times:
- Two between 1st September in Year 8 and 28 February in Year 9 (mandatory for all students to attend)
- Two between 1st September in Year 10 and and 28th February in Year 11 (mandatory for all students to attend)
- Two between 1st September in Year 12 and 28th February in Year 13 (not mandatory for all students to attend)
Why is it important?
By complying with PAL we are ensuring that students are aware of opportunities and options available to them beyond Year 11 whilst also going someway towards the school meeting the Gatsby Benchmarks. In particular, it will help the school to meet:
- Benchmark 5: Encounters with employees and employers
- Benchmark 6: Experiences with workplaces
- Benchmark 7: Encounters with further and higher education
Management of provider access requests
Procedure:
A provider wishing to request access should contact: Tara Castle (Careers Lead)
Telephone: 01494 726562
Email: tcastle@amershamschool.org
Opportunities for access: at mutual convenience. Perhaps in school during a lesson; or remotely through Microsoft Teams.
For example: events integrated into the school careers programme (e.g. Options Evenings or parent information events, which offer providers an opportunity to come into school to speak to students and/or their parents/carers: for example employers or alumni speaking about their career.
Premises and facilities
Amersham School will make the sports hall, Enterprise Centre and classrooms or private meeting rooms available for discussions between the provider and students, as appropriate to the activity. The school will also make available projectors and other specialist equipment to support provider presentations. This will all be discussed and agreed in advance of the visit with a member of the school staff.
Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature at our Reception.