Educational Diversity

Provider Access Policy Statement

(In line with the Department for Education “Baker Clause”, July 2021 and the Provider Access Legislation, January 2023)

Rationale

High-quality careers education and guidance is essential in helping young people prepare for their future. It supports students to understand the world of work and the different routes available to them, including academic and technical pathways.
Effective careers guidance enables students to:
  • develop self-awareness and career management skills
  • understand employment opportunities
  • make informed decisions about education and training pathways
It also ensures that young people are aware of the full range of options available to them after school, including:
  • further education
  • apprenticeships
  • T Levels
  • Higher Technical Qualifications
Providing access to external providers allows students to gain first-hand insight into these pathways and supports them in making informed decisions about their next steps.

Commitment

Educational Diversity is committed to providing students with access to a wide range of education and training providers. This enables students to learn about approved technical education qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities.
The school recognises its responsibility to ensure students receive impartial information and guidance, in line with statutory duties. Educational Diversity does not promote one pathway over another and ensures students are aware of both academic and technical routes.
The school supports the requirements of the Provider Access Legislation (January 2023) and the Baker Clause, ensuring that students have opportunities to learn about the full range of education and training options available to them.

Aims

The aims of this policy are to:
  • develop students’ knowledge and awareness of the full range of career pathways available to them
  • ensure students understand technical education qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities
  • support students to explore education and training opportunities beyond school
  • help students make informed choices about their future pathways
  • reduce the risk of students becoming NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training)

Student Entitlement

Educational Diversity fully supports the statutory requirement for students to have direct access to providers of further education, technical training and apprenticeships.
Students will have opportunities to engage with providers through:
  • careers events
  • assemblies and workshops
  • National Apprenticeship Week activities
  • National Careers Week activities
  • employer and provider presentations
In line with statutory guidance, the school will ensure that students receive a minimum of six encounters with providers of approved technical education qualifications or apprenticeships during their secondary education.

Opportunities for Access

Access will normally be provided through:
  • timetabled careers lessons
  • careers fairs and raising aspirations events
  • assemblies
  • employer and provider presentations
  • workshops and small group sessions
  • visits to education and training providers
Students may also visit other education providers as part of careers education activities.

Requests for Access

Requests from providers wishing to access students should be directed to:
Vivien Counsell-Thomas (Careers Leader)
The Careers Leader will coordinate all provider requests and liaise with the Senior Leadership Team.

Facilities Provided

Educational Diversity will provide appropriate facilities to support provider presentations.
This may include:
  • classrooms
  • computer rooms
  • projectors and presentation equipment
The Careers Leader will work with providers to ensure the facilities meet the needs of the presentation and the student audience.
All visiting providers will be supported by school staff and appropriate safeguarding procedures will be followed.

Live and Virtual Encounters

Where appropriate, Educational Diversity may host virtual encounters with providers. These sessions may be delivered through live online presentations broadcast into classrooms or assembly spaces.
Technology checks will be carried out in advance to ensure compatibility and accessibility.

Parents and Carers

Parental engagement is encouraged as part of the careers programme. Parents and carers may be invited to attend careers events and provider presentations where appropriate.

Development and Review

This policy is reviewed annually by the Careers Leader in consultation with the Senior Leadership Team, in line with guidance from the Department for Education.
Policy Coordinator: Vivien Counsell-Thomas
Policy Reviewed: June 2024

Links with Other Policies

This policy supports and is linked to several key school policies, including:
  • Careers Education Policy
  • Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy
  • Equality and Diversity Policy
  • SEND Policy

Equality and Diversity

Educational Diversity is committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to information about education and training opportunities.
Students are encouraged to make decisions about their future based on impartial information and guidance, regardless of background, ability or personal circumstances.

Complaints Procedure

Any complaints regarding this policy should initially be directed to:
Vivien Counsell-Thomas – Careers Leader
If the complaint cannot be resolved, it will be escalated to:
Victoria O’Farrell – Headteacher

Monitoring and Evaluation

This policy is monitored and evaluated annually by the Local Governing Board to ensure that it continues to meet statutory requirements and reflects best practice.

Providers Who Have Worked With the School

Educational Diversity has welcomed the following providers to work with students:
  • Blackpool and the Fylde College
  • Blackpool Football Club
  • Blackpool Sixth Form College
  • Edge Hill University
  • Kings Trust 
  • Myerscough College
  • Preston College
  • Rosscon Training
  • Skills Construction Centre
  • The Platform

Reviewed March 2026