Are you a school leader in Sandwell, Walsall or Dudley?  

We’re thrilled to share a fantastic opportunity that has the potential to greatly enrich the educational journey at your School or Academy Schools.

The Department for Education, in collaboration with The Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC), is rolling out a fully funded pilot program dedicated to revolutionising career-related learning in primary schools in Dudley, Sandwell and Walsall .

To find out more

We are running a series of short introductions to this programme which will provide you or your colleagues with further details and will include questions and answers session.

If you or your colleagues would like to book on one of these sessions, they are taking place on Teams at the following times:

  • Monday 29 January (3.45pm – 4.15pm)
  • Thursday 1 February (3.45pm – 4.15pm)
  • Thursday 8 February (3.45pm – 4.15pm)
  • Monday 19 February (3.45pm – 4.15pm)

Please use this form to let us know if you or your colleagues will be attending.  https://forms.office.com/e/SMBqBMXLJg

More information

This groundbreaking £2.6 million initiative spans 2.5 years, running from November 2022 to Spring 2025. It is specifically designed to empower primary school educators, like yourself, with the support and training needed to deliver impactful career-related learning. As you have primary schools in the right area (Sandwell/Dudley/Walsall) these schools are eligible to participate.

Here’s why you should consider being part of this:

  1. Early Aspirations: Research suggests that children can formulate career aspirations as early as six years old. Your participation will contribute to increasing awareness and aspirations among primary-aged children regarding the diverse range of jobs and career pathways available to them.
  2. Stereotype Challenge: Break down barriers and challenge stereotypes that may limit children’s thinking about their future careers. Career-Related Learning (CRL) has been proven to widen aspirations and promote open-mindedness about the world of work.
  3. Parental Engagement: Enhance parental engagement by involving them in supporting their children to think broadly about future careers.
  4. Curriculum Efficacy: Increase the efficacy of your curriculum by integrating career-related learning, aligning with the requirements outlined by Ofsted for building pupils’ personal development.

Benefits for your Academy Schools:

  • Free Support and Training: Access free support from your local Careers Hub network and receive professional training from Teach First – the first of its kind!
  • Resource Access: Utilize resources from Teach First and CEC’s Primary Platform to develop a whole-school career-related learning plan.
  • Building Crucial Connections: Strengthen connections with local and national employers, creating valuable opportunities for your students.

As a participant, your nominated Lead Teacher at each school will be enrolled in Teach First’s career-related learning CPD program. This model of CPD includes engaging online modules hosted on Brightspace, Teach First’s interactive platform, and seminars led by experts. The teacher involved in online learning should have around a day protected time per half-term to derive the most benefit from the course.

This program is not just about participation; it’s about investing time to make a lasting impact. The Lead Teacher has until September 2024 to complete the CPD program, ensuring comprehensive understanding and skill development.

Should you have any questions or need further information, please do not hesitate to reach out. We eagerly anticipate welcoming your school into this nationwide movement to shape a brighter future for our students.