Careers 7-11 and Beyond

Careers 7-11 and Beyond

What’s it all about?

At Pinewood School we have developed the Careers Programme taking account of the Gatsby Benchmarks.  This ensures that all pupils have access to a stable careers programme providing information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point.     

The Gatsby Benchmarks have been altered slightly to fit SEN schools and recognise that each pupil is unique and working towards a different path.  We provide our pupils with a meaningful programme that leads to positive outcomes for our learners.  The programme is embedded throughout the school as part of our work related learning curriculum.  With this in mind, we completed the careers benchmark tool, COMPASS, and we are currently achieving 100% in all areas. The school ensure that EHCPs align with careers support, with a focus on:

• Education and learning
• Social and communication skills
• Aspirations and goals for the future
• Self-help and Independence

For a more detailed look at our Careers programme, please see the links below.

Gatsby benchmarks – what are they?

The Gatsby Benchmarks originated in a research report from the Gatsby foundation in 2013.  The research provides a comprehensive study of career development.  The report found 8 benchmarks of best practice, which are now more commonly known as ‘The Gatsby Benchmarks’.  They are:

1. A stable careers programme
2. Learning from career and labour market information
3. Addressing the needs of each pupil
4. Linking curriculum learning to careers
5. Encounters with employers and employees
6. Experiences of workplaces
7. Encounters with further and higher education
8. Personal guidance

Post 16:

Each September we have traditionally held an Information Evening for local and national representatives from colleges, social support, finance, housing and so on, to talk to all parents and carers of our pupils in Years 9-11. This is a valued opportunity to learn about all the information needed to move in to the next stage of education. In past years, this has proven to be very successful and in 2019 100% of all families that attended said they felt it was helpful and relevant for Pinewood students.  Unfortunately, due to the current Covid situation it is not possible to fulfil this event in the normal face to face practice. Therefore Pinewood, and in particular Alexandra MacDonald our Post 16 lead, has been working in conjunction with our local colleges to produce a comprehensive list of college and other provider information which you can find here.

“Very informative evening with lots of information.  Thank you for organising.”

“Very informative”

“The talk from the supported intern was fantastic” 

YC Hertfordshire:

Young people who have learning difficulties and/or disabilities (LDD) can get help from YC Hertfordshire until they reach their 25th birthday. The LDD team includes specialist personal advisers who offer young people with LDD aged 13-24 impartial information, advice and guidance on their Post 16 options such as further education, training and employment. Personal Advisers also work closely in partnership with parents/carers, teachers, tutors, social workers and other professionals to identify appropriate support and provision.
PA’s write a ‘Preparing for Adulthood’ (PfA) Transition Plan for young people from Year 9 onwards. This uses a person-centred approach to help the young people gather information ‘All About Me’, reflecting what is important to them and important for them as they make the transition from school to what comes next. For more information regarding the schools careers programme, including links to the most recent labour market information please see below

The YC Hertfordshire Personal Adviser for Pinewood school is:

Sophie Corcoran
Telephone:01438 843 541
Email: Sophie.Corcoran1@hertfordshire.gov.uk

Further information on YC Hertfordshire LDD Team can be found at:
https://www.ychertfordshire.org/support-for-young-people/support-for-young-people-with-learning-disabilities/the-yc-hertfordshire-ldd-team/

YC Hertfordshire a guide for parents and carers

YC Hertfordshire Supported Employment Team:

They also have a Supported Employment Team which works with employers and supports 16-25-year-olds with LDD into the workplace, arranging work experience placements and supporting, training and coaching young people before and during their employment. Further information on YC Supported Employment Team can be found at:
https://www.ychertfordshire.org/support-for-young-people/support-for-young-people-with-learning-disabilities/the-yc-hertfordshire-ldd-team/supported-employment/?id=

Careers Programme

Pinewood Careers Support

Provider Access Statement

Labour Market Information August 2020

The careers leader is Ms.Lina Alfieri. For any further information contact her in the first instance.

01920 412211

admin@pinewood.herts.sch.uk