Commenting on a new report from the Education Select Committee on
the importance of careers guidance in primary school, Paul
Whiteman, general secretary of school leaders' union NAHT, said:
“NAHT agrees that careers education, linked to raising
aspirations, should begin at primary school by helping pupils to
understand how working hard at school can bring fantastic
opportunities in later life and giving primary age pupils an
insight into different careers.
“Primary Futures, run in partnership with NAHT, has been doing
this work for many years. It works with schools to broaden
horizons, challenge stereotyping – for example, by gender,
ethnicity and social background – and bring learning to life from
an early age.
“Primary Futures provides primary-aged children the chance to
meet people beyond their immediate family networks. People who
can help challenge the stereotypical views that can often limit
children’s ambitions and life choices. This has been
transformational for many children and has a very a positive role
to play in raising aspiration, destroying harmful stereotypes and
creating a real affinity for education with children for the most
disadvantaged backgrounds.
“The success of the program owes much to the involvement of
primary heads and teachers over the years, developing something
that meets their and their children's needs (backed up by robust
research) rather than being an imposed secondary model. It is a
highly effective program that if rolled out more widely would
attract a very positive response from the profession.”
