Commenting on new research from Sutton Trust today (Thurs 10
Mar), giving an up-to-date picture of careers education and
guidance across schools in England, Sarah Hannafin, senior policy
advisor for school leaders’ union NAHT, said:
“Good quality careers education, information, advice and guidance
(CEIAG) is important to all pupils in our schools. We have
continually stressed that CEIAG should be appropriately resourced
and of a high standard in order to support pupils to make the
best choices and maximise their life chances.
“Despite support for careers education from school leaders, the
current provision remains underfunded and therefore inconsistent.
There is no specific funding for schools, nor any budget with
which to provide impartial and independent CEIAG or work
experience.
“All schools must be provided with the resources they need to
provide high quality careers education. There is a need for an
increased number of independent quality assured careers advisors
as part of that resource.
“Careers education shouldn’t be left to secondary schools alone.
NAHT believes 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, 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.”
