Information for Pupils
Pupils will receive:
- Additional careers information within PSHE Drop down days, Lessons and interventions.
- Information on Technical and vocational qualifications such as T-Levels, Traineeships & Apprenticeships
- Access to careers information is available in books, videos, leaflets and on computers. Any additional information, students can see the Careers Leader, who will source the appropriate material the student needs.
- Support through the school’s Careers Team
- An Interview and guidance with the New Directions Careers adviser (Level 6 Qualified Adviser)
- Core & Vocational Subject lessons linked to careers.
What Pupils will expect:
- Treated equally by other pupils, staff and visitors.
- Given careers information and advice that is up to date and impartial.
- Given extra help if required.
- Pupils will be able to enjoy the sessions and activities they participate in.
- Additional support is available where appropriate through extra help by the SENDCo, Senior Leaders and the Pastoral & SEND Team.
For further information about Post 16 Education & Training providers, click the ‘useful links’ tab above.
Information for Parents and Carers
Parents and Carers have the opportunity to attend careers interviews if they wish and will be invited as part of SEND reviews (including EHCPs) and look after children’s reviews.
The School’s SENDCo, Designated Safeguarding Leads and the Careers Lead meet on a regular basis to discuss appropriate interventions for pupils with additional needs.
Parents and Carers will receive updates via email and text from the Careers Leader, with up to date information about upcoming events and activities. Throughout the school year, parents / carers are invited into school to meet with the School’s Careers Team where the team will support Parent / Carers to meet the needs of the individual family and child.
Links with parents / carers are maintained using a variety of methods including the school website, leaflets, letters and consultation days.
The school also works closely with the local careers service; New Directions. New Directions is a careers, information and advice service for young people within Blackburn and Darwen. They can provide pupils and their parents and carers with the support they need to enter into employment, education or training.
The school’s New Directions Advisor is Janet Hope – Holden, Careers appointments can be booked through, the school Careers Lead Mr Doohan or a member of the school’s Pastoral Team.
They offer advice on:
- Employment options
- College courses including A-levels, T-levels & vocational course
- Training courses
- Apprenticeships / Traineeships
- Volunteering opportunities
- Advice and Guidance on future aspirations
This service is available to all students throughout the year and is available at Careers Events and Parent’s Consultation days on request.
Parents / Carers can contact Janet via the Careers Team email: careers@theheightsfreeschool.org
Further information about the school careers programme can be found in the Parent/Carers guide below:
Labour Market Information (LMI):
At The Heights Blackburn, we ensure our programme uses the latest LMI information for the area to ensure that any activities have the latest information embedded. Including using the latest LMI information published by the Careers Hub.
For Further Information about the Local Labour Market please visit the ‘Portal’ on the following link to explore further into what the LMI information for Blackburn with Darwen is like and what the future may look like.
Lancashire Careers Hub – LMI Portal (Blackburn with Darwen)
Lancashire Careers Hub – LMI Portal (Burnley & Pendle)
Lancashire Careers Hub – LMI Portal (Preston, Chorley & South Ribble)
Information for Staff
Staff at The Heights have access to the school Shared drive, in which the Careers Leader regularly uploads career information and LMI Resources. The Careers Lead regular shares updates and resources throughout the school year as and when information is available via email or meeting with Key staff such as Subject / Department Leads
Staff are updated by the Careers Leader weekly with upcoming CEIAG events during Friday Briefing – The Careers Leader has a regular slot during various points in the academic year including INSET to update and work with the wider staff body to update on the latest developments in the CEIAG sector including any policy changes, external speakers including the Careers Hub support the Careers CPD programme.
The Careers Lead meets on a regular basis with the School’s Deputy Headteacher – who oversees the Curriculum and works closely with the Subject Leads to support the wider work of CEIAG in school.
Information for Employers
In order to support our vision of helping our students find their purpose, we need the support of both the public and private sectors. The careers programme is the bridge between education and employment. Therefore our students need to understand what skills and qualifications are required to be successful in the workplace.
To arrange a meeting or to offer support for the school’s vision, you can contact Ross Doohan (Careers Lead) via email at ross.doohan@theheightsfreeschool.org
Equality and Diversity within the Programme
CEIAG is provided to all students and provision is made to allow all students to access the Careers curriculum. Students are encouraged to follow career pathways that suit their interests, skills and strengths with the absence of stereotypes. All students are provided with the opportunities that reflect their needs to find a suitable career progression pathway.
