Red Balloon Norwich provider access policy statement

Under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997 and the Skills and Post-16 Education Act 2022 we have a duty to provide pupils in Years 8-13 with access to providers of post-14, post-16 and post-18 education and training. This policy statement sets out how we manage access requests from these providers.

What are pupils entitled to?

Pupils in Years 8 to 12 are entitled to:

• Learn more about technical education qualifications and apprenticeship opportunities, as part of a careers programme which informs pupils of the full range of education and training options available to them at each transition point.
• Hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities on offer, for example, technical education and apprenticeships – this can be achieved through options evenings, assemblies, group discussions, and taster events.
• Understand how to apply to the full range of academic and technical courses available to them.

All pupils in Years 8 to 13 will receive at least six encounters with accredited providers of technical education and apprenticeships. These encounters will be divided accordingly:

• During the first phase (Year 8 to Year 9) all pupils must attend two mandatory sessions by accredited providers
• During the second phase (Year 10 and 11) all pupils must attend two mandatory sessions by accredited providers
• During the third phase (Year 12) there will two sessions by accredited providers – these will be optional for pupils to attend [Please note that it is mandatory for the school to put these specific sessions on; however, attendance is optional for pupils.]

What opportunities are provided to allow access to pupils?

Via our school careers programme, we offer providers numerous opportunities throughout the school year to speak to pupils and/or their parents.

These sessions will be scheduled during the school’s main opening hours.

The school offers the six provider encounters that are legally required.

During these sessions, at a minimum, providers will be given enough time to:

• Share information about the provider and the approved technical qualifications and apprenticeships they offer.
• Explain what career routes these qualifications and apprenticeships could lead to.
• Provide insights into what it might be like to learn or train with that provider.
• Answer pupils’ questions.

Which providers have previously been invited to the school?

In previous terms and academic years, the school has invited the following providers to speak to pupils:

• City College Norwich
• Action Community Enterprise
• St-Edmunds Society

Last year 2023/2024 83.3% of Red Balloon – Norwich leavers moved on to a range of providers and apprenticeship providers in the local area after finishing school.

Who should providers contact to discuss events and options?

Providers can speak to our qualified careers guidance practitioner, Siobhan -Whiddett to discuss possible attendance at relevant events.

Our Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy sets out the school’s approach to allowing providers into school to speak to our pupils.

What can providers expect once a request has been accepted?

Once we have approved a provider, we will work with them to identify the best method for providing access to our pupils.

We will make an allocated space available to host discussions between providers and pupils. We will also make presentation equipment, such as projectors and televisions, available to providers.

Arrangements will be discussed in advance between our qualified careers guidance  and a nominated member of the provider’s team.

Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus and other relevant course literature with Red Balloon Norwich school staff.

How are complaints regarding provider access managed?

If you have a complaint relating to the school’s provider access arrangements, you can raise it in line with the school’s Complaints Procedures Policy or you can contact The Careers and Enterprise Company directly on provideraccess@careersandenterprise.co.uk.

Approval and review

This policy statement was approved by the trustee board on: 21/05/2025

The next review will take place on: 21/05/2026

For more information about provider access, schools can read our Provider Access: All You Need to Know guidance article.