NAHT is supporting the launch today (24 June) of the National Endorsement of Primary School Careers Education Awards – bringing the highest quality careers education and advice to support children’s aspirations.   

As a founding member of the Quality in Careers Consortium, NAHT is supporting the new National Endorsement to recognise the importance of careers education in primary schools.   

Paul Whiteman, general secretary of the professional association and union representing school leaders, NAHT, said: “In times of uncertainty and change, the need to inspire our next generation is more important than ever. The earlier young people’s aspirations are raised and broadened, the better. Good careers education, advice and guidance should create ‘lightbulb moments’ for young people, making the connection between their studies and the opportunities that await them beyond the school gates.   

“Whilst secondary school has traditionally been the phase for careers education to take place, the evidence shows that career aspirations vary very little between the ages of seven and 17, which suggests starting earlier is essential.     

“That’s why NAHT has put so much effort into the Primary Futures programme, which brings volunteers from the world of work into schools, and why – as members of the Quality in Careers Consortium – we fully support the national Quality in Careers Standard, which impacts positively upon students’ career-related learning in secondary schools, special schools and middle schools.     

“High quality careers education, advice and guidance is essential for all pupils in all schools, and we are very pleased to be working within the Consortium on the potential impact it can have in the primary school sector too.”   

Paul Chubb MBE, National Director for the Quality in Careers Consortium said: “With an ever-increasing focus on careers and the importance of starting early, it’s likely that more focus will be placed on developing careers education in the primary curriculum.   

“Through the process of National Endorsement, the Consortium is seeking to ensure that a structure for improving quality, based upon existing good practice, is in place from the outset. This may in due course lead to the creation of a fully-fledged national standard (perhaps to be known as the ‘Quality in Careers Standard for Primary Schools’) as practice develops. The Consortium and the Department for Education will keep this under review.    

“National Endorsement of an existing primary school careers education award, by the Quality in Careers Consortium, will promote consistency between awarding bodies in the quality criteria they use, and we will provide objective confirmation that their approach fulfils the aims of careers education.    

“National Endorsement also supports the Consortium’s priorities, including strengthening the connections between careers education and the whole curriculum; promoting continued innovation and creativity in approaches to pupils’ careers education and support; encouraging primary schools with the highest quality of careers education to be influencers; and improving public understanding of the benefits of beginning careers education in the primary school years.”    

The following six awarding bodies offer a primary school careers education award, and have confirmed they want to seek national endorsement: CSW Group, C + K Careers, Complete Careers, Hull & East Yorkshire LEP, Ixion, and Positive Steps. All six are also awarding bodies for the national Quality in Careers Standard for secondary schools and colleges.  

• The Quality in Careers Standard is the national quality award for careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) in secondary schools, colleges and work-based learning. It is accessible in England, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands and is fully aligned with the Gatsby Benchmarks for “Good Career Guidance”. It fully complies with the Department for Education’s statutory guidance.  More information is at https://www.qualityincareers.org.uk .