Teachers

Teachers

Teaching careers to children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at Ifield is a rewarding experience. We follow the Gatsby Benchmarks which are a framework for teaching Careers education. This page will introduce you to the Gatsby Benchmarks and provide guidance on teaching careers effectively to students with SEND.

The Gatsby Benchmarks

The Gatsby Benchmarks are a set of guidelines developed by the Gatsby Charitable Foundation to help schools and colleges in England provide high-quality Careers guidance and education. These benchmarks serve as a framework for schools to improve their Careers programs. There are eight Gatsby Benchmarks, each focusing on a different aspect of Careers education:

1. A stable Careers programme: Ensure that your school has a stable and well-defined careers programme in place.
2. Learning from Career and Local Labour Market Information: Help students understand the world of work by providing access to labour market information and career resources.
3. Addressing the needs of each pupil: Tailor your career guidance to the individual needs of each student, including those with SEND.
4. Linking curriculum learning to Careers: Show students how their classroom learning connects to future careers and the real world.
5. Encounters with employers and employees: Facilitate encounters with professionals through career fairs, workplace visits, and guest speakers.
6. Experiences of Workplaces: Provide opportunities for students to gain first-hand experience of workplaces.
7. Encounters with Further and Higher Education: Offer guidance on post-16 and post-19 options, including further education and university.
8. Personal Guidance: Ensure that each student has access to personalised career guidance, which is especially important for those with SEND.

Teaching Careers to Pupils with SEND at Ifield school

Pupils at Ifield require an individualised approach to their Careers curriculum, which is also adapted according to their Key Stage and Pathway. In order to personalise the curriculum, we must understand a pupil’s individual abilities, interests and needs, then tailor our guidance accordingly. Through the EHCP process, both parents and pupils will be able to discuss their aspirations for the future and this is also an opportunity as a school to share how we can support these.

Pupils in Key Stage Three will follow the Careers plans available in the shared area with some suggested activities. Where possible, these plans have utilised visual aids, videos and interactive resources to make career information more accessible and engaging. Some pupils will have sensory sensitivities and therefore some teaching activities and materials may need to be adapted accordingly.

Pupils in Key Stage Four and Five will follow the My Employability Passport programme where key information in the passport is broken down into short manageable chunks and videos are provided that use clear and simple language.

Seek Guidance

If you have any concerns about teaching careers to students with SEND or need additional support, don't hesitate to reach out to Suzann Mason, Careers Lead.

Remember, every student has the potential to explore and pursue meaningful careers. With the right guidance and support, you can help students with SEND make informed decisions about their future paths. Together, we can empower them to reach their full potential.