A strategy for young people’s information, advice and guidance

In October 2009, the Government published a strategy for young people’s information, advice and guidance (IAG): Quality, choice and aspiration.

The strategy places schools and colleges at the heart of IAG and careers education delivery. All pupils are to be guaranteed access to high quality careers education and IAG so they can make informed choices about learning, work and lifestyles and are well supported during transitions.

Click here to download a copy of "Quality, Choice and Aspiration".

Statutory Guidance: Impartial Careers Education

Alongside the new IAG strategy, the Government also published statutory guidance to support schools in their statutory duty to provide impartial careers education. The document sets out the six principles for good-quality, impartial careers education. Namely that it empowers young people to plan and manage their futures, helps young people to progress and raise their aspirations.

The guidance is principally targeted at senior leaders in schools. It provides head teachers with a 12-point checklist, including the need to appoint a senior member of staff to take specific responsibility for careers education and IAG. This resource can be used when assessing the effectiveness of the careers education provision in their schools.

Statutory Guidance: Impartial Careers Education Resources Pack

In January 2010 the government published a Resource Pack to help schools meet the challenges set out in the strategy; deliver the new legislative requirements and Statutory Guidance. It contains a range of practical resource materials designed to provide support to schools in the delivery of high quality careers education. All of these materials can be downloaded as PDF files from the Careers Education and IAG Support Programme’s website. They can also be ordered from DCSF Publications.

Training and Development Agency for Schools

The TDA has developed several online continuing professional development (CPD) resources that clarify the recent 14-19 reforms and identify sources of specialist IAG to help support students. They are designed to help teachers provide accurate information and talk through students' choices with them. Sections include helping teachers to embed IAG within subject delivery, teacher and school responsibilities with regard to IAG and the benefits of IAG for students. There are also case studies and CPD session materials to help teachers deliver IAG. The resources are all available from TDA at: www.tda.gov.uk/teachers/iag/ceg.

The 14 - 19 Workforce Support site provides guidance and support. In particular there is advice and information around qualification, including the diplomas and apprenticeships. Click here to find out more.

The Directgov website provides further materials which shchools may find helpful in the education and learning sections. Click here to find out more.