Agenda item

This report presents the final report from the CEIAG Scrutiny Review and asks Cabinet to approve the recommendations arising from the review. The Chair of the appropriate Scrutiny Committee will be attending the meeting to present the final report.

Resolved:           That Cabinet approve the recommendations arising from the scrutiny review of Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) as set out in paragraphs 7 to 9 of the report.

Reason:              To conclude the Scrutiny Review in line with CYC Scrutiny procedures and protocols.

Consideration was given to the final report from the Careers Education Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) Scrutiny Review, at Appendix 1 of the report. A review set up to assess the standard of CEIAG for young people in York, and where appropriate to identify improvements.

Cllr Reid, as Chair of the Learning and Culture Overview Committee presented the report giving details of the Task Groups work on the review, consultation undertaken and input received from young people. Cabinet were asked to support the recommendations.

Cllr Scott spoke as the report author confirming the timeliness of the scrutiny review with OFSTED also carrying out a review of CEIAG and coming to similar conclusions. He reported on the enthusiasm of schools and careers and connexions advisers. He pointed out that many of the recommendations only required promotion however it had been noted that as careers advice was now school based the Council’s ability to action some of the final recommendations was limited.

The Chair referred to the suggested development of a charter mark confirming that the criteria should be developed in conjunction with the Cabinet Member. It was questioned whether career guidance could or should be directed to meet the ‘skills gap’.

The Cabinet Member expressed her full support for the review and its recommendations particularly as careers advice was key to young people and should be provided much earlier as had been suggested.

Members thanked the Task Group for the compilation of an excellent, relevant and topical report on what was an integral part of the curriculum.

Resolved:           That Cabinet approve the recommendations arising from the scrutiny review of Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) as set out below and in detail in paragraphs 7 to 9 of the report:

i.    The final report together with an executive summary be provided to the following:

•       All Head Teachers at all York secondary schools

•       To employers in the CYC business forum

•       Training Providers

•       National Apprenticeship Service

•       Partner Agencies (North Yorkshire Business Education Partnership, Science Learning Centres)

•       York College

•       All Governors

•       PTA’s

•       School Councils and the Schools Council

•       Local Authority Representatives ( e.g. CYC 14-19 Manager, CYC Youth Support Service Manager, CYC Strategic Resourcing) ^1.

ii.         Champion recommendations 5-10 below and seek both to raise awareness of them and the need for good quality careers advice.  ^2.

iii.       Develop criteria that embody recommendations 5 -10 below for good careers advice and; ^3.

iv.       Develop some form of CYC charter mark that can be awarded to schools that meets the criteria recommended above (following the publication of the forthcoming report on the recent Ofsted review referred to in paragraph 4 above). ^4.

v.        Each young person should be offered a career interview. ^5.

vi.       There is a need to provide greater scope for involvement by employers in schools – see paragraph 63 of final report. ^6.

vii.     Schools should ensure that all young people are provided with advice and the necessary support to access vocational options and apprenticeships – see paragraphs 66-68 of final report. ^7.

viii.    CYC website should provide a quick and easy link to careers advice for young people through the Young People’s zone at the YorOk website.  It could also provide links to other recommended websites – see paragraph 69 of final report. ^8.

ix.       Taster days for 6th form and college should be introduced and aimed at young people in year 10 – see paragraph 71 of final report. ^9.

x.        At the end of Year 11 a letter should be sent to every young person at their home address that sets out the support services available to them including Castlegate to ensure they are aware of the services on offer, where they are and how to access them – see paragraph 72 of final report. ^10.

Reason:              To conclude the Scrutiny Review in line with CYC Scrutiny procedures and protocols.