WORCESTER’s MP has welcomed a new drive to nurture the aspirations of primary school children in the city and beyond.
Robin Walker, who also chairs Parliament’s Education Select Committee, gave the thumbs up to a new careers programme especially for primary school pupils
Evidence shows children start to form ideas about their future as they start primary school. By linking lessons in an age-appropriate way to different careers, training and skills, the programme will bring learning alive and inspire pupils about the world of work.
It will also provide opportunities for pupils to meet employers and role models from a range of industries, helping to raise aspirations and link their learning to future skills, jobs and careers.
A change in the law will also see all year eight to 13 pupils have at least six opportunities to meet a range of providers of technical education.
By hearing directly from training providers, pupils will get to understand the full range of opportunities available to them, including apprenticeships, T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications, not just a traditional academic route.
The primary school scheme will be rolled out across 55 disadvantaged areas of the country where school outcomes are the weakest and have been for some time.
It will support more than 600,000 pupils in 2,200 primary schools, giving them the kick start they need to boost their ambitions.
“As Minister for School Standards I oversaw the Education White Paper which set out improving careers guidance as an aspiration,” Mr Walker said.
“More does need to be done on careers from primary school age and I am glad here in Worcester we have a good story to tell on this.
“I’ve been proud to take part in careers events at Cranham Primary and Perry Wood Primary Academy and I know Worcestershire’s careers hub is one of the top performers in the country.”
“I look forward to the government’s programme expanding from these pilots and being rolled out in Worcester in the future.
“In the meantime I will continue to engage with schools to ensure that young people in my constituency have access to the information that will inspire them onto a path towards a successful and rewarding career,” he added.
