October 14th 2026Policy Statement on Provider Access
Introduction
This policy statement sets out the school’s arrangements for managing the access of providers to pupils at the school for the purpose of giving them information about the provider’s education or training offer. This complies with the school’s legal obligations under Section 42B of the Education Act 1997.
Pupil Entitlement
All pupils in years 7-11 are entitled:
- to find out about technical education qualifications and apprenticeships opportunities, as part of a careers programme which provides information on the full range of education and training options available at each transition point;
- to hear from a range of local providers about the opportunities they offer, including technical education and apprenticeships – through options events, assemblies and group discussions and taster events;
- to understand how to make applications for the full range of academic and technical courses.
Management of Provider Access Requests
Procedure
A provider wishing to request access should contact
Ms E Read, Telephone: 01843862988; Email: eread@cds.kent.sch.uk
Opportunities For Access
A number of events, integrated into the school careers programme, will offer providers an opportunity to come into school to speak to pupils and/or their parents/carers. All provider will be subject to safeguarding checks and procedures as per The Charles Dickens External Visitors Policy.
Please contact our Careers Coordinator, E Read (eread@cds.kent.sch.uk) to identify the most suitable opportunity and to become involved with our programme.
Premises and Facilities
The school will make the main hall, classrooms or private meeting rooms available for discussions between the provider and students, as appropriate to the activity. The school will also make available AV and other specialist equipment to support provider presentations. This will all be discussed and agreed in advance of the visit with the Careers Leader or a member of their team.
Providers are welcome to leave a copy of their prospectus or other relevant course literature at the Careers Resource Centres, which is managed by the Careers Coordinator and can be found in the Year 7-11 Learning Resource Centre. The Year 7-11 Learning Resource Centre is available to all students before school, at break and lunch times, and after school until 4pm.
