Information for Pupils
Information for Parents and Carers
Parents and carers play a key role in supporting pupils’ career development at The Heights. They are invited to attend careers interviews where appropriate and are actively involved in key transition processes, including SEND reviews, EHCP annual reviews, and Looked After Children (LAC) reviews.
The SENDCo, Designated Safeguarding Leads and Careers Lead meet regularly to identify and coordinate appropriate interventions and support for pupils with additional needs, ensuring a joined-up approach to progression planning.
Parents and carers receive regular updates from the Careers Lead via email and text, including information about upcoming events, opportunities and key careers milestones. Throughout the academic year, they are also invited into school to meet with the Careers Team, who provide tailored support to help meet the needs of individual pupils and families.
Communication with parents and carers is maintained through a range of methods, including the school website, letters, leaflets, consultation events and parent evenings, ensuring information is accessible and up to date.
The school also works closely with the local careers service, New Directions, which provides impartial information, advice and guidance to young people and their families across Blackburn with Darwen. New Directions supports pupils in progressing into employment, education or training.
Our linked Careers Adviser from New Directions is Janet Hope-Holden. Appointments can be arranged via the Careers Lead, Mr Doohan, and are also available during careers events and parents’ evenings.
New Directions can provide guidance on:
- Employment opportunities
- College courses, including A Levels, T Levels and vocational programmes
- Apprenticeships and traineeships
- Training and development courses
- Volunteering opportunities
- Future career planning and aspirations
This service is available to all pupils throughout the year, ensuring consistent access to impartial advice and guidance at key decision-making points
Parents / Carers can contact Janet via the school office at enquiries@heightsblackburn-ept.com
Further information about the school careers programme can be found in the Parent/Carers guide below:
Labour Market Information (LMI):
At The Heights, Blackburn, we ensure our careers programme is informed by the most up-to-date Labour Market Information (LMI) for the local area. This enables us to embed current and relevant insights into all CEIAG activities, including data and guidance provided by the Careers Hub.
For further information about the local labour market, please visit the ‘Portal’ via the link below to explore current trends and future opportunities within Blackburn with Darwen
Lancashire Careers Hub – LMI Portal (Blackburn with Darwen)
Lancashire Careers Hub – LMI Portal (Burnley & Pendle)
Lancashire Careers Hub – LMI Portal (Preston, Chorley & South Ribble)
Information for Staff
Staff at The Heights have access to a shared drive where the Careers Lead regularly uploads up-to-date careers information and Labour Market Information (LMI) resources. Key updates, guidance and resources are also shared throughout the academic year via email and through meetings with key staff, including Subject and Department Leads.
Staff receive regular updates from the Careers Lead on upcoming CEIAG events during Friday Briefings. In addition, the Careers Lead has a scheduled input at various points in the academic year, including INSET days, to support whole-staff development and provide updates on current developments in the CEIAG sector, including policy changes and external input. Careers Hub partners also contribute to the ongoing careers CPD programme.
The Careers Lead meets regularly with Curriculum Leaders, who oversee curriculum areas and work closely with Subject Leads to ensure CEIAG is effectively embedded across the curriculum and supported through high-quality teaching and learning.
Information for Employers
To support our vision of helping pupils identify and achieve their future goals, we work in partnership with both public and private sector organisations. Our careers programme acts as a bridge between education and employment, ensuring pupils develop a clear understanding of the skills, qualifications and attributes required for success in the workplace.
We actively engage with employers and external partners to enhance opportunities and strengthen the relevance of our provision.
To arrange a meeting or offer support for the school’s careers vision, please contact Ross Doohan (Careers Lead) via email.
rdoohan@heightsblackburn-ept.com
Equality and Diversity within the Programme
Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is delivered to all pupils, with appropriate provision in place to ensure full access to the careers curriculum. Pupils are supported to explore and pursue pathways aligned to their interests, skills and strengths, free from bias or stereotyping. The programme provides tailored opportunities and guidance to meet individual needs, enabling every pupil to identify and progress towards a suitable and sustainable career pathway.
