What does the new Provider Access Legislation mean for schools?
10 February 2023
The ‘Provider Access Legislation’ came into force in January 2023. The provisions require that schools (maintained and academies) must provide at least six encounters with providers of technical education or apprenticeships for all their students during school years 8-13.
This is an important element of improving knowledge of technical pathways. The aim is that all pathways are promoted equally.
The first four encounters are mandatory for all registered pupils (not just select groups) to attend:
- two in school years 8 or 9
- two in school years 10 or 11 (held between 1 September and 28 February if for pupils in year 9 or year 11)
- Schools will also be required to put on two encounters for pupils in school years 12 or 13 (held between 1 September and 28 February for pupils in year 13) that are mandatory for the school to put on but optional for pupils to attend.
What should schools be doing now?
- Checking your careers timetable/calendar and ensuring you are meeting the encounter obligations
- Review the relevant statutory guidance, Ofsted handbook and understand your duties
- Doing your due diligence on the providers to ensure they meet the requirements, and they can provide the necessary ‘meaningful’ encounters
- Update your policy statement – set out the circumstances in which the education and training providers will be given access to pupils
- Publish your policy statement – either as part of or alongside your careers programme – this should be on your school website (each academy within a MAT should have one)
- Set review dates for the policy statement
It is important that schools take action to get the above in place. The DfE will be able to take action to respond to cases of non-compliance and the Ofsted inspection handbook has been strengthened to take PAL into account.
Lack of engagement in this area can have significant impact on a school’s grading. Given the implications of not getting this right it would be wise to make use of guidance available and seek further advice where necessary.
Key contact
Laura Murphy
Associate
Laura.murphy@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)115 908 4886
Contact Laura
Related expertise
You may be interested in...
19 April 2024
Legal Update
Understanding the ICO's new fining guidance
19 April 2024
Legal Update
7 ways academy trusts can prepare for the new Corporate Transparency Act
23 May 2024
Online Event
School complaints: handling problem parent behaviour
18 April 2024
Press Release - Firm news
Three newly-qualified solicitors join Browne Jacobson’s education team
12 July 2024
In Person Event
National Governance Conference for schools and trusts
15 April 2024
Podcast - #EdInfluence
#EdInfluence podcast (series 3) - in conversation with inspiring leaders
11 April 2024
Opinion
Can teachers personal and political views amount to misconduct?
10 April 2024
Legal Update
New leadership for our education team
10 April 2024
Press Release - Firm news
Browne Jacobson announces Nick MacKenzie to succeed Mark Blois as head of Browne Jacobson’s education team
08 April 2024
Legal Update
Changes to academy conversion funding
08 April 2024
Legal Update
Holiday pay: Government change clarifies treatment of term time only workers
04 April 2024
Legal Update
All change at Companies House - Corporate Transparency Act
09 May 2024
Online Event
Understanding the changing role of company secretary for academy trusts
02 April 2024
Legal Update
Cyber-attacks in UK universities: Why failing to prepare is no longer an option
21 March 2024
Opinion
School attendance matters
11 March 2024
Legal Update
Not quite a blanket ban on mobile phones in schools: DfE guidance insights
07 March 2024
Legal Update
Charity law update – March 2024
06 March 2024
Opinion
Caregivers at work: Navigating new carer's leave regulations
04 March 2024
Legal Update
Updated guidance for collaborative learning delivery in higher education
01 March 2024
Opinion
EHRC publishes new guidance on menopause and the workplace
17 September 2024
In Person Event
Child protection in Education – London
13 June 2024
In Person Event
Leading Safeguarding 2024 - London
15 May 2024
In Person Event
Optimus: HR update and people strategy
14 February 2024
Legal Update - Be Connected (schools)
Be Connected (schools and academy trusts) - February 2024
09 February 2024
Legal Update
Ofsted reform: Where are we now and where do we go from here?
09 February 2024
Legal Update
New case on the reasonable adjustment duty for pupils in schools
09 February 2024
Legal Update
What does the new gender questioning guidance mean for schools?
07 February 2024
Legal Update
How do holiday pay reforms affect the education sector?
30 January 2024
Legal Update - Building Safety Act
Do your campus buildings comply with the latest legislation?
29 January 2024
Published Article
Proactive handling of vexatious complaints and abuse of staff in schools
26 January 2024
Legal Update
Subsidy control: Guide to streamlined routes for universities
23 January 2024
Legal Update
Data protection in higher education: what to expect in 2024
19 January 2024
Legal Update
Installing EV charge points on university campuses
12 January 2024
Legal Update
Holiday reforms: What employers need to know
10 January 2024
Legal Update
Employment law in 2024: How changes impact education
05 January 2024
Legal Update
Backpay for leavers: Employers risk unlawful deduction from wages claims
12 December 2023
Published Article
Navigating parental complaints in turbulent times
12 December 2023
Legal Update
Inspector conduct – what will Ofsted do about it?
11 December 2023
Legal Update
School staff pay – how are academies responding to national recommendations?
08 December 2023