Chingford Foundation School

Careers Information Advice & Guidance

A Stable School Careers Programme

At Chingford Foundation School, our Careers Education programme is designed to inform, inspire, and motivate students, preparing them for future careers and helping them understand the diverse education and training pathways available to them. From Year 7 onward, we ensure that every student receives the guidance and support needed to make well-informed decisions about their future. Our strong partnerships with a range of employers and education providers help us deliver valuable real-world insights and opportunities throughout the academic year.
Our Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) programme is integral to supporting students in making a successful transition from school to the world of work. This guidance is supported by teachers, parents, professionals, and advisory agencies, and follows the statutory guidance set out by the Department for Education. At Chingford Foundation School, we are committed to delivering high-quality career guidance, as outlined by the Gatsby Benchmarks, ensuring students are confident, well-informed, and proactive in their career decisions.
We are dedicated to providing independent and impartial careers advice to all students, fostering a culture of high expectations and personal achievement. Our careers programme evolves with our students, recognising that their interests and aspirations may change over time. We offer a broad range of career-related experiences, including encounters with various industries, to help students explore their options and develop the skills needed for their long-term ambitions. Through the curriculum, pastoral support, and extracurricular activities, we ensure that every student has the tools and advice to pursue their goals with confidence.

Careers Team (ID 1364)

 

 

 

 

 

Careers for all year groups

Our school has a careers programme for all year groups, accessible to teachers, students, parents, governors, and employers through the school website. The programme includes careers lessons, form time activities, visits, and workshops. Additionally, an attachment below contains the Careers Programme, Careers Policy documents, and the Access Provider Statement.

CFS Careers Policy 2024

Access Provider Statement

Careers Learning Journey

Labour from Career and Labour Market Information

Labour Market Information (LMI) is a valuable resource for exploring local job opportunities, understanding the skills needed for specific roles, and forecasting future employment trends. It simplifies the job market by offering details on various careers, entry paths, salary expectations, required skills and qualifications, and more.

LMI is especially beneficial for young people, as it highlights the skills needed for future jobs after school. By providing clear and up-to-date insights, LMI helps make career planning, job searching, progression, and career changes easier to navigate, allowing individuals to make informed decisions and plan their futures effectively.

Start - Explore Waltham Forest (Waltham Forest Labour Market Information)

Labour Market Indicators – London Datastore  Compare working hours and average salaries of job roles within the UK 

Skillsometer | Careermap (Explore the job market and job options with Skillsometer)

Addressing the needs of each young person

Post 14 options

Post 16  options

Post 18 Information 

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS

Linking Curriculum Learning to Careers

Teachers incorporate career links into their subject areas, helping students understand the range of job opportunities available. Without this knowledge, students may struggle to choose the right career path. By including careers information in lessons, students can recognise the variety of roles they could pursue. While they often know which subjects they enjoy, they may not know the careers that align with those interests. Additionally, lessons can focus on developing key employability skills such as presentation, teamwork, and leadership.

Encounters with Employers and Employees

At Chingford Foundation School, students have regular encounters with employers through a variety of activities, including in-person and virtual talks during assemblies and hands-on workshops. One of the key events is our annual Ambitions Day, where employers from various industries deliver talks and presentations about their roles. These sessions also provide valuable labour market information, helping students to make informed decisions about their post-16 and post-18 destinations. This initiative ensures that students gain direct insight into the world of work and understand the range of career opportunities available to them.

Collaboration with External Providers and Stakeholders

If you're keen to make a difference and inspire the next generation, there are several ways you can get involved. Depending on your time and availability, you could give a brief presentation, assist with mock interviews, or provide a work experience placement. Whether you're an alumnus, a local professional, or someone with a passion for your field, we’d love to hear from you. If you're interested, please reach out to us at careers@chingfordfs.org.uk or fill in this form.

Experiences of Workplaces

All Year 10 students participate in a work experience initiative called 'Bring Your Child to Work,' which takes place over two days during the Summer Term. This provides students with the opportunity to gain first hand experience in the workplace by accompanying their parents or close relatives to their place of employment. The aim is for students to develop new skills, increase their confidence, and gain a better understanding of working life. To support this, we hold a Next Steps information evening in the Spring Term, where parents and students are provided with clear information on the expectations and procedures for this valuable experience.

Year 12 students participate in a week-long work experience placement during the Summer Term. Students are encouraged to find a placement that aligns with their career aspirations, ensuring the organisation adheres to health, safety, and safeguarding procedures. This opportunity allows Year 12 students to further develop their skills, gain industry insight, and enhance their future career prospects.

Additionally, throughout the year, various school trips are organised for all year groups, where students have the opportunity to visit different workplaces. These trips provide valuable exposure to various industries, allowing students to explore potential career paths and gain a deeper understanding of the working world.

Encounters with Further Education

At Chingford Foundation School, we are committed to ensuring that all students have a clear understanding of the wide range of learning opportunities available to them after Year 11 and beyond. We believe that exploring post-16 and post-18 pathways is crucial in helping students make informed decisions about their future.
To support this, we host a variety of events each year designed to connect our pupils with further educational opportunities. Our Future Ambitions Day and Careers Fair provide students with the chance to meet representatives from local sixth form colleges, universities, and independent training providers. These events give students valuable insights into different pathways, including academic routes, vocational training, apprenticeships, and more.

Through these initiatives, we aim to empower our pupils to make confident choices about their futures and to help them navigate the exciting opportunities that await after they leave Chingford Foundation School.

Personal Guidance

At Chingford Foundation School, we are committed to providing all our pupils with appropriate career guidance tailored to their individual needs. Our in-house Careers Adviser, A registered Career Development Professional from the Careers Development Institute, works closely with students to support their career development and future aspirations.
All pupils have the opportunity to request a one-on-one meeting with the Trust Careers Adviser via email at Careers@Chingfordfs.org.uk.  In addition, Year 10 and Year 12 students will have scheduled termly appointments to ensure they receive guidance as they prepare for their next steps. 
Pupils can also be identified for careers meetings based on specific needs or through self-referral, and meetings can be arranged through the Trust Careers Adviser and Coordinator.

Gallery

On 9th December 2024, Chingford Foundation School hosted its Careers Ambitions Day, providing students with a range of career-related activities led by employers, business owners, local businesses, alumni, and educational institutions. Students had the opportunity to engage with a diverse group of employers, including the BBC, NHS, HSBC, Greystar, Transport for London, and professionals from the law, business, and finance sectors. A series of assemblies were delivered by local sixth form and further education colleges, such as Leyton Sixth Form College and Capital City College Group, as well as by Universities including City University of London, University of East London, University of Hertfordshire, and University of Portsmouth.

Future's Ambition Day

Support & Careers Advice During School Holidays

If you need help or advice over the school holidays or when the school is closed please contact: National Careers Service - Careers Advice Number on 0800 100 900​

  • Open 8am – 8pm Monday – Friday
  • 10am – 5pm Saturdays and Bank Holidays
  • Closed: Sundays Christmas Day and New Year’s Day

Website design by Greenhouse School Websites

↑