This report by Northumbria University looks at current provision of career-related learning in English primary schools and calls for a nationwide approach to providing careers education in primary schools.
Career-related learning (CRL) encompasses the wide range of activities provided by schools to give children experiences of and exposure to education, transitions and the world of work. It supports pupils to broaden their horizons and aspirations and develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to be successful, regardless of their starting point.
Statutory guidance says only schools catering for pupils in Key Stage 3 (aged 11 to 14) and above need to offer careers education and guidance. However, research shows that children understand jobs exist from around the age of three or four and begin to form ideas about their futures when they are a young as five or six.
However, this report outlines a need and willingness to provide career-related learning in primary schools. There are many schools that could do with more support. Children in all schools should be to able to access high-quality career-related learning from an early age. The report suggests that a structure is needed to help primary schools do this better and provide consistent learning across the curriculum.
It says the adapted set of benchmarks for primary schools proposed by the North East LEP as part of its primary pilot would provide that structure, and deliver the additional support primary schools need to provide effective careers education and guidance.