Longcause School Careers Policy Statement including Provider Access Policy Statement  

(To include The Department of Education, July 2021: “Baker Clause” and the Provider Access Legislation, January 2023)

Ownership: Longcause

Date updated: December 2025

Introduction   

Careers Intent - building fulfilled Lives. 

Building Fulfilled Lives now and beyond Longcause

We believe that every young person deserves a future filled with purpose, connection, and joy. Our careers and life skills curriculum is designed not just to prepare pupils for employment or education, but to help them build a life they value—one that includes meaningful relationships, personal growth, and active participation in their community.

Context: 

At Longcause Community Special School, our careers curriculum is designed to empower pupils with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to transition successfully into adulthood. We provide a highly personalised, aspirational, and inclusive programme that reflects our pupils’ individual needs, interests, and abilities. Our approach is rooted in the Gatsby Benchmarks and aligned with the Preparing for Adulthood framework.

 Key Principles

• Person-Centred Planning: Every pupil’s pathway is shaped by their strengths, interests, and aspirations.

• Real-World Learning: We embed practical experiences and community engagement throughout the curriculum.

• Therapeutic and Inclusive Practice: Careers education is delivered in a way that supports emotional regulation, communication, and independence.

• Purposeful Progression: Every activity, lesson, and opportunity is designed to be meaningful—helping pupils build skills that matter for their future and make sense in their lives.

• Celebrating Pride and Achievement:

We foster a culture where pupils feel proud of who they are and what they accomplish. Success is recognised in all its forms, from small steps to big milestones.

Preparing for Post-16 Pathways

We work closely with Post 16 providers to ensure a smooth transition for our pupils. 

For example: Pathways for Progression City College, Millford, Eat That Frog, Cann Bridge 

• Pupils benefit from familiar environments and routines that mirror Longcause’s structure.

• Travel training and supported transport planning help pupils navigate their new settings safely.

• Emotional regulation strategies and trusted adult relationships are maintained across settings.

• Pupils are supported to explore supported employment, volunteering, and vocational pathways with adult guidance.

Skills for Adulthood

Our careers curriculum also includes:

• Personal Development: Self-esteem, emotional literacy, and resilience-building.

• Independent Living Skills: Hygiene routines, food and drink management, leaving the house safely.

• Digital Safety: Online behaviour and responsibility.

• Community Engagement: Asking for help, navigating public spaces, and recognising safe adults.

• Predictable Routines and Hobbies exploring hobbies and interests that bring joy, structure, and purpose to their lives.

•  Self-Awareness and Personal Growth by understanding how they learn best, what motivates them, and where their strengths lie.

Experiences of workplaces 

Our Careers Lead works closely with Duct2 and the Careers Hub to ensure pupils access meaningful and appropriate workplace experiences tailored to their individual pathways. These experiences include:

• Friary Mill Bakery – learning about food production and packaging

• National Marine Aquarium – exploring conservation, hospitality, and customer service roles

• Plymouth Bus Station – understanding public transport operations and travel safety

• Sherford Construction Site – gaining insight into construction, planning, and site safety

• Merafield View Nursing Home - explore careers available in the care sector

These visits are carefully planned and supported by trusted adults to ensure pupils feel safe, engaged, and inspired by real-world opportunities.

This ensures that every pupil’s career journey is safe, supported, and aspirational.