National Church OF England Academy

How Parents and Carers can support their child with careers education and guidance

Why parents/carers matter

Parents and carers play a crucial role in shaping young people’s aspirations and confidence. You do not need to be an expert in careers or qualifications to help. What matters most is listening, encouraging exploration, and helping your child make informed choices at key transition points.

 

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1. Have regular, positive careers conversations

• Talk little and often about school subjects, interests, and achievements.

• Ask open questions such as:

  • What do you enjoy learning about?

  • What are you proud of this term?

  • What would you like to find out more about?

• Avoid pressuring your child into a single pathway too early. Careers develop over time.

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2. Encourage exploration of all pathways

Young people benefit from understanding the full range of post-16 and post-18 options, including:

• Sixth form and college courses

• Apprenticeships and technical education

• Employment with training

• University and degree apprenticeships

Balanced information helps students make choices that suit their strengths, interests, and learning style, not just what feels familiar.

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3. Use trusted careers information

Support your child to research options using reliable, up-to-date sources:

• National Careers Service
  Careers information, job profiles, and advice for young people and parents
  https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk

• UCAS
  Information on post-16 options, apprenticeships, and university pathways
  https://www.ucas.com

• School and college careers webpages and newsletters

Encourage your child to compare routes and think about entry requirements, progression, and future opportunities.

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4. Support decision-making, not decision-taking

• Encourage your child to attend careers events, assemblies, employer talks, and open evenings.

• Help them prepare questions, but allow them to speak for themselves.

• Discuss pros and cons together, rather than telling them what to choose.

This builds confidence, independence, and ownership of their future plans.

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5. Help build employability skills

Many employers value skills developed both inside and outside school. You can help by encouraging:

• Participation in clubs, sports, volunteering, or part-time work (where appropriate)

• Good organisation, punctuality, and reliability

• Reflection on experiences: What did you learn? What skills did you use?

These experiences strengthen applications for courses, apprenticeships, and jobs.

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6. Stay informed and connected with the school

• Know who the school’s Careers Leader is and how to contact them.

• Read careers communications and attend events when possible.

• If your child has additional needs, ask about tailored careers guidance and transition support.

Schools are required to provide impartial careers guidance and welcome parental engagement.

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7. Reassure your child

Career paths are rarely linear. Many adults change direction, retrain, or progress in unexpected ways. Reassure your child that:

• It is okay not to have everything decided yet

• Choices can be reviewed and changed

• Skills and qualifications gained now will still be valuable later

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In summary

You can support your child’s career journey by:
✔ Talking regularly and positively
✔ Encouraging exploration of all options
✔ Using trusted careers information
✔ Promoting independence and confidence
✔ Working in partnership with the school

Small, consistent support from home can make a big difference to a young person’s future.

For further information, please feel free to contact Mr Parker CEIAG Lead jparker@nationalacademy.org.uk