New release: Review of the implementation of the Career Education Standard (3-18), the Work Placement Standard and Guidance on School/Employer Partnerships
Education Scotland has undertaken a national review on the implementation of the Career Education Standard (3-18) since its release in September 2015. This also incorporates reflections on the Work Placements Standard and School/Employer Partnership Guidance. The report outlines key strengths identified as part of the review process, exemplifies creativity, innovation and impact and highlights areas of development. We are now working with local authorities across Scotland to identify next steps in how best to support the implementation of the CES 3-18 and enhance embedding the new standards around work placements and school-employer partnerships.
The standards and the guidance were published with the understanding that Education Scotland would evaluate the impact the documents were having, in light of experience and use. In response a team from Education Scotland visited 29 secondary schools between December 2016 and March 2017. The evidence from nine secondary school inspections and 30 Career Information Advice and Guidance (CIAG) reviews also recorded evidence about the implementation of the standards in secondary schools. An online survey was established to maximise the participation of as many people and organisations as possible for the review. In addition, a bespoke survey for employers, delivered on behalf of Education Scotland by the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), attracted further responses. Questions on the review of the standards and guidance were also included in the annual Skills Development Scotland (SDS) Headteachers’ survey.
In summary, the purpose of the review was to ascertain answers to the following questions:
- To what extent have the standards and guidance been implemented and has the pace of implementation been sufficient in order to direct the next stage of activity and focus? There was a particular focus on the CES and how it was being implemented in secondary schools, alongside the expansion of the SDS service offer.
- Are the standards and guidance ambitious enough to deliver the aspirations of the DYW strategy?
