{"id":22023,"date":"2024-04-10T10:53:42","date_gmt":"2024-04-10T10:53:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/dev.xello.world\/?p=22023"},"modified":"2025-05-15T04:39:43","modified_gmt":"2025-05-15T09:39:43","slug":"how-to-meet-the-baker-clause","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dev.xello.world\/en-gb\/resources\/blog-posts\/how-to-meet-the-baker-clause\/","title":{"rendered":"The Baker Clause: What Is It and How Can You Meet It?"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Baker Clause ensures that students, regardless of background or ability, are given the chance to explore future pathways and prepare for the world of work in order to improve their life opportunities, and contribute to a rewarding and prosperous economy.<\/span><\/p>\n

But exactly what is it, and how can you ensure you meet it?<\/span><\/p>\n

What is the Baker Clause?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Introduced in 2018, the provider access legislation (Baker Clause) stipulates that schools must allow colleges and training providers to access every student in years 8-13 to discuss non-academic routes that are available to them.<\/span><\/p>\n

Updated in January 2023, the government\u2019s<\/span> Statutory guidance for schools and guidance for further education colleges and sixth form colleges<\/span><\/a> sets out the following, <\/span>\u2018Schools and colleges have a responsibility to set students on the path that will secure the best outcome which will enable them to progress in education and work and give employers the highly skilled people they need.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n

So, what does this mean in real terms? It means that your school or college must act impartially and not show any bias towards any route, be that academic or technical. Your school or college should promote access to a full range of approved technical education qualifications options.<\/span><\/p>\n

You might be thinking: \u2018how does this relate to the Gatsby Benchmarks?\u2019 Well, by offering a full range of technical options to meet the Baker Clause, you\u2019ll also be meeting those benchmarks which relate to encounters and experiences of future pathways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Ofsted inspection grades impacted<\/strong><\/h4>\n

To further underline the importance of the Baker Clause, a<\/span> report<\/span><\/a> by the House of Commons Education Committee recommends that Ofsted cut schools off from the top two inspection grades if they fail to comply. <\/span><\/p>\n

Ofsted has updated its school inspection guidelines to increase the focus on careers guidance, including confirming that inspectors will report if a school falls short of the requirements of the provider access legislation, and how that could impact a school\u2019s inspection grades.<\/span><\/p>\n

What can you do to meet the Baker Clause?<\/b><\/h2>\n

Making sure you have a broad range of education and training providers involved in your careers programme will be beneficial to your students\u2014and you most likely already do. But here are a few suggestions to help you on your way.<\/span><\/p>\n

Teacher training and awareness<\/b><\/h3>\n

Ensure ongoing training for teachers and career advisors to effectively implement the Baker Clause. Educators need to be knowledgeable about providing careers advice with all available options and equipped to guide students in exploring these pathways.<\/span><\/p>\n

Technology integration<\/b><\/h3>\n

Technology can support schools in meeting the Baker Clause requirements. Online platforms, like Xello, are an essential tool for students to explore career options, track experiences, and engage with educators, employers, and parents\/guardians in the career planning process.<\/span><\/p>\n

Start exploration early<\/b><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s never too early for students to start thinking about their futures. Showing students the big picture, starting at year 7, will make career planning feel like a natural part of growth and development.<\/span><\/p>\n

Xello\u2019s quizzes, assessments, and Portfolios are good tools to help students start their journey. Plus, with<\/span> Xello\u2019s ready-made, fully integrated lessons<\/span><\/a>, including subjects such as Discover Learning Pathways, Getting Experience, and School Subjects at Work, you\u2019ll easily link content to the Gatsby Benchmarks and PSHE curriculum.<\/span><\/p>\n

Community engagement<\/b><\/h3>\n

Foster partnerships with local businesses, industries, and community organisations to broaden students’ exposure to vocational opportunities. Highlight the benefits of involving the wider community in career education initiatives and how it can enrich students’ understanding of potential career paths.<\/span><\/p>\n

Add real-life examples<\/b><\/h3>\n

It\u2019s always good to review your range of education providers and employers, and the information they supply. Look to provide information in different formats as well to include all students, whatever their learning style and abilities. Consider leveraging a careers education program to support you in collating all this information into one accessible place for your students to view and for you to report on. With Xello, you can rely on:<\/span><\/p>\n