Careers and Preparing for Adulthood
Careers and Preparing for Adulthood
At Castle School, we deliver a varied, personalised, and dynamic Careers Programme that aligns closely with the Preparation for Adulthood agenda. Through this programme, we provide tailored information, advice, and guidance to support students and their families as they explore further education, employment, training, and a wide range of post-school opportunities.
While career education is a key element of our offer, we place equal emphasis on all strands of the Preparation for Adulthood framework. Our holistic approach ensures that every learner is equipped not only for their next steps in education or work, but also to thrive confidently and independently within their wider community when they leave Castle School.
All pathways are working towards the 4 areas of preparing for adulthood; Employment or volunteering, Independent Living, Relationships & Community and Good Health. This can look very different across the 3 different learning Pathways and learning is created and adapted for each learner's needs and aspirations for the future.
Further information about Preparing for adulthood can be found on the Castle school Sixth Form page of the website and in the Sixth Form PowerPoint around Pathways into Adulthood.
The Aims of our Careers Programme
Build a sustainable and adaptable career strategy based on the Preparation for Adulthood agenda, that is regularly reviewed and updated.
Develop holistic provision that links to individual needs, interests, skills and learning pathways, giving pupils opportunities to try and experience a range of new and exciting activities that link to post-school provision.
Develop pupils’ communication and social skills so that they have the confidence to access services and provision post school.
To make sure pupils and their families have access to good, relevant and timely information so that they can make informed choices about their route post school.
Castle School Careers lead is Anne Haberfield. You can contact her via email on ahaberfield@castle.cambs.sch.uk
Employer Engagement
Please see below our provider access statement:
We have established and continue to grow strong partnerships with a wide range of local employers, companies, and charities. These collaborations play a key role in meeting the new Gatsby Benchmarks, providing our students with high-quality employer encounters, meaningful work experience placements, and well-supported pathways into employment, supported employment or volunteering.
Our partners also contribute to students’ understanding of the world of work by sharing accessible literature and focused activities about their organisations and by attending our Opportunities events, ensuring that relevant learners have access to up-to-date, aspirational, and realistic information about their future options.
If you are an employer or charity that is interested in supporting our pupils, please contact Claire Laidler (claidler@castle.cambs.sch.uk) for further details.
Preparing for Adulthood Events
In October, we hold ‘Opportunities’ Events with representatives from external agencies such as:
· Colleges.
· The Preparing for Adulthood Additional Needs Team.
· Work-based learning providers.
· Charity groups.
This provides parents and families of our students in Year 9 and above with the chance to meet and discuss transition opportunities.
Throughout the school year, we also host a parent coffee morning relating to preparing for life after castle, inviting parents to have a conversation with the school's PFA lead, the local authority pathway advisor (Angie) and other parents going through the same process.
Preparing for Adulthood Team
Beth Jackson (Preparing for Adulthood Lead)
Hello, I am the new Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Lead at Castle School. I have been a class teacher at Castle for the past four years within the Pre-Formal Pathway, working primarily with learners in Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form. I am incredibly passionate about preparing our learners for life after Castle School, whatever that may look like — whether employment, supported living, or other meaningful adult pathways. I firmly believe every learner deserves well-planned, personalised support to help them move confidently into adult life.
During my time at Castle, I have worked closely with parents and carers of Key Stage 4 and Sixth Form students and have seen first-hand how vital it is to get Preparing for Adulthood right for each individual. When support is personalised, consistent, and clearly communicated, it can make a life-changing difference for both students and their families.
On a personal level, I have also experienced the world of adult services and placements while supporting my brother and my family through his transition out of school. This has reinforced for me just how crucial and effective Preparing for Adulthood is, as well as how challenging it can be for families to navigate adult SEND services and secure the right support. Please contact me at Bjackson@castle.cambs.sch.uk with any questions or enquiries regarding Careers and preparing for adulthood.
Clare Laidler
Hello! I am the Transitions Mentor and Careers Leader at Castle School. I have worked at Castle for over five years as a Level 4 practitioner. In my role, I support students with their employment and career experiences and work closely with class teachers to develop meaningful work-related learning and volunteering opportunities.
I also work directly in the community with students across all learning pathways, setting up bespoke work placements, apprenticeships, and employer encounters that are carefully matched to individual needs and aspirations.
I maintain strong working relationships with a range of adult provisions across education and social care, enabling me to support families in identifying and securing the most appropriate next steps for individual learners after they leave Castle School. Please contact me at - claidler@castle.cambs.sch.uk with any questions or enquiries regarding Careers and preparing for adulthood.
The Castle School Careers lead is Anne Haberfield. You can contact her via email on ahaberfield@castle.cambs.sch.uk
Further Support
Additional information, advice and guidance on education, training and employment for students at Castle School is provided by the Additional Needs Pathway Adviser:
Angie Vickery: Additional Needs Pathway Co-ordinator
Telephone No: 01223 728145
Email: Angie.Vickery@cambridgeshire.gov.uk
Box No: BH1103
Babbage House,
Castle Park,
Cambridge,
CB3 0AT
She is available for advice and guidance, supports sessions in school and attends Annual Reviews. She will work with young people through to their 25th birthday.
There are also two useful documents that give details of opportunities available to students when they leave Castle School. They can be found using the links below.
· Moving on https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/asset-library/Moving-On-Booklet.pdf · Moving into work https://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/asset-library/moving-on into-work-guide.pdf
Key documents from Cambridgeshire County Council:
· Preparing for adulthood overview.
· Parents' guide to preparing for adulthood.
· Moving On booklet – options for school-leavers with additional needs.
· Moving On Into Work guide.