Much-admired Critchill School in Frome has been rewarded with its total commitment to helping its young charges on the road to employment with a prestigious national award.

The school has, after months of hard work, successfully achieved the Quality in Careers Standard, through Investor in Careers and are now full holders of the award for the next three years.

Careers and Working Futures Lead at Critchill School, Sally Smiles explained how the award was recognition of over 18 months of hard work, much of it during Covid. She told Nub News: " It IS a big deal because it shows here we are committed to our pupils and the parents and how important it is for us at every stage to provide an outstanding careers programme. "

The special school believed to be the only one in the whole of Somerset to hold this quality mark, only awarded with proof of the high quality of work the school undertakes... from work placement reviews, training, feedback from pupils ( including sixteen year old Max who was interviewed about his experiences) and career and job help at every year level. And yes, "Our lovely paninis (from the Critchill School catering van which is out in the town twice a week) have also played a part !"

The van out and about in Frome every Friday at the Market Cross - they are also in the market on a Wednesday.

The award recognises the outstanding careers programme, will further raise the aspirations of moving into the world of work for pupils and their families and in itself working with the Quality in Careers standard can help to improve careers work. It further enhances the careers work already underway and involves Governors/SLT and will support Ofsted reports.

Executive Head Teacher, Sophie Addison told Nub News she was immensely proud to be given the nationally recognised award. "This is an excellent achievement and recognises the quality and breadth of our careers provision here at Critchill School. This award is completely linked to our vision and values as a school. our priority is getting as many young people with additional needs into the world of work and employment.

"I know our young people want to work and they are able to work and our career support here works for that from the very beginning, even in reception classes, it is fully imbedded into everything we do. "

Examples include everything from primary pupils working with Avon and Somerset constabulary in a police project, with older students going out in the popular catering van which is at Boyles Cross every Friday to students working with Frome Town Rangers and the local hospitality industry.

The chair of Governors Andy Jones added : "It highlights the success of the Working Futures programme and reflects the hard work from everyone at school to ensure our young people are offered the best possible transition to life after Critchill. "

Summing up, the Executive head added : " This award reflects the hard work of staff, governors, support from the council, everyone involved and yes, of of course, of all our students. "