Helping children to dream big
From the age of 4, children start to make limiting decisions about who they can be when they grow up. By five and six, children are beginning to narrow their choices based on their gender, and by 10 many young people have already made career-limiting decisions.
Through our North East Ambition programme, we’re supporting schools to take part in Start Small, Dream Big, a national Department for Education-funded pilot with the Careers and Enterprise Company to raise aspirations, challenge stereotypes and help children connect their learning to the world around them.
Through the pilot, schools are supported to make links with local employers to create opportunities for children to encounter the world of work. These encounters help children to develop an understanding of the link between what they learn in school and the range of careers available to them – broadening their horizons and helping them to dream big.
The goal is to encourage children from disadvantaged backgrounds to dream big about their future careers and gain an understanding of the type of jobs available.
Start Small Dream Big is being rolled out by The Careers & Enterprise Company (CEC). The scheme will run through to 2025, backed by investment from the Department for Education.
The programme will provide opportunities for pupils to meet inspiring employers so they can explore different jobs and understand the skills they’ll need for the future.
The North East Ambition team will bring together primary schools in the region to learn from each other and share ideas and resources. Teachers will receive training delivered by Teach First – to support them to develop and deliver careers programmes.