Introduction
Support for parents and carers
In addition to support from school or college staff your son or daughter will be offered careers information, advice and guidance from an impartial careers adviser in school or may be entitled to help from the IAG Service in Walsall (used to be known as Connexions Walsall)
Help, support and advice from the IAG Service in Walsall...
Your son or daughter may have some help from the IAG Service if they have, or are at risk of, dropping out of learning or training or if they have a learning difficulty or disability. Advisers give information, advice, guidance and practical support to young people aged 13 -19 to help them get ready for adult and working life. There is support up to the age of 25 for those with learning difficulties and disabilities.
You and your son or daughter can speak to an Adviser at their school or college or at Walsall Connexions centre
The IAG Service wants to help you support your son or daughter to continue in learning so that they can make the best of their future.
All advice is impartial and discussions will remain confidential
- You can make an appointment to see an Adviser by telephoning your nearest Connexions centre to arrange an interview
- Advisers may attend some school parent and carers evenings, where you can talk to them informally
During their years in learning your son or daughter will go through different stages of education and a number of moves when big decisions have to be made. Learning is split up into different key stages:
| Key Stage | Year Group |
| Foundation Stage | Nursery, Playgroup, Reception |
| Key Stage 1 (KS1) | Years 1 - 2 |
| Key Stage 2 (KS2) | Years 3 - 6 |
| Key Stage 3 (KS3) | Years 7 - 9 |
| Key Stage 4 (KS4) | Years 10 -11 |
| Key Stage 5 (KS5) | Years 12 -13 |
We have put together some information to help you during the time when your son or daughter is dealing with important changes and decisions:
- Moving from Primary to Secondary Education – Year 6/7
- Making decisions about Key Stage 4 option choices – Year 8/9
- Making decisions about what to do at 16 – Year 10/11
- Making decisions about what to do in years 12 and 13
We have also pages for parents and carers who have a son or daughter with additional educational needs.
