Aspiration days

Help inspire the next generation!

Our aspiration days give children and young people the chance to meet real-life role models and explore the world of work in a fun, engaging way. Volunteers help raise aspirations, provide positive examples and show that every career path is full of possibilities.

What are aspiration days?

Aspiration Days are speed-networking events during which 10-12 volunteers visit up to 30 students in one of our partner schools. Some events take place in primary schools with children aged 10-11, while others take place with a class of secondary students between the ages of 12 and 16. During the events, each volunteer speaks with a small group of students for 5-10 minutes, after which they rotate until each volunteer has had the chance to speak to each pupil. The students prepare questions in advance, and volunteers are encouraged to do the same!

Why do they matter?

Many children have limited exposure to different careers. By sharing their story, volunteers can help pupils raise their aspirations and broaden their horizons! They can excite them about the prospect of employment and boost their confidence and ambition through role- modelling.

Information for volunteers

Before the event

Watch the briefing video below
Prepare some child-friendly examples from work
Bring ID and if you bring snacks, make sure they are halal and nut-free

On the day, you will…

Chat with the students about your career journey in a child-friendly way
Support inclusive conversations with all students, including those with special educational needs

safeguarding information

Report any concerns to the school’s Safeguarding Lead
Always be accompanied by a member of staff from the school
Do not use your phone or take photos during the event

Ready to inspire?

Nothing gets volunteers ready for a visit quite like briefing videos! Make sure everyone gives these a watch before the event. It will tell you all you need to know so you can make the most of this visit, both for yourself and for the pupils who will be eagerly expecting you.

Welcome and introduction

Supporting conversations

Special educational needs and additional support needs (SEND/ASN)

Safeguarding

Volunteer handbook

In our handbook, you will find:

Guidance on how to prepare for the visit
Logistics
Facilitating conversations
Supporting students with SEND/ASN
Safeguarding information
Photography guidance

Download the volunteer handbook

Information for schools

Before the event, you’ll need to…

Watch the relevant briefing videos
Prepare a large space for the 30 students and 8-12 volunteers
Teach the pre-event lesson plan to the students

On the day, make sure…

A member of Senior Leadership Team can greet the volunteers and tell them about breakfast at the school
The member of staff running the event feels prepared to manage the rotations
A member of staff is always accompanying the volunteers

School staff planning checklist

To ensure the event runs smoothly, we ask each school to assign:

1. A member of staff organising the event

Prepare the space and the students
Watch the 3 briefing videos (10 minutes each)
Ensure a member of Senior LEadership Team can greet the volunteers
Ensure the person running the event (if different) has watched the ‘On the day’ video

2. A member of staff running the event on the day (if different)

Watch the ‘On the day’ briefing video
Let Magic Breakfast know in advance what the plan is
Be prepared to manage the rotations and plan for a break halfway through the event

Ready to get planning?

Nothing gets staff ready for an aspiration day quite like some briefing videos! Make sure everyone gives these a watch before the event. It will tell you all you need to know so you can make the most of this event for your pupils.