Support for SEND

Entering employment is often more challenging for the 14% of young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND). However, with preparation, access to a range of opportunities and support, a large proportion of young people and adults with SEND can move into employment.

Key features of successful SEND careers and transition programmes are that they:

• start careers education early and maintain support until the young person is established in employment.

• Inform pupils of access to support and appropriate developmental activities (such as career guidance and specific skills training)

• Include the young person’s family who have insight into the student's skills and can support them through the transition into adulthood

• Provide employer and workplace encounters including work placements

Support

Imagine the Possibilities - is an innovative range of new post-16 options resources that will help families, teachers and students understand and navigate the processes involved in moving from school into the many different post-16 options that are available - especially for those with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities. This set of resources have been created by drawing on experience of working with young people and families over many years and we hope that you find them useful and interesting.

The National Development Team for Inclusion website provides resources and information about Preparing for Adulthood as well as information about options for young people with SEND to help them move into paid employment.

Somerset County Council’s ‘Local Offer’ contains information about supporting SEND persons into work. This includes training opportunities, apprenticeships, supported internships and help available from supported employment services.