Preparing for Adulthood SEND Conference, November 2016 Alan Carrick, SEND Commissioner, Northumberland County Council

The SEND Code of Practice 2015 The Code makes no mention of specific qualifications or academic performance at specific levels at specific ages. The main measure of a successful SEND plan is not outcomes of national tests. Instead it describes ‘Preparing for adulthood from the earliest years’ as being the ultimate purpose of SEND education and training. Preparing for adulthood means preparing for: • higher education and/or employment – this includes exploring different employment options, such as support for becoming self-employed and help from supported employment agencies • independent living – this means young people having choice, control and freedom over their lives and the support they have, their accommodation and living arrangements, including supported living • participating in society, including having friends and supportive relationships, and participating in, and contributing to, the local community • being as healthy as possible in adult life The majority of SEND learners have lower levels of need and will follow mainstream pathways into adulthood. However, for those with higher levels of need it is more challenging….

The challenge ‘Oversight of special education for young people aged 16-25’: supporting one person with a learning disability into employment could increase that person’s income by between 55 and 95 per cent. National Audit Office: equipping a young person with the skills to live in semi-independent rather than fully supported housing could, in addition to quality of life improvements, reduce lifetime support costs to the public purse by around £1 million Only 6% of adults with learning disabilities in employment. National aim to get 1.2 million more into employment. “the government must accept some people may not be able to work” – Multiple Sclerosis Society "We know the right type of work is good for our physical and mental health, but we need a more pragmatic health and welfare system that reflects this - one that offers work for all those who can, help for those who could and care for those who can't” - Work and Pensions Secretary "All disabled people should be able to access expert, tailored employment support and the Government should work with employers to create flexible, modern workplaces“ - Scope

This week The Government has also announced: A new Work and Health Programme to replace the current generalist Work Programme and specialist disability Work Choice programmes A real terms increase in spending on the Access to Work Programme, which provides practical support for disabled people, beyond the "reasonable adjustments" required to be made by employers A White Paper to be published this year which will "set out reforms to improve support for people with health conditions and disabilities, including exploring the roles of employers, to further reduce the disability employment gap and promote integration across health and employment."

Government schemes to improve employment levels, 2015-2016 What types of programmes will best help a young person become employable at 18 years of age: Traineeship? Apprenticeship? Supported Internship? Vocational studies? Extended work experience? Life skills? Independent travel training? 6th form academic? FE College? These are our priorities from age 14. Schools have to arrange suitable careers guidance on these options

Advice for SENCOs Before 14 years of age: We support children to achieve their potential as fully as possible within a school context From 14 years of age: As above, plus each SEND review must look specifically at how the young person will achieve employability and independence by 18 years of age. Young person’s voice. Record the young person’s developing aspirations for employment and / or independence. Your school must ensure the young person has good careers guidance to help them make progress towards realistic adulthood aspirations. Make sure learners and families are aware of support from other services that are there to help. Now we will hear how the Careers guidance Team and Northumberland Adult Learning Service can support us.

Careers Information Advice and Guidance Janice Gerard and Lindsey Taggart Careers Guidance Team Key documents - SEND code of practice (statutory guidance January 2015) Careers Guidance and inspiration for young people in schools (statutory guidance March 2015) Careers Guidance: advice for schools (non-statutory supporting document)

Key Documents Just a reminder to everyone of the headline duty for all schools Independent is defined as external to the school. Impartial is defined as showing no bias or favouritism towards a particular education or work option.

Key Documents We’re aware that currently there is still a significant variation in the careers offer at each school and many schools do not provide access to a suitably qualified careers professional. Ofsted will take account of the quality of independent careers guidance and of students’ destinations in making their judgement on the leadership and management of the school. The statutory guidance requires all schools to have a strategy for the careers guidance they provide to young people. The strategy should be embedded within a clear framework linked to outcomes for pupils. The supporting document gives examples of high quality careers guidance. Locally, the Gatsby Foundation Careers benchmark project (which involves 3 N’land high schools) has been instrumental in informing the soon-to-be-published new statutory guidance and is expected to place additional emphasis on high quality careers IAG, work experience and access to employers. So whilst the statutory duty to deliver CIAG is the responsibility of the school, the local authority’s duty to enable assist and encourage participation under the RPA policy means that we will help to support schools with certain more vulnerable groups.

How the Careers Guidance team can help you Informal advice support and signposting (for staff) Request for Support (pupils at risk of becoming NEET) Group work (Year 9) Flexible Service Level Agreement to provide careers guidance for all your pupils

Contact us Janice.gerard@northumberland.gov.uk 01670 622793 Lindsey.taggart@northumberland.gov.uk 01670 620006

Learning and Skills Service Young People and SEND

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Job Related Study Programmes You need all different types of skills and experience to deliver in employment. Diversity seeks to treat individuals fairly and with dignity and respect. Include everyone and recognise the differences between people Celebrate differences

Where does it all start?

Young People’s Coach

What’s on offer?

Construction Study Programme Level 1 Award in Construction Functional Skills English and maths Employability Course Health and Safety Award

Study Programmes Arts and Design Fashion and textiles Media, Film and Photography Window Dressing and Retail Business and Accountancy Customer Service Technology and Digital Skills

Study Programmes Beauty Therapy Hospitality and Catering Cycle mechanics Motor mechanics General construction and maintenance Bricklaying Joinery

Study Programmes Painting and Decorating Wind Energy and Engineering Adult Social Care Child care Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools

Apprenticeships You need all different types of skills and experience to deliver in employment. Diversity seeks to treat individuals fairly and with dignity and respect. Include everyone and recognise the differences between people Celebrate differences

Traineeships You need all different types of skills and experience to deliver in employment. Diversity seeks to treat individuals fairly and with dignity and respect. Include everyone and recognise the differences between people Celebrate differences

Supported Internships You need all different types of skills and experience to deliver in employment. Diversity seeks to treat individuals fairly and with dignity and respect. Include everyone and recognise the differences between people Celebrate differences

Young People and SEND Learning and Skills Service - Adult Learning