Preparation for adulthood
Useful resources to help young people prepare for adulthood and employment.
Useful resources
West Sussex Campaign for Positive and Possible: SEND employment support
The campaign for Positive and Possible: SEND employment support has a myth busting quiz and an inspiring section on case studies showcasing young people from West Sussex schools.
West Sussex Local Offer
A section on preparation for adulthood, which includes information about support for young adults on employment, transport and independent travel training.
SENDIAS
A section on work and future plans which includes information on further education colleges, school sixth forms, financial support, careers advice, volunteering and much more.
Supported internships
Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24 year-olds with SEND, who have an EHC plan. The core aim of a supported internship study programme is a substantial work placement, facilitated by the support of an expert job coach.
- DfE guidance on supported internships (updated January 2025)
- West Sussex Local Offer has a useful bank of resources around supported internships.
West Sussex Connect to Support
Guide to Lifelong Services. This is designed as a starting point to support young people, their family, carers and staff as they transition to Adult Services.
Some useful guidance around training and employment of young people with SEND.
National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi)
The NDTi has a number of useful resources around preparing for adulthood and employment:
- Vocational Profile - NDTi. This resource is a discovery document that is specifically related to work and supporting someone to find a job.
- Let's Be Clear (So employers know what you are asking for) - NDTi. This brief document seeks to add some clarity about what we mean when we are approaching employers for work opportunities for young people with special educational needs or a disability (SEND).
- One page profile - NDTi. A tool to help those who support young people to better understand what matters to them, what they are good at and how to provide great support.
Some inspiring case studies, including:
- Castle School - SEND Employment Embedded in Education. A series of videos from Castle School talking to us about how their World of Work programme ensures that young people with SEND are supported throughout their education to achieve meaningful employment.
- Georgie and Tiny Steps: Employment journey and top tips. This case study and accompanying podcasts look at how Georgie secured an apprenticeship during the COVID-19 pandemic, and how a combination of her talents, motivation and a supportive employer has seen her flourish in the role.
- Nathan’s employment journey - Constructing his career. This case study explores how Nathan secured a job and his return to work following COVID-19 restrictions.
The Council for Disabled Children
The Council for Disabled Children has a number of useful guides and toolkits around preparation for adulthood, including:
- No place like home - A housing and support guide, a housing and support booklet to help people with learning disabilities find a housing choice right for them.
- Work experience that works - A practical guide for employers and education providers to support young people with SEND into meaningful work experience.
- Routes into work guide - This guide provides information about options for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to help them move into paid employment.