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.

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:

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.