We are delighted to announce, subject to planning and Government agreement, Brackenfield SEND School will be expanding our provision to offer a specialist post-16 for our preparing young people with SEND (specifically SLD) for employment.
The aims of the Post 16 provision are:
Did you know…..?
Research from Mencap in 2019 showed that a large proportion of people with a learning disability stayed in entry level employment longer than average, have fewer sickness absence days than their non-disabled peers and have a positive impact on the morale of their colleagues.
Research from Education and Employers charity found four or more employer encounters leads to young people being 86% less likely to be NEET (Not in Education or Employment).
Recent statistics from Base.org have shown savings for the NHS/ social care when people with SEND are in employment.
Entry Requirements:
In order to replicate realistic working life arrangements provision will prepares young people for adulthood by replicating the working week and weekend model. This is a 15-20 hour week, over 3 or 4 days.
Provision will include:
By the end of the programme, pupils will achieve:
Functional Skills, unit awards, specific English and maths linked to vocational area
Based on preferences, work experience, up-skilling for employment
Personalised Learning Intentions summary including work experience feedback
Enriching life experiences building confidence, self-esteem and lifelong memories
A list of reliable referees for future employment based on real life performance
Working with local employers we aim to provide opportunities to support young people to:
The two year programme will offer two types of work placements:
Year 1: Short Term Placements and Work Experience
Short term placements would be block placements throughout the school year for different students. It might a full week or 2 weeks, however it might not be a full week at a time- for example, it may be 3 afternoons a week for 3 weeks. The purpose is to expose our young people to real life work as much as possible and allow pupils to experience different job markets, job roles and recognise their skill set and how they could fit into the world of work.
Year 2: Long Term Placements, Working Interviews and Supported Internships
Long term placements would be over a longer period and may be once or twice a week for at least a 3-month period. We intend to run these placements for 6-12 months, to show considerable progress in the young person’s ability to interact and show impact in the workplace. These placements would form part of the supported internship models.
The supported internships enable young people with an EHCP to achieve sustainable paid employment by equipping them with real life skills to enter the workplace. This part of the study programme will have a different timetable, with 70% of the young person’s time in the workplace.
Across Derbyshire, there are several industries which make up the local labour market. The list below gives some ideas of possible options for future careers:
Manufacturing
Construction
Wholesale retail and trade
Accommodation and food
Education
