Transition is a process or period of change. Here we give further information about how our Wolverhampton children and young people are supported to start attending an educational setting, move between settings or when a young person prepares to move into adulthood.
Our City Plan outlines that we aim for all Wulfruians to live longer, healthier lives where our CYP grow up in inclusive communities. We believe it takes a whole city to raise our CYP to give them the opportunities, care and aspirations for their adult life, which is why transition is so important.
In Wolverhampton, we understand that successful transitions are underpinned by:
- Person centred approach. This is where the child or young person is at the heart of discussions and decisions that affect them and their families.
- Timely information sharing. This allows everyone to share their views including the child or young person, their parents/carers as well as professionals from health, education and social care so that the right support can be put into place.
- Everyone understanding that transition can be a tricky time for our children and young people but with the right support they can develop the resilience and skills needed to be successful.
Our transition pathways detail what support is available for everyone as well as any additional support available to support transition if that is needed by the child, young person or their family.
Starting Nursery
All children are entitled to 15 hours of free preschool education the term after they turn 3 years old. Some children with working parents are entitled to 30 hours of free preschool education the term after they turn 3 years old. Some families receiving certain benefits are entitled to free preschool education the term after they turn 2 years old.
To understand what support you are eligible for use these links Childcare Choices and gov.uk/get-childcare
There are also settings that provide childcare that is paid for and it can start as young as a few weeks old.
What transition support is available for everyone?
Children can access their pre-school education in a variety of settings either a childminder, private nursery, maintained nursery school or a school-based nursery.
To find out what childcare and early years educational settings we have in Wolverhampton please view Childcare | Wolverhampton Information Network. For a list of the maintained nursery schools as well as primary schools who offer pre-school education please view Schools list | City Of Wolverhampton Council. You can also find out about your local settings by calling or emailing the Information for Families service on 01902 554242 or iff@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
Each early years provider has its own admission arrangements so you need to contact each provider to understand what their admission arrangements are and whether you will need to put your name down on a waiting list. Children are eligible to start their pre-school education the term after they turn 3 or if you are in receipt of certain benefits the term after they turn 2. What does this mean? The school year is split into three terms - autumn, spring and summer.
- End of autumn term is 31st December
- End of spring term is 31st March
- End of summer term is 31st August.
If you are not sure about when your child is eligible for free pre-school education, please use this link https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/. Starting pre-school education is a big step in your child's life so each setting will have their own transition arrangements which may include home visits, settling in sessions, inductions and sharing information between parents and the setting.
Important information for parents to share with the setting might include:
- Does your child have a health conditions?
- What are your child's eating habits?
- Does your child have a consistent sleep routine?
- What works for your child when they are upset?
- What support does your child need with toileting?
- Are you or your child receiving support from other professionals (such as health visitor, GP)
- How does your child communicate? What language is spoken at home?
- Has your child had experience of mixing with other children?
- What experience has your child had from being away from yourself?
Early years practitioners understand the importance of transition and will want to work together in partnership with parents/carers, any previous early years providers as well as other professionals to ensure this is positive for the child.
What if more transition support is needed?
Where parents/carers feel that their child would benefit from more support than what is offered for all children, we encourage you to discuss your views with the provider. The provider should arrange a meeting with the child, parents/carers as well as any relevant professionals such as a health visitor or strengthening families advisor.
What if even more transition support is needed?
Where a child is being supported by an EHCP or by a team of professionals (such as a speech and language therapist (SALT), the Special Needs Early Years (SNEYS) service, a paediatrician, consultant or social worker) a specialist transition will be needed to best support the child and their family. A multi-agency meeting would need to be arranged so that parents/carers and all supporting professionals are clear about what support the child will need to make a smooth transition into the setting. If parents/carers are not sure whether their child would need a specialist transition, please talk to the early years provider or any of the professionals that support the child and they will be able to advise.
The local authority and health services support many children and their families. If the child is being supported by the Special Needs Early Years (SNEYS) service, the key worker would support a multi-agency transition meeting at your child's early years setting. If your child is being supported by a child in need plan (CIN) or a child protection plan (CP) or is a child or young person in care (CYPIC), the allocated social worker would support a multi-agency transition meeting at the child’s early years provider. These multi-agency transition meetings should aim to include all professionals supporting the child. The multi-agency meeting could be delivered through a MAP process. (Add link to MAP video from EPS website) or through a Team Around the Child (TAC) meeting.
In the meeting, it will be important to discuss the support the child will need and the preparations required for a smooth transition. An action plan would be created which could include: staff training needs, resources/adaptations to meet the child's needs and a transition period.
Starting Primary School
A child would typically move to Primary School in the September of the school year where they will turn 5 between the 1st September and the 31st August of that school year. Some parents, where their child is born in the summer term, may decide to defer their child's start to school. For further information please view School Admissions Applications.
All children are required by law to be receiving a good quality education from when they reach compulsory school age, the term after they turn 5 years old. For further information please view School Starting Age - gov.uk
What transition support is available to everyone?
A list of the Primary Schools available in Wolverhampton can be found here Primary schools. For further information about schools, we would recommend visiting school websites and social media.
Starting Primary School is a big step in the child's life so each school will have their own transition arrangements which may include home visits, settling in sessions, inductions and sharing information between parents and the setting.
If you wish to visit any school with your child, you can contact the school directly to request an appointment - this will give you the opportunity to look around and ask any questions.
When considering a suitable school for the child, it will be helpful to understand:
- The admissions criteria for the school, including the over subscription criteria
- Distance and transport/travel to school
- When making the application for a school place, parents/carers must specify more than one preference of school because, if the first choice is oversubscribed, the local authority will allocate to the nearest local school
To get a place at a Primary School, parents/carers must submit an application to the Local Authority via the Parents Portal. The Local Authority Admissions team co-ordinate the school places for all children starting Primary School unless they have a finalised Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). For these children, school places are co-ordinated by SENSTART. For further information please view SEND - Education, Health and Care Plans.
Parents/carers need to make a note of the closing date for these applications. These are normally between November to January before the child is due to start school in the following September.
On allocation day, usually March or April prior to the child starting school in September, parents/carers will be able to see the school that has been allocated by logging into the parent portal. Following this day, the allocated school will contact parents/carers to request further information so that they can plan a suitable transition for the child.
Important information for parents to share with the setting might include:
- Does your child have a health conditions?
- What are your child's eating habits?
- Does your child have a consistent sleep routine?
- What works for your child when they are upset?
- What support does your child need with toileting?
- Are you or your child receiving support from other professionals (such as health visitor, GP)
- How does your child communicate? What language is spoken at home?
- Has your child had experience of mixing with other children?
- What experience has your child had from being away from yourself?
The local authority co-ordinates the use of the Early Years Transition Form to support early years providers in sharing relevant information with the allocated school to support a positive transition.
School staff understand the importance of transition and will want to work together in partnership with parents/carers, previous early years providers as well as other professionals to ensure this is positive for the child.
What if more transition support is needed?
Where parents/carers feel that their child would benefit from more support than what is offered for all children, we encourage you to discuss your views with your child's current early years provider and their allocated school.
If your child does not already attend an early years provider and you have concerns, please contact your allocated school directly.
The allocated school should arrange a meeting with the child, parents/carers, current setting if there is one as well as any relevant professionals such as health visitors or strengthening families’ advisor.
Early Years providers should complete the Early Years Transition Form. This will allow Primary Schools to identify children that may need additional support with transition. Settings should work together alongside parents/carers to plan a more individualised transition.
What if even more transition support is needed?
Where a child is being supported by an EHCP or by a team of professionals (such as a speech and language therapist (SALT), the Special Needs Early Years (SNEYS) service, a paediatrician, consultant or social worker) a specialist transition will be needed to best support the child and their family. A multi-agency meeting would need to be arranged so that parents/carers and all supporting professionals are clear about what support the child will need to make a smooth transition into the setting.
If parents/carers are not sure whether their child needs a specialist transition, please talk to the current setting or any of the professionals that support the child or family and they will be able to advise.
Starting Secondary School
Starting Secondary School - A child will move to secondary school in the September of the school year (between 1st September - 31st August) where they will turn 12.
All children are required by law to be receiving a good quality education from when they reach compulsory school age, the term after they turn 5 years old. For more information please view School Starting Age - gov.uk
What support is available for everyone?
For a list of the Secondary Schools available in Wolverhampton please view Secondary schools.
For further information about schools, we would recommend visiting school websites and social media.
Starting secondary education is a big step in a child's life so each setting will have their own transition arrangements which may include transition days, parental transition evenings, summer schools, visits to the current primary setting and sharing information between parents and the setting. All secondary schools in Wolverhampton offer an open day usually in September. To find out the dates, please look on the individual school websites. This will give parents/carers as well as the child the opportunity to look around and ask any questions. If parents/carers or the child have further questions, they can contact the school directly to request an appointment.
Once a school place is allocated, it is likely that the secondary schools will request information from parents/carers either via a paper form or an online form. It is important that parents/carers share the information requested so that the appropriate transition can be planned for the child.
Important information for parents to share with the setting might include:
- Does your child have a health condition?
- Does your child have any dietary requirements?
- Does your child have religious beliefs?
- Does your child have a special educational need or disability?
- Are you or your child receiving support from other professionals (such as school nurse, GP)
- How does your child communicate? What language is spoken at home?
When considering a suitable school for the child, it will be helpful to understand:
- The admissions criteria for the school, including the over subscription criteria
- Distance and transport/travel to school
- When making the application for a school place, parents/carers must specify more than one preference of school because, if the first choice is oversubscribed, the local authority will allocate to the nearest local school
To get a place at a Secondary School, parents/carers must submit an application to the Local Authority via the Parents Portal. The Local Authority Admissions team co-ordinate the school places for all children starting Secondary School unless they have a finalised Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP). For these children, school places are co-ordinated by SENSTART. For further information please visit SEND - Education, Health and Care Plans | Wolverhampton Information Network. If you need support with completing the application, please speak to your child’s current school.
Parents/carers need to make a note of the closing date for these applications. These are normally the end of October before the child is due to start school in the following September.
On allocation day, usually March or April prior to the child starting school in September, parents/carers will be able to see the school that has been allocated by logging into the parent portal. Following this day, the allocated school will contact parents/carers to request further information so that they can plan a suitable transition for the child. If you are not satisfied with the place that has been allocated, you can make an appeal.
The local authority co-ordinates the use of the Universal Transition Form to support Primary schools in sharing relevant information with the allocated Secondary school to support a positive transition.
School staff understand the importance of transition and will want to work together in partnership with parents/carers, previous schools as well as other professionals to ensure this is positive for the child.
If a child is worried about their transition, here is a good resource from the Anna Freud Centre.
What if more support is needed?
Secondary schools allocate a transition leader or key named person to coordinate transition between settings and communicate with parents. Primary schools complete the Universal Transfer Form. This is a common form used across the city to effectively share information with the secondary school to support transition. This form allows Primary schools to identify any child or young person that might benefit form more support with their transition.
The child will benefit from the support offered to all children. However, where it is felt, by the parents/carers, professionals or the individual themselves, that the child will need a more personalised transition plan, these views should be shared with the current setting before the summer term. The current setting can then share this on the Universal Transfer Form and then a transition meeting can be arranged. The current setting should arrange a meeting with the child, parents/carers as well as any relevant professionals such as school nurse or strengthening families advisor.
What if even more support is required?
Where a child has an EHCP, SENSTART co-ordinate the educational placement and parents/carers do not need to apply through admissions. SENSTART will use parental preferences and then send consultations to appropriate settings. For more information please visit SEND - Education, Health and Care Plans | Wolverhampton Information Network. It will be important that discussions about potential Secondary schools take place through the annual review of the EHCP during Year 5. This will allow the child, their parents/carers as well as supporting professionals to share their views about appropriate settings.
Once a place has been allocated and where a child is being supported by an EHCP or by a team of professionals (such as speech and language therapy (SALT), paediatrician, consultant or social worker) a specialist transition may be needed. A multi-agency meeting would need to be arranged so that parents/carers and all supporting professionals are clear about what support the child may need to make a smooth transition into the next setting following a person-centred approach.
If parents/carers are not sure whether their child needs a specialist transition, please talk to the current setting or any of the professionals that support the child or family and they will be able to advise.
Moving educational settings
This is where a child moves from one educational setting to another outside of a statutory transition point i.e. starting primary school or secondary school. This is known as an in-year transfer. This group of children includes but is not limited to:
- Children who have moved within the city
- Children and young people in care (CYPIC)
- Children who have been accessing an alternative provision
- Children who have been electively home educated
- Children moving into the city from another local authority or another country would also be included in this group if they arrived outside of a statutory transition point
What support is available for everyone?
Where a child is moving to another nursery setting, parents need to follow the admission arrangements for the new setting. For information about how the nursery transition can be supported please view the 'Starting Nursery' above.
Where a child is within the primary and secondary phase, the local authority co-ordinates this transition through an in -year transfer form unless they have an EHCP (for children with an EHCP, SENSTART will co-ordinate the placement). Parents need to download an in-year transfer form and complete it. This then needs to be sent to the admissions team. For further information including how to appeal please view Changing schools.
The current setting will communicate with the new setting to share information. The in-year transition checklist can be used for this. Add link to document. The new school will contact parents to arrange a transition which could include an induction, visit and parent meeting.
What if more support is needed?
The child will benefit from the support offered to all children. However, where it is felt, by the parents/carers, professionals or the individual themselves, that the child will need a more personalised transition plan, these views should be shared with the new setting. The new setting should arrange a meeting with the child, parents/carers as well as any relevant professionals such as school nurse or strengthening families advisor.
What if even more support is needed?
Where a child has an EHCP, SENSTART co-ordinate the educational placement and parents/carers do not need to apply through admissions. SENSTART will use parental preferences and then send consultations to appropriate settings. For more information please view SEND - Education, Health and Care Plans | Wolverhampton Information Network.
Where your child is being supported by an EHCP or by a team of professionals (such as speech and language therapy (SALT), paediatrician; consultant or social worker) a specialist transition may be needed. A multi-agency meeting would need to be arranged so that parents/carers and all supporting professionals are clear about what support the child may need to make a smooth transition into the next setting following a person-centred approach.
If parents/carers are not sure whether their child needs a specialist transition, please talk to the current setting or any of the professionals that support the child or family and they will be able to advise.
Beyond School
Learning and employment
Careers Programme
What support is available for everyone?
Developing children and young people’s awareness of the world of work should be introduced from the earliest years. This could include schools linking curriculum themes to specific careers. Children and young people should be encouraged to think about the career they would like when they grow up and how this links to their interests, strengths and ambitions.
All Secondary schools, colleges and sixth form centres will provide education on careers called their careers programme. All schools and colleges have a statutory responsibility to deliver the GATSBY benchmarks for a good careers programme. This will include work experience, encounters with employers and career advice. This should be led by the Career Leader within the school or college.
Each setting should have a dedicated page on their website that covers the Careers programme that has sections for parents/carers, students, teachers and employers. Schools, colleges and sixth form centres should have an awareness of local labour market information (LMI) that relates to their Careers programme. From 1 January 2023, all schools must provide at least six encounters with a provider of technical education or apprenticeships for students in Years 8 to 13. This is known as Provider Access Legislation (PAL). Many schools and colleges will have a member of staff responsible for CEIAG (careers, education, information, advice and guidance) that young people can meet with, and that you can talk to if you want some support.
Career Education should address stereotypes and break down barriers to career progression. The Career programme should include information on the whole range of destinations including: employment, apprenticeships, T levels, training providers, further education and University where appropriate.
It is good practice for schools to offer support with choosing subject options in year 9 and year 12. Prior to selecting subject options young people should be encouraged to think about university, college and career goals. Young people should be supported to select subject options which reflect their goals.
It is good practice for schools, colleges and sixth form centres to offer support for writing curricula vitae, university and/or apprenticeship applications.
You can find further information about careers here:
What if more support is needed?
Where young people or parents feel that extra support is needed for the young person to access the careers programme, this can be discussed with the SENCo (SEN Coordinator), the CEIAG coordinator (Careers education information advice and guidance co-ordinator) or the Careers leader. As a result, reasonable adjustments can be put into place to ensure that the careers programme is relevant and accessible for the young person.
There is an annual Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Moving into Adulthood Careers Fair which is attended by education settings, young people and parent/carers. The event is inclusive and aimed at showcasing the range of local providers and destinations available to students with additional needs.
Schools can access further support to implement their careers programme through the Black country Careers Hub, who hold Community of Practice (CoP) meetings and events for SEND schools and college settings as well as SENCos.
What if even more support is needed?
All Special Schools and those with a resource base or SEN unit will have a bespoke Careers programme that is tailored to the needs and aspirations of their students. Careers Education in Special Schools should relate to aspirations relevant and achievable by the students, for example, an awareness of supported Internships, Inclusive apprenticeships and awareness of employers and employment routes available in the local area.
Special Schools can access further support from the Black Country Careers Hub to run targeted projects supporting young people with SEND, such as Barista training and opportunities to run a coffee shop and pop-up shops.
Young people with SEND should also be given the opportunity to see relevant role models and people who they can identify with in the world of work, examples can be found here Jobs – Your Future Black Country
In Wolverhampton we recommend that schools follow the Preparation for Adulthood guidance for children and young people with Education, Health and Care Plans during their Annual Reviews from Year 9. This includes guidance on education, employment and training and ensures that children and young people and their families are encouraged to consider preparing for adulthood.
Careers Advice
What support is available for everyone?
The duty to provide careers advice to all pupils lies with schools. Schools will either have a careers adviser based in school or commission support for their pupils to receive generic careers advice from an independent organisation or careers adviser. Careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) is delivered through the schools careers education programme.
The National Careers Service provides online careers support.
If you are 16- 19 (up to 25 with an EHCP) and not in education employment or training (NEET), Connexions can support you to explore your career options.
Connexions offer duty sessions at The Civic Centre in Wolverhampton on Tuesday mornings and at The Way in Wolverhampton on Wednesday afternoons. If you are 16-19 (up to 25 with an EHCP) and NEET you can contact us for an appointment.
- Connexions, Civic Centre, St Peters Square, Wolverhampton, WV1 1SH
- 01902 554499
- Connexions@wolverhampton.gov.uk
What if more support is needed?
Students with Special Education Needs and or a disability (SEND) should be supported by a person-centred approach using either a one page profile or a vocational profile. This looks at what a young person is interested in as well as outlining their strengths and where they would need support. This helps the young person to make informed choices about what they want to do next.
Where a young person, who has a special educational need but not an EHCP and is unsure of their next steps during Year 11, school can make a referral to Connexions for further individual careers advice. Where a young person or parent feels that they need further support, they need to approach school to ask for extra support.
What if even more support is needed?
Students with Special Education Needs and or a disability (SEND) should be supported by a person-centred approach using either a one page profile or a vocational profile (Add link to Black Country Vocational Profile). This looks at what a young person is interested in as well as outlining their strengths and where they would need support. This helps the young person to make informed choices about what they want to do next.
Students can explore their career aspirations and vocational options at Jobs – Your Future Black Country.
If you have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and live in Wolverhampton, you will have Connexions service available to you from 13 to the age of 25. There is a Connexions Careers Adviser linked to each of the schools, colleges and sixth form centres in Wolverhampton.
If you live in Wolverhampton but attend specialist education out of the area, the SENSTART team will let Connexions know that you will require career advice and you will have a named Connexions Careers Adviser.
The Connexions Careers Adviser will provide information, advice and guidance about the post 16/ post school options and help plan for the young person’s future. They will provide information about continued education, foundation learning or work-based training, including information regarding open days and visits to providers.
The Connexions Careers Adviser will also provide ongoing advice and guidance to support the transition of a young person to the new provision and continue to support the young person in their post 16 provision on a one-one basis and via Wolves Workbox. As part of this process Connexions Careers Advisers will attend the EHCP review meetings with young people, parents/carers and professionals. The young person will see their Careers Adviser in year 9, year 11 and their post 16 leaving year in their school.
Starting Early and Getting Ready: From Year 9 Onwards
Local authorities must ensure that young people with an Education Health and Care plan (EHCP) at year 9 and every annual review thereafter includes a focus on Preparing for Adulthood. Planning must be person centred and include preparing for:
- Learning and employment
- Living as independently as possible
- Friendships, relationships and the community
- Health and well-being
The careers adviser will talk about Preparing for Adulthood and complete the ‘Getting Ready’ document with the young person. The careers adviser will write a report which will support the young person’s annual review.
Year 11 and Post 16 leaving Year
Connexions Careers Advisers will complete guidance interviews with all young people with EHCP’s in year 11 and their post 16 leaving year and complete careers advice called a Career Pathway Plan. This will be used to support the young person’s annual review and their future outcomes in their EHCP.
Further information about the service can be found at Connexions Wolverhampton.
Options for Post 16 Education, Training and Employment
Compulsory Education
There is an expectation for young people to remain in Education until they are 18 years old. Although this does not mean you have to remain at school, and you can explore other options. Young people who are 16 or 17 can work but they must -
- Take a job with training - for example an Apprenticeship or
- Take a part-time course while they are at work
Further Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) support
A young person with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) will continue to share their views to help shape their future and they are likely to need support to help them with this. They can access education, health and care support up to the age of 25.
Within Year 11, if you have SEN support or an Education Health and Care plan (EHCP) you will be referred through your school to Connexions careers service to discuss transition planning to post 16 education and training. The below options will be discussed in further detail with you and your parent/carer. You will be provided with advice and guidance on your options to ensure you are making informed decisions. You and your parent/carer will be directed to appropriate provision that matches with the young person’s aspirations.
Post Compulsory Education (after Year 11)
- Stay in education, but not necessarily at the same school – although many young people in special schools do choose to stay where they are until they are 19 years old
- Go to college for a full-time education course or to do a Study Programme.
- Do a Study Programme or Traineeship with a training provider.
- Take an Apprenticeship or job with regular training.
- Undertake a Supported Internship.
- Take part in a Supported Employment programme.
- Volunteer and train at the same time.
- Take a job, become self-employed or do some volunteering – and do some part time study.
- Undertake a ‘package’ of provision and support across education, health and care that is appropriate to meet your needs and covers 5 days a week.
Below are the options available within the City of Wolverhampton however young people can access options available in other areas such as our neighbouring authorities: Dudley, Staffordshire, Telford and Wrekin, Walsall, Sandwell or those that are further afield.
Further Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) support
Depending on the young person’s needs, as they make decisions about Preparing for Adulthood, they may find that input from representatives from adult social care and adult health will be increasingly important in the updating of their EHCP. This is to ensure that the young person’s future plans are appropriately supported by these services.
- Pre-entry level
- Where can I access this level of qualification? - Personal and social development, Life Skills - Social Care, Day Centre provision and community support, direct payments
- Entry level
- Where can I access this level of qualification?Functional skills at Entry Level 1-3, Skills for Living and Work, Asdan Awards and certificates, vocational qualifications– Special school sixth forms, further education colleges, specialist colleges.
- Level 1
- Where can I access this level of qualification? GCSE’s grades 1-3, Functional Skills at Level 1, Study Programmes, Pre-Apprenticeship programmes – Special school sixth forms, further education colleges, specialist colleges, training providers, apprenticeship providers.
- Level 2
- Where can I access this level of qualification? GCSE grades 4-9, Level 2 Apprenticeships, Functional skills at Level 2, BTeC and NVQ’s, Vocational qualifications – further education colleges, specialist colleges, training providers, apprenticeship providers.
- Level 3
- Where can I access this level of qualification? - A levels, T levels, Level 3 Apprenticeships, BTeC and Vocational qualifications – mainstream sixth forms, further education providers, apprenticeship providers
- Levels 4,5,6 and 7
- Where can I access this level of qualification? - Foundation degree and above – Further education providers, higher education institutions, universities, Open university, higher apprenticeship providers.
- Levels 6 and 7
- Where can I access this level of qualification? - Bachelor’s or master’s degree – Higher education institutions, Open University.
Sixth Form – 16 – 19 year olds
Some schools will have their own sixth form offer. Your school can tell you what subjects they are offering for sixth form learning. Qualifications are usually offered at level 3 such as A levels, T levels and BTec certificates and awards.
For a list of links to local sixth form provision within Wolverhampton Sixth Form, please visit Workbox.
Specialist School Sixth Form – 16 – 19 year olds
Specialist school sixth forms offer programmes of learning from Entry Level up to Level 2. They usually focus on functional skills and vocational subjects and include support with life skills and preparation for work. Remaining in specialist sixth form ensures you continue to receive the same level of support you have had in school.
Local College – 16 years old and above
Applying to college
Call the college(s) you’re interested in and ask for a prospectus or college course guide.
Look at their website. Is there an open day when you could visit? These are a good chance to see the facilities on offer and ask any questions you may have.
Make an application as soon as possible. This is because places on some courses are limited. Some people apply to more than one college and make up their mind at a later stage. Keep in touch with the Careers Adviser who can advise you on which course(s) and college(s) may be suitable.
Further Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) support
Colleges offer a wide range of courses including some that are specially designed for people with moderate and severe learning difficulties.
Every college has a Learning Support Department and a Learning Support Co-ordinator. If you have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) then apart of the Preparing for Adulthood will include contact being made with the co-ordinator. They can explain more about courses and discuss learning support needs.
City of Wolverhampton College
The local college is City of Wolverhampton College. This college offers lots of vocational courses in different subject areas allowing you to learn the skills you will need for different jobs. Entry on to specific courses can be dependent upon your level of education, so you may be required to complete a foundation learning course before moving onto a specific vocational course. The City of Wolverhampton College offer foundation learning courses called Futures to students with EHCPs, these courses are at Entry Level and include tailored support to learning needs, support accessing facilities, a personal tutor that the student and parents can contact, life skills to help develop confidence and independence, work experience, and community & fundraising activities. To find out more visit www.wolvcoll.ac.uk
Wolverhampton Vocational Training College (WVTC) – 16 – 19 years old
WVTC is a sixth form college based in Lanesfield near Bilston. They offer a range of vocational subjects as well as support with basic literacy and numeracy, in class support, work experience, life skills to help develop confidence and independence, close supervision and support from staff to meet the learner’s needs. All full-time learners at WVTC have EHCPs.
Local further education colleges
Adult Education Wolverhampton – 19 years old and above
Adult Education Wolverhampton offer Life Skills courses to develop your independent living and life skills whilst you undertake practical activities that could include cooking, arts & crafts and digital skills. Activities will include keeping yourself safe, healthy eating, travel planning, time management, being part of your community and work ready skills. There are 4 pathways:
- Get Learning courses are shorter. They will focus on practical activities and the development of skills.
- Keep Learning courses will concentrate on independent living skills and being more active in your community.
- Move On courses will provide you with an opportunity to learn work skills. Activities may include setting up an enterprise. Separate English and maths classes will be a requirement of this pathway.
- Supported Internships/Supported Employment courses will provide you with skills to help move you closer to paid employment and will include a work placement.
For more information please visit Adult Education Wolverhampton.
Independent special school or college
If you have an Education Health Care plan and are looking to go to an independent special school or college out of Wolverhampton, then the place of learning must be approved by the local authority.
Those which meet the SEND Code of Practice criteria can be found on the approved independent special schools and colleges list. This list is updated by Gov.uk on a termly basis. The school or college of your choice must be named in the young person’s Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.
The duties and rights relating to admissions are the same across maintained schools, academies, further education colleges and non-maintained special schools in that:
- A child or young person has a right to request that an institution on the approved list is named in their EHC plan
- If the institution is named in an EHC plan, the local authority is under a qualified duty to secure a place
- If the institution is named in an EHC plan, the institution must admit the pupil or young person
The City of Wolverhampton Council has a duty to be satisfied with the named school’s most recent education and social care inspection when preparing the EHC plan.
Here you will find information on the Department for Education (DfE) Independent institutions approved under section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014. Independent special schools and post-16 institutions - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Higher Education – 18 years and above
One of the options on offer to you, if you complete level 3 studies for example A levels, is to go on into higher education.
Higher education study can be done at universities, higher education colleges and increasingly in further education colleges. It is also on offer for students who prefer to study via distance learning for example from the Open University. Applications are usually submitted to the University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) in the January before the young person would hope to start at university.
University of Wolverhampton
The local university is the University of Wolverhampton. There is a comprehensive support offer for students with a disability or a specific learning difficulty.
Local Universities
Further Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) support
All higher education institutions have designated staff (such as a Disability Co-ordinator or a Student Welfare Officer) who can advise students. They should be contacted before completion of the UCAS application to discuss individual requirements. According to the law, universities must try their best to support students who have SEND. Example of things a university can do to help you with your studies might include:
- Making sure class materials are available in a format you can understand.
- Giving you extra time to complete coursework or exams.
- Providing extra support around study skills, how to use computer software, the library etc.
- Assigning you a support worker who can help you organise your studies.
- Arranging for specialist equipment
These changes are called “reasonable adjustments”. They make sure that young people with SEND have the same access to a university education. You can read more about your rights to reasonable adjustments from the websites below:
- Disability Rights UK’s factsheet on adjustments for disabled students
- The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service's (UCAS) guidance for disabled students
If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), this will no longer apply when you go to university. It can, however, be a good idea to share your plan with the university you want to go to. This will help them understand your needs and make sure the right reasonable adjustments are put into place.
Can I get help with money?
When all young people apply for university, they can apply for student finance. This is a loan which covers the cost of your course and helps with living expenses. You will pay this back over time, once you have graduated and start working.
If you are a student with a disability, you may also be entitled to a Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA). This is extra money available to buy any specialist equipment or support needed to meet your needs whilst you study. For more information on Disabled Student’s Allowance Help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability: Disabled Students' Allowance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Some universities have money available in case you have difficulty paying for your studies. These are called hardship funds. Universities have different rules around who can apply for this money and how much you can get. For more information, you can contact the university, or visit the Extra money to pay for university: University and college hardship funds.
Pathways to employment
Apprenticeships
Apprenticeships are about learning while earning. To become an apprentice, you must:
- be 16 or over
- not already be in full-time education
- live in England
You can start an apprenticeship whether you’re starting your career, want a change or you're upskilling in your current job. You can have a previous qualification like a degree and still start an apprenticeship. As an apprentice you’ll:
- learn and train for a specific job
- get paid and receive holiday leave
- get hands-on experience in a real job
- study for at least 20% of your working hours - usually at a college, university or with a training provider
- complete assessments during and at the end of your apprenticeship
- be on a career path with lots of future potential
An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. By the end of an apprenticeship, you'll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career.
It can take between one and 6 years to complete an apprenticeship depending on which one you choose, what level it is and your previous experience. It’s funded from contributions made by the government and your employer.
Training Providers
Training providers can offer a number of different training options including: functional skills, traineeships, internships, apprenticeships. They offer a range of vocational tasters, support with Maths and English, life skills to help develop confidence and independence and work experience placements. Each training provider offers a bespoke set of training options and can support young people with EHCPs. Talk to your Careers Adviser about what local training providers offer.
Further Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) support
Study Programme
If you are not ready to do a course at level 2 (GCSE grades A* - C.) and need extra support with your learning you may be able to take a personalised course with school, college or with a training provider called a study programme. These entry level or level 1 courses will help you to learn and practise an individual mix of skills including:
- English, Maths and information and communication technology (ICT)
- Work-related learning – for example hairdressing or retail
- Personal skills/personal development
- Employability skills
- Living more independently, being organised and working with other people.
If you want any further information about study programmes in your local area, speak to your Connexions Adviser to discuss these options further.
Apprenticeships
Most Apprenticeships can be converted to an Inclusive Apprenticeship, specifically for young people with SEND.
All Apprenticeships are advertised on the National Apprenticeship website. On this website, you will find the national Vacancy Matching Service which allows young people to apply directly to employers for Apprenticeship vacancies.
More information can be found on Workbox website when you search for Apprenticeships in your local area.
If you want any further information about inclusive apprenticeships in your local area, speak to your Connexions Adviser to discuss these options further.
Traineeships
A traineeship is a course with work experience that gets you ready for work or an apprenticeship. It can last from 6 weeks up to 1 year, though most traineeships last for less than 6 months. You can apply if you are:
- eligible to work in England
- unemployed and have little or no work experience
- aged 16 to 24 and qualified up to and including Level 3 (equivalent to A Level)
You will get:
- help with getting work, such as writing a CV and finding a job
- a work placement of 70 hours or more
- help with the skills you’ll need for an apprenticeship or job in the area you want to work in
- a job interview or feedback from an employer
- help with English, maths and basic digital skills (if you need it)
You won’t be paid, but you may be given expenses for things like travel and meals.
Traineeships are offered through local training providers. Talk to your careers adviser about where these are offered locally.
For the most up to date information see Find a traineeship - GOV.UK.
Further information can be found on Traineeships | Directory of Resources | Workbox.
Young people with an education, health and care (EHC) plan can retain their plan while undertaking a Traineeship.
Supported Internships
Supported internships are a structured, work-based study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with SEND, who have an education, health and care (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. At the end of a supported internship, it is hoped that the young person will be able to go into paid employment with the same employer. In Wolverhampton we have a number of providers for Supported Internships.
Talk to your Connexions careers adviser about where these are offered locally.
Wolverhampton Supported Employment Service
Wolverhampton’s Supported Employment Service can offer support to young people with SEND, who have an education, health and care (EHC) plan and have support from social care to look for work and provide the young person with an employment support worker. The supported employment model is a flexible and continuous process designed to meet each person’s individual needs. In Wolverhampton, we believe in the principle of right person, right job, right support.
Support for Employment - Access to work - help from Jobcentre Plus
Young person from the age of 18 can be referred to the Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at their local Jobcentre Plus office if their particular needs make it more difficult for them to find employment or work-based learning. Those on Universal credit can get help and support to look for employment.
If you need specialist support or particular equipment to work, then the DEA can help you to apply for Access to Work support Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition. The Council for Disabled Children have created an informative guide for you understand Access to Work scheme.
If you are not quite ready for work, they can also support you to develop your employability skills through local training programs.
Community Pathways
The objective of the Community Pathways Team is to offer a person centred, outcome focussed, time limited assessment and enablement programme. The objective is to maximise independence and enable people to live as independently as possible in the community and could include skills to access employment.
The team have experience of supporting young people in relation to special educational needs but also have a wealth of training, skills and knowledge supporting people with disabilities.
Primarily the service will be provided to people aged 16-64 with a disability who live in Wolverhampton. In order to benefit from the services support, a social care assessment is needed.
Social Services Provision
There are a range of community activities and day centre provision that can be accessed with social care support or through Direct Payments. Your social worker will be able to share what activities are available locally.
Volunteering
Many people choose to volunteer with local organisations and charities. You can find out more about volunteering here:
- Wolves WorkBox Volunteering | Directory of Resources | Workbox (wolvesworkbox.com)
- Your local Jobcentre or by using Universal Jobmatch at: www.gov.uk/jobsearch
- Your local Careers adviser or those with an Education Health and Care plan can contact their Connexions service
Further places to get support
WorkBox - is a unique resource providing everything you need whether you're looking for work, a learner (old or young), already in work, a trainer or business owner. Search for advice and guidance on a wide range of career options, find local sources of advice and training and if you're an employer, submit your vacancies for inclusion on the WorkBox.
Youth Employment Hub – 18 – 29 year olds - Is a one stop shop for young people aged between 16-29 looking to get advice, skills, and experience to get into work. They offer one-to-one appointments with any of our qualified advisers who can support you to explore your options, access employment and training opportunities, along with helping with CV’s and interviews in a more relaxed environment.
Wolves at Work – 18 – 24 year olds - This service provides a one-to-one coaching to help people in Wolverhampton achieve their employment goals. This service can be accessed by anyone who lives in Wolverhampton who is 18 years old and above. Wolves at Work provide dedicated work coaches to support people to achieve their career aims and can help people with activities such as developing a CV, completing application forms, and practising for interviews Wolves at Work 18-24.
What support is available to support transition to the next education or employment setting?
What support is available for everyone?
It would be useful for the young person to access the setting website prior to starting at their new setting. This will help the young person to gain information about their new environment and facilities. It would be useful for the young person to visit their new setting prior to starting too. This could be through an open evening.
It would be useful for the young person to follow the careers advice they have received to make an informed choice.
It will be important that the young person shares appropriate information with the new setting to support the young person’s health and safety for example: medical conditions.
What if more support is needed?
It is important that information is shared between settings to ensure the new setting can make reasonable adjustments in order to meet the needs of the young person in a timely manner. Where the young person or their parent/carer feels that more support is needed with transition, contact the young person’s current setting through the SENCo, CIEAG leader or careers leader who would be able to advise on further transition support including offering a transition action planning meeting.
What if even more support is needed?
Best practice for an effective transition to post compulsory school provision would include:
Staff from the young person’s new setting (or any of the provisions which the young person or their families are considering) visit their current provider as part of a robust assessment of need including an observation of the young person within the curriculum setting.
After the first few weeks, an initial review is held to discuss whether any adjustments need to be made to this provision.
Access to impartial information, advice and guidance from the Connexions service to support young people to make an informed choice.
Prior to starting at the new setting, there are opportunities to visit and take part in transition taster sessions to establish a positive educational relationship with curriculum and support staff
If the young person has an education, health and care (EHC) plan, these are shared with the young person’s new setting as far in advance as possible to allow time for robust planning.
Education, Employment and Training (EET) Advisers
The local authority have a team of Education, Employment and Training Advisers who can provide additional support with transition for young people with an EHCP as well as Children and Young People in Care (CYPiC) and Care Leavers. They offer support from Year 9 onwards prioritising young people in Year 11, to provide coordination of support and ensure they are achieving EET status on leaving school at 16. Young people will continue to be tracked until they are 19 years
Health and Well-being
What support is available for everyone?
Physical Health
Everyone should be registered with a GP (general practitioner). This is usually in a GP practice near to your home and you may have been with them for a long time.
If you have a learning disability we would advise from the age of 14 years old that your GP does your annual reviews as they can be involved with you leading into adulthood.
Your GP can see you for any health issues that are not urgent or life threatening and they can also sort out your prescriptions for you.
Most GP practices will also have a practice nurse there also and they can help with things like immunisations, contraceptive advice, health and well-being checks plus they can carry out any routine screening.
For life threatening health issues always call 999 and you will be taken to the nearest Emergency Department.
If you are unable to contact your GP or for out of hours advice please call 111. There is also the NHS Website.
Caring for your teeth and maintaining good oral health is very important so please make sure you are registered with a dentist.
Vision testing is also available at your local optician free of charge if under 18 and in full time education.
Community Children’s Nurses provide care to children aged 0-18 (or up to 19 if attending a special school) with a nursing need. This includes wound care, injections, continence, epilepsy and complex care.
Sexual Health
Embrace is Wolverhampton’s sexual health advice service who provide a wide range of sexual health services, including all types of contraception, STI (sexually transmitted infections) testing and treatment and HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) services.
The service is non-judgmental and they welcome people of all ages, genders and orientations. They also provide a text messaging service called Chat Sexual Health. Text a sexual health nurse on 07480 635 548 to get confidential and non-judgemental advice and support for a range of sexual health issues, including:
- STI testing
- Safe sex
- Smear tests
- Pregnancy advice
- Counselling
- HIV testing
- Emergency contraception
A sexual health nurse can also put you in touch with other local NHS or support services that can help.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
If you are a young person still in school then our School Nursing service will do regular drop ins at school and also some will do an enhanced drop in to support around sexual health.
There is always the ChatHealth facility which is a text messaging service where you can text a school nurse for advice and support. Chat Health can be contacted via text on 07507 332 631.
What if more support is needed?
Physical Health
If you have a particular health condition then you may have access to a clinical nurse specialist who will be an expert in that field – this could be something like diabetes, epilepsy, rheumatology, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) plus others.
There are also Specialist School Nurses who work both in special schools and support children and young people with SEND in mainstream schools.
Under the Equality Act 2010, all disabled people have the right to reasonable adjustments when using public services, including healthcare.
Reasonable adjustments can be simple changes made by one healthcare professional, or they can be more complex and need multiple teams to work together.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
If you have emotional, behavioural or mental health difficulties, you may be referred to the CAMHS (child and adolescent mental health services) team who can provide specialist support and treatment.
Inspire supports children with a learning disability. This part of CAMHS employs specialist staff who have expertise in working with young people with a learning disability. Inspire can offer support with mental health related difficulties, as the Child and Family Service also does, but in addition it is able to support with the following issues where universal or previous input has been unsuccessful and where the issue is related to the young person’s learning disability:
- physical health difficulties (for example, toileting; feeding)
- social skills difficulties (for example, how to manage friendships and relationships)
- general communication difficulties (for example, developing use of picture symbols).
There is also Base 25 who can support young people with their emotional health and well being. They can also support you if you have autism or ADHD.
If you are a young person that is pregnant and have vulnerabilities or suffering with your mental health then you may be referred to our Partnering Families Team who work with first time young mothers. Your midwife may also refer you to the perinatal mental health team but will discuss it with you first.
The Social Prescribing service provides a non-medical approach to supporting adults and teenagers in Wolverhampton to improve their health and wellbeing. The aim is to link people with activities and support in their local communities which might help them to feel better and more connected. You can be referred into the service by your GP or another professional who knows you.
What if even more support is needed?
If you have a long term health condition and require further support with transition to adult services there is a Transition Nurse available to help you, your specialist doctor can give you more information.
Make sure you are fully involved in the review of your Education Health Care Plan and your feelings are included.
If you have a long term health condition you will be given a Health Passport to fill in from your Doctor and this can be used when accessing other health services to stop repetition of information.
You may be eligible for a continuing care package. This is offered when a child or young person under 18 years has needs from a disability, accident or illness that cannot be met by mainstream services. Speak to your specialist doctor for more information.
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