Transition

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: 

• National Careers Service
• Connexions Wolverhampton
• Wolves Workbox
• UCAS careers advice
• Prospects
• You Future Black Country – Jobs and Opportunities Jobs

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.

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. 

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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

• Sandwell College
• Dudley College
• Walsall College
• South Staffordshire College

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.

• Higher Education

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

• Aston University
• University of Birmingham
• University of Staffordshire

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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