SEND support survey feedback 2023
8. Transitions and post-16 support
You said that key transitions need more support.
Many respondents shared:
- feelings of worry about the future
- concerns about access to support for young people over 16
- a need for increased guidance and information about post-16 opportunities for education, training or employment
"I’m not sure what my plans are after college and this makes me anxious. No one is telling me and I need to know." (CYP)
"Portage were miracle workers. The staff member we had knew my daughter more than any other professional we had met. She was insightful, experienced and kind. She worked with clear measurable aims and objectives and shared those well We saw the most progress in terms of social emotional and communication skills with her than we ever had. A great budget should be for early intervention and the age should be increased until 5 when children start school for a smooth transition. If they were to work in a multidisciplinary team alongside ASD, ADHD, SALT teams with greater communication and a more cohesive working practices I have no doubt children would thrive quicker." (PC)
"We are worried about the future once I finish school. What is there for me? What support does the council give to people who want to leave home? Get a job? Where are the safe places for me to go?" (CYP)
"My son is 20 with severe learning difficulties and severe autism, and other complications. Since he transitioned to Adult services about 18 months ago many of his support systems (across health, social and clearly education) have stopped. It feels like he’s invisible now with not enough provision. His development (speech and OT) have regressed." (PC)
"I would wish that when a child receives a diagnosis the SEND partnership would automatically be notified (maybe with consent) and then they could contact the parent and tell them about support available. My son was diagnosed with ADHD when he turned 6. I'm unsure if he is on the "send register". I was asked by a friend and I don't know. She also mentioned about some holiday club and after school clubs that children can attend but I don't know where these are." (PC)
"No information or support for young adults with regard to employment or PFA outcomes. Following school or college the next step seems to be unemployment! There is no service to support adults into work. Only seem to know limited information about Project Search which is limited to what it offers. Needs to be more options for all to suit different abilities, interests and in accessible locations." (PC)
Future jobs and careers
As part of the surveys, for young people in Year 9 and above, we also asked questions about post-16 options, future jobs and careers and areas of interest.
Young people's top 5 included:
- Creative and Media
- Teaching and Education
- Animal Care
- Beauty and Wellbeing
- Computing, Technology and Digital
Parent carer's top 5 included:
- Computing, Technology and Digital
- Animal Care
- Creative and Media
- Construction and Trades
- Engineering and Maintenance
What we have done and are working on...
We will share the information from our surveys of young people in Year 9 and above with our Education Improvement and Inclusion Services, that work to develop post-16 opportunities for young people.
The SEND local offer has a page dedicated to young people and adulthood.
We've created a new Employment Forum and recruited a SEND employment officer. Their job will be to improve the variety of employment options post 16, promote supported internships and work with employers to identify work experience opportunities.
The Children and Family Wellbeing Service SEND team offer has been extended to include 15-17 year olds. This is support for families who have been assessed by the Children with Disabilities Team but can be supported by a SEND family support worker.
Adult Social Care work closely with Children with Disabilities social workers to ensure a smooth transition into adult services for children and young people with the most severe and profound needs.