Training, Employment and Work Packages (16+)

In the past, studies have shown that training and employment outcomes for people with special educational needs and disabilities have been poor. One of the aims of the current SEND reforms is to change this situation and improve training and employment opportunities for young people, with a range of special needs, through the transition planning process.

The local authority has a duty to secure sufficient education and training opportunities to meet the reasonable needs of all young people in the local area and it is important for young people with SEN to have well-supported work experience.

When you child leaves school, they should have the following options available to them:

Further education in a mainstream college or sixth form
Training or Apprenticeships
Employment
Community-based activities e.g. day centres, part-time college, leisure activities

Specialist Careers Advisers will be able to offer you advice, information and guidance on the options available from the end of Year 11 onwards, including foundation learning, apprenticeships and colleges of further education.

There are also independent specialist colleges, for young people with complex learning difficulties and disabilities who require a high level of support.

Learning Pathway

The Swindon Learning Pathway site “your future, your choice” has been created to provide young people, parents and staff with the information to help make decisions about a young person’s future. It has been developed in partnership with local providers to provide details of all of the post 16 options available in Swindon.

SEQOL Supported Employment

SEQOL Supported Employment helps people who have learning or physical disabilities and other health conditions to secure jobs by working with visionary employers who want a diverse workforce. Many employers and businesses have found that people who have used SEQOL services make exceptional employees and are extremely loyal, hardworking and ideally suited to many employment opportunities. If you would like to build your confidence or skills, SEQOL Supported Employment will arrange a work experience placement for you. In the near future, they will also be offering the opportunity to take recognised qualifications in work-related skills, in partnership with New College, Swindon.

Disabled Students’ Allowance

Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) provide extra financial help if you want to study a higher education course and have a disability, ongoing health condition, mental health condition or specific learning difficulty like dyslexia.

Shaw Trust Work Choice

Shaw Trust is a national charity that helps disabled and disadvantaged people experience work, find employment and live more independently.

Work Choice is designed specifically for people with disabilities who may find it difficult to find or keep a job. It enables you to find and retain work by identifying your needs and providing tailored support accordingly.

You will be offered confidential advice and support and a dedicated adviser to work with you on a one-to-one basis.

The type of support you will receive may include advice on managing your money, family life and health condition to offering training and work experience to prepare you for more permanent employment.

Shaw Trust works alongside other organisations and employers to ensure you receive the best support possible to enable you to work for a minimum of 16 hours per week. It is often the stepping stone into full, unsupported employment.

Shaw Trust Work Programme

Work Programme is a government supported employment programme that helps people prepare for, find and stay in work. It is delivered for Jobcentre Plus and provides services on behalf of JHP in Swindon.

You will be informed by Jobcentre Plus if you are eligible, but can contact them if you have any questions.

Further Education

New College

Swindon College

Wiltshire College

Circencester College

The Association of National Specialist Colleges

Funding Further Education for Disabled Students

Information on DSA application process

Training in the Marketplace

Employment in the marketplace

Training and Employment

SEQOL Supported Employment

Shaw Trust
Suite 9, Curtis Court
73a Commercial Road
Swindon
SN1 5NX
Tel: 03003 033109

Job Centre Plus
Spring Gardens House
Princes Street
Swindon
SN1 2HY
Tel: 01793 489766 / 48960