SEND news

Transforming SEND services: Preparing for Adulthood update

The Preparing for Adulthood Programme aim is for ‘Children and Young People with SEND to be able to successfully move into adult life with equal life chances, independence and work opportunities to achieve their aspirations as citizens of Hertfordshire’ the team work closely with colleges, schools, parents and carers to address issues and barriers to a smooth transition into adulthood.

The Preparing for Adulthood programme focuses on activity across health, home, learning, social engagement and making available meaningful opportunities such as employment, volunteering and supported employment. We have taken onboard feedback from our young people, parents and carers that the services available and the offer across these key life areas is often unclear resulting in our young people fearing transition and not being prepared to move into their adult lives.

These topics were explored at a series of focus groups last year and there are now dedicated projects being carried out within each of these areas to address the points raised. These include but are not limited to:

  • the development of an accommodation ‘ Moving On’ strategy to inform and communicate the housing offer more effectively to help young people and their families plan their future together
  • The development of improved post 16+ learning offer to give young people clarity on what is available and inform their preferred learning journey
  • The development of social and community engagement through 14+ sports programmes and an online events and activity tool for young people to find accessible activities in their area
  • Current proposal looking to support transition for our young people out of college into meaning opportunities including employment, volunteering and community activities
  • Full review of the Local Offer website Preparing for Adulthood information - to further develop and include services, tools and materials for young people, parents, carers and practitioners

A PfA launch event planned for October 2020 will provide more detail of our progress across areas with a view to promoting services, tools and support that have been developed.

We are also considering how our Supported Internship programme will continue to run going forward. There will no longer be a ‘Supported Internship Coordinator’ based within HCC, and instead, as from 1 April, this role will be based within the college and their respective job coaches will work to source and place students with local employers. Next month we will feature the work that was done by the Supported Internship Co-ordinator and the impact this role has made.

Any queries, please email simon.fraser@hertfordshire.gov.uk

 

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