This webinar series has now finished. We will share the resources from the webinars soon.
Series overview
The aim of these webinars was to build practical knowledge, confidence, and collaboration around Preparing for Adulthood outcomes and transition pathways for young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), with or without an Education, Health and Care Plan.
Sessions were delivered by Kate Clarke, Preparing for Adulthood Advisor at Southend-on-Sea City Council, and guest speakers.
Webinar 1: Preparing for Adulthood - what it means and why it matters.
Obectives:
- understand the 4 Preparing for Adulthood outcomes: employment, independent living, community inclusion and health
- know what the law says about support for young people with SEND and what services and settings must do when young people move into adult life
- spot the important times when things change (like leaving school or starting college) and plan for those changes in education, health and care
Content:
- definition and purpose of Preparing for Adulthood for children and young people with SEND
- the law - duties, timelines and person-centered planning
- how different services work together to support young people and how early planning helps
- what's available in the local area to support with your education, health and social care
Webinar 2: Building Employment Pathways – Supported Internships and Apprenticeships.
Objectives:
- how Supported Internships work and how they are delivered, including eligibility and funding
- Apprenticeship opportunities and reasonable adjustments for young people with SEND
- how to identify and approach prospective employers
Content:
- Supported Internships: programme structure, providers, programme outcomes and support for young people through job coaching
- Apprenticeships: entry requirements, eligibility, programme levels, functional skills (Math's and English) and support available for those with SEND
- employer engagement: communication and workplace adjustments, and the use of the Southend Vocational Profile
- information about the Connect to Work programme, presented by a guest speaker from Essex Care Ltd
Webinar 3: Navigating Adult Social Care – preparing families and young people.
Objectives:
- understand Care Act eligibility and social care assessment processes
- prepare for transitions as a family
- understand the links between education, health, and social care planning
Content:
- Care Act principles and the transition process (Care Act sections 14 to 25)
- Adult social care assessment processes, direct payments, and personal budgets
- links between health (NHS Continuing Healthcare) and education (Education, Health and Care Plans)
- being prepared: who to communicate with, when to communicate and how
Webinar 4: From NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) to employment – strategies for engagement and success.
Objectives:
- explore effective engagement strategies for young people who are not in employment, education or training and know who is there to help
- understand local initiatives (such as the Ready to Work programme) and referral pathways.
- understand how services and professionals work together to support young people in education, employment and training
Content:
- how young people at risk of becoming NEET (not in employment, education or training) can be identified early and supported
- support available through local programmes: coaching, work tasters, links with employers and functional skills support (Math's and English)
- how attendance, progression and outcomes are captured and tracked
- keeping young people engaged: incentives, mentoring and family involvement
Webinar 5: Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and support for young people with high needs in post-16 education.
Objectives:
- ensure a young person's Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) covers preparing for adulthood outcomes
- ensure the EHCP can be implemented in a Further Education (FE) college or setting
- identify common challenges in post-16 education and find practical solutions
Content:
- post-16 education funding and how education provision is commissioned
- knowing your EHCP and owning your outcomes
- what happens when your EHCP comes to an end
- who to go to if you feel you are not getting the right support in college