Disability or Special Educational Needs

All young people need to plan for the time when they will leave school, and most will need some help to do this. Young people with a disability and/or Special Educational Needs – and their parents/carers – are no exception and may need extra help to understand what is available to them, so they can make informed decisions. Some parents may not be aware of any special provision after school, and for them their son or daughter’s future is a matter of great concern.

Connexions Cornwall and Devon is funded to provide young people aged 13 to 19 with the best possible information, advice, personal support and guidance to help them in their transition to adult learning opportunities, and to work where appropriate. We can also help young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities up to the age of 25. Our role may vary according to your son’s or daughter’s circumstances..

Who we work with

We work closely with local key partners and organisations, to support young people as they move from adolescence to adulthood. We work in partnership with:

• staff in schools, education out of school, and colleges of further education
• key agencies such as local authority services for young people, families and adults, health authorities, Jobcentre Plus, youth offending teams, Probation Service, the Learning and Skills Council, police, community and voluntary organisations
• employers and training providers.

Transition Planning

If your child has a statement of special educational needs you will be invited by the school (or local education authority in some cases) to the transition review in year 9. The review is particularly important in looking ahead to what he or she may do after year 11. Parents/carers and their child’s views are very important and they should be involved in all decisions made. A Connexions Personal Adviser will be at this review, and others who are likely to play an important role when your child leaves school may also be invited. Reviews may also be organised for other young people needing support.

At the review meeting your child’s statement, targets and future plans will be discussed, but this is only the start of planning for the future. The meeting should result in a transition plan, which outlines the first steps necessary in planning for your child’s future. The transition plan will be updated at reviews in year 10 and year 11.

After Year 11, what are the choices?

The main choices after year 11 are:

• staying on at school or moving to another school
• further education at a local college
• residential further education
• local employment and training (including additional help for those who are not yet ready for employment)

Further information

For further information on these, and the possible choices available when your son or daughter reaches the age of 18 or over, click here for our booklet "What’s Next – a parent/carer’s guide to life after school for young people with additional learning needs"

This booklet aims to provide an overview of education, training and employment provision for young people with additional learning needs after year 11, with some details of the local area. It cannot provide information on everything that is available and may not provide all the details you need. For further information please contact a Personal Adviser from Connexions Cornwall and Devon. Ask staff at your child’s school about the arrangements that have been made for your Connexions Personal Adviser to visit. For young people whose homes are in Cornwall or Devon but go to special schools or colleges in another area, we work jointly with careers services or Connexions Services in that area.

If you live in Devon, this website will provide additional information: DISCPlus website