Options at 16+ and 18+
After they are 16, there are a number of options open to your son/daughter. These include:
- Continuing at school (if this is possible) or going to another school with a sixth form
- Taking a college course
- Going to a specialist college
- Getting a job
- Supported employment
- Starting a work-based learning programme
- Voluntary activities
After they are 18 your son or daughter may choose to go to university or HE college to take a higher education course.
Other day opportunities may be available, provided by Social Care.
Details of some of the additional support available to help your son or daughter can be found below.
At college
All local colleges have a Personal Adviser linked to them who will see your son or daughter on request. If your son or daughter has had a Section 139a Review, their Personal Adviser will review this with them when they have started their college course to make sure that they are receiving the support they need.
Independent Specialist College
If your son or daughter’s needs cannot be met at a local school, college or work- based learning provider, an Independent Specialist College may be an option.
These colleges provide specialist education and support for young people with a range of learning difficulties and/or disabilities. They often provide residential courses.
Independent Specialist Colleges are situated around the country and there are two in Staffordshire.
Places at specialist colleges are not guaranteed – to gain a place, Connexions currently make an application for funding to the LSC. Your son or daughter will need to go for an assessment at the college before they are offered a place. Your son or daughter’s Personal Adviser will be able to give you more information about this. Some Independent Specialist Colleges have a waiting list, so this option should be planned two years in advance.
If you want to find out more about Independent Specialist Colleges you can visit the Association of National Specialist Colleges’ website www.natspec.org.uk for further details.
Supported Employment
Supported employment provides opportunities for young people who need some extra help to cope with the demands of the workplace. In Staffordshire there are some supported employment opportunities funded by Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Social Care Services. Other organisations provide support to young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Below are some links you may find useful:
- Stoke-on-Trent City Council (Supported Placements and Supported Employment Services)
- Staffordshire County Council’s Learning Disability Teams
- Remploy
- Mencap Pathway
- The Landau Project
- The Shaw Trust
Connexions Personal Advisers will be able to tell you more about these options and what is available in your area. In addition, the Disability Employment Adviser at your local Jobcentre Plus office can provide specialist advice and supportive employment programmes to help people with disabilities to find and keep a job.
Higher Education
If your son or daughter plans to continue with their studies, there are some helpful websites you can visit:
To find out about financial support for students with disabilities visit the Directgov website.
The National Bureau for Students with Disabilities (Skill) is a national charity promoting opportunities for young people and adults with any kind of impairment in post-16 education, training and employment.
