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Pathway Progression Plus

There is now a wide range of evidence-based practice and increasing confidence that employment leads to more fulfilling lives and saves money.

Evidence shows a high need for Supported Employment for Learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and Additional Learning Needs (ALN) to move them into sustainable employment.

65%

There is increasing evidence that the commissioning of supported employment services leads directly to financial savings for local authorities, health trusts, and the Treasury.

For example, we know 65% of people with Neurodiversity or Learning disabilities want to work.

However, with only 22% in work in some areas, this is unacceptably low. This can only change if appropriate models of support are commissioned.

We offer a bespoke supported employment programme that will be of particular interest to commissioners and can meet the needs of the government strategy to meet employers’ skills needs and move more people from the SEND group into sustainable employment.

Find out more about Pathway Progression Plis

Real jobs mean that the terms and conditions for people with Special Education Needs should be the same as for everyone else, including pay at the contracted going rate.

This is because work plays a pivotal role in defining an individual’s quality of life and must be integral to a person’s overall life experience. Supported employment offers an innovative process that enables employment as an achievable goal for people from this group, just as it is for non-disabled people in our society.

The Model

This model has at its heart the notion that anyone can be employed if they want to pay for employment and sufficient support is provided. Our model can be flexible and be spoked to the needs of the area we deliver in. Our model considers the learners' skills, health and wellbeing, the employer's needs and the parents/carer's support.

Learner Support

Many potential job seekers are using traditional day services or receiving support from mainstream organisations. People leave education every year with the hope of finding employment. Professionals and families have had low expectations of people with SEND finding sustainable work in the past. Expectations of employment must be raised.

Getting to know them

This is a "getting to know you" process where we identify the participants' aspirations, learning needs, individual skills, former experiences and job preferences. Carers and support workers should be involved so that we get a holistic picture of the learner; this includes likes and dislikes and what their aspirations are.

Parents & Carers

We will support them through the process, including applications for funded support; they will be included in the journey.

Employer Engagement

This crucial element is the job marketing process. Supporting employers helps them to overcome concerns about recruitment and selection barriers. We will support them through this process and see the benefits of employing this client group.

We will encourage, where possible, to give work trials which we would support them through the journey. Once in employment, we will help them with onboarding and in work support as well as supporting them with learning.

Find out more about Pathway Progression Plis

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