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<p>The government is committed to ensuring that all learners, including learners with
special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), have access to a world-class education
that sets them up for life and to develop the skills needed to get good jobs.</p><p>The
department knows that with the right preparation and support, the overwhelming majority
of young people with SEND are capable of sustained, paid employment. All professionals
working with them should share that presumption and should provide the career advice
and support that help young people to develop the skills and experience, and achieve
the qualifications, that they need to succeed in their careers.</p><p>The government
is committed to supporting pathways to employment for learners with SEND, including
strengthening the Supported Internship programme, which is a structured, work-based
study programme for 16 to 24-year-olds with SEND, who have an education, health, and
care plan. The core aim of the programme is a substantial work placement, facilitated
by the support of an expert job coach. To support this, the department is investing
up to £18 million over the next three years, aiming to double the capacity of the
programme.</p><p>The careers statutory guidance makes it clear that schools should
offer work placements, work experience, and other employer-based activities as part
of their careers strategy for year 8-13 pupils and that secondary schools should offer
every young person at least seven encounters with employers during their education.</p><p>All
schools and colleges are expected to work towards the Gatsby Benchmarks of good careers
guidance. This includes experiences of the workplace through work visits, work shadowing
and/or work experience and ensuring opportunities for advice and support are tailored
to the needs of each pupil.</p><p>The Careers & Enterprise Company is supporting
schools and colleges to make links with employers and increase the opportunities for
all young people to engage with the world of work.</p><p>The department have also
introduced T Levels, high-quality technical qualifications for 16–19-year-olds that
include a meaningful 9-week industry placement. We have introduced flexibilities to
help as many SEND students as possible to access T Level industry placements, including
allowing up to 105 hours of their placement to take place on the provider’s site,
for example, an on-site restaurant. This will enable students to prepare for their
placement with an external employer, alongside pastoral support.</p><p> </p>
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