Next steps guide (transitions and post-16 options)

This guide is designed to talk you through the various post-16 education options and to help you think about what route might be most suitable for you. It is designed to be used alongside guidance from your SEND Caseworker.

Introduction

Since September 2015 all young people have to participate in some form of education or training until they are 18. However, this does not mean you have to stay at school.

You could:

• participate in full-time education (known as a study programme) at a college, school or with a training provider,
• take up an apprenticeship, traineeship, pre-supported internship or supported internship; or
• go into full-time employment or volunteering (of 20 hours or more per week) if combined with accredited part-time education or training.

This guide highlights the local options available, however it is also important that you do your own independent research so that you can be confident that no opportunity has been missed.

You can also download this guide in PDF format: Next Steps Preparing for Adulthood Guide (PDF)

Qualification levels explained

Level 3 (L3)

Advanced Level (two years)

Qualifications

• A-levels
• GCSEs in applied subjects
• International Baccalaureate
• Key Skills Level 3
• Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 3
• National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) at Level 3

Level 2 (L2)

Intermediate level (one year)

Qualifications

• GCSEs grades A* to C/ 9 to 4
• Key Skills Level 2
• Functional Skills Level 2
• BTEC Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 2.
• NVQ at Level 2

Level 1 (L1)

Foundation level

Qualifications

• GCSE grades D to G/ 3 to 1
• Functional Skills Level 1
• BTEC Introductory Diplomas and Certificates at Level 1
• BTEC Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Level 1
• NVQ at Level 1
• Foundation Learning Pathway

Entry level

Each Entry Level qualification is available at three sub-levels: 1, 2 and 3. Entry level 3 is the most difficult. Entry Level qualifications take one to two or three years to complete.

Qualifications

• Entry Level Certificates
• Skills for Life
• Functional Skills at Entry Level
• Awards, Certificates and Diplomas at Entry 1
• Foundation Learning Pathways at Entry Level

Qualification levels and typical entry requirements

Entry requirements may differ at individual educational establishments.

Entry level 1, 2 and 3

Typically no formal entry requirements.

Level 1

Four GCSEs at grade 2 or above (including English and Maths).

Level 2

Four GCSEs at grade 3 or above (including English and Maths) or a Level 1 qualification ideally in a relevant subject.

Level 3

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English and Maths) or a Level 2 qualification in a relevant subject.

Level 4

A Levels, Level 3 qualifications and Access to Higher Education courses.

Work based

Learning that takes place in a work environment. It is a practical way of learning that offers real life work experience whilst working towards relevant qualifications in the industry.

Vocational

Learning involving more practical activities, it is commonly used to prepare a person for a particular trade or industry.

Academic

A more formal style of learning that is usually based on theory rather than practical activities.

Supported Internships

Supported Internships help young people with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan to achieve sustainable, paid employment.

The personalised programme allows the young person to learn in the workplace whilst also having the chance to study for relevant qualifications at an appropriate level.

The internship normally lasts for a year and includes at least six months of unpaid work experience (600 hours of training). Supported Internships are carried out for the most part in the work place, young people are helped to find a Supported Internship employer and will be matched to a job that suits them.

Although similar to a traineeship or apprenticeship, this type of programme is tailored to those who would require a higher level of support, such as a job coach.

The Access to Work fund can be used to provide additional support/equipment, including a job coach and/or the extra costs of transport if it is not possible to use public transport.

Entry requirements

You will need to have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan to access a Supported Internship.

Recommended progression

Work

Surrey providers

• Surrey Choices
• Brooklands College
• Guildford College (Activate Group)
• Nescot College
• East Surrey College

Pre-Supported Internships (Future Choices)

Pre-Supported Internships are designed for young people with an Education Health and Care (EHC) plan to enable the progression onto a Supported Internship pathway in the future. Pre-supported Internships are ideal for those would benefit from a more supportive environment and entry to the workplace.

Surrey County Council in partnership with Surrey Choices have designed a pre-supported internship training programme 'Future Choices'. This programme is designed to prepare young people for adulthood and for the world of work.

Pre-interns, experience three vocational rotations each year or if appropriate a single dedicated vocational option for the duration of the programme. Pre-interns attend their vocational options for three days per week, with the remaining two days spent on activities to gain life skills, improve health and wellbeing and become involved in community and social networks.

Vocational options

• Business
• Horticulture
• Radio and Media
• Hospitality
• Woodwork

Alternative vocational training options can be considered and sourced to meet the specific needs of individuals.

Entry requirements

Future Choices is open to any young person with additional needs and disabilities who are in receipt of an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan.

Recommended progression

• Supported Internship
• Employability Programme (Adult Social Care eligibility dependant)
• Work

Surrey providers

Surrey Choices

Traineeships

Participating in a traineeship allows you to develop your skills and gain qualifications including English and Maths for those who need it, whilst benefitting from high quality work experience. They can last from six weeks to six months and are an ideal stepping stone to an apprenticeship.

The work experience placement is not paid, but the costs of travel and meals might be supported by the training provider or employer.

Young people with SEND may be eligible for support from a Job Coach for the duration of their traineeship. Job Coaches provide on the job support to ensure that the young person is settled and comfortable in their role and can help with things like communication, understanding of tasks and resolving any issues that may arise.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to a traineeship, however you need to be between the ages of 16 to 24, eligible to work in the UK and have no or little work experience.

Recommended progression

• Apprenticeship
• Supported Internship
• Pre-Supported Internship
• Work
• Further Education College Qualifications

Surrey providers

• UK Government Traineeship Service website
• Brooklands College traineeships

Apprenticeships

As an apprentice you can earn a salary whilst studying for a nationally recognised qualification and getting on the job training. It's a way to gain experience, strengthen your CV and build your career. There is a wide range of apprenticeships available to suit every skill and passion and the training provider will offer support for any additional needs.

Apprenticeships offer a different way of learning compared to college or university, and you have the opportunity to get a qualification that will be valued by potential employers.

Apprenticeships are available at different levels from intermediate to degree level and have different entry requirements depending on apprenticeship and industry sector. The current minimum wage for an apprentice is £4.81 per hour, although many employers pay more, with the average weekly take home pay for an apprentice being £170. You will be expected to work a minimum of 30 hours per week but will get at least 20 days of paid holiday during the year plus bank holidays!

Employers and training providers can provide support to apprentices with SEND in various ways, including through additional mentoring. Both employers and colleges have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities. If you have a special educational need and/or disability and have identified an apprenticeship that you are interested in, then you may wish to call the employer in advance to discuss with them what level of support they may be able to offer.

If you're not quite ready for an apprenticeship and want to gain further skills and work experience prior to embarking on one, then you may wish to consider the following options:

• Supported Internship
• Pre-supported Internship
• Traineeship

Recommended progression

• Work
• Higher Apprenticeship
• University.

Surrey providers

• Surrey County Council apprenticeships
• Surrey Heath Borough Council apprenticeships
• Surrey and Sussex NHS apprenticeships
• East Surrey College apprenticeships
• Guildford College apprenticeships
• Brooklands College apprenticeships
• Weir Training apprenticeships
• Nescot College apprenticeships
• Neighbour Training

Related resources

• National apprenticeship finder
• Amazing Apprenticeships
• Association of Learning Providers in Surrey
• The Apprenticeship Guide

Surrey apprenticeships

To access the range of different types of apprenticeships offered please go to the Institute of apprenticeships and technical education website, where you can find apprenticeships such as hospitality and catering, hairdressing and retail, as well as many more.

Please visit the Surrey County Council jobs website and search for jobs, where apprenticeships can be found as and when they are available. Surrey County Council also advertises apprenticeships specifically targeted at young people with additional needs and an EHC plan, which will be advertised through the usual jobs page.

Types of apprenticeship

Accounting and finance

• East Surrey College
• Brooklands College
• Neighbour Training

Aviation

• East Surrey College

Business and administration

• East Surrey College
• Brooklands College
• Nescot College
• Guildford College
• Surrey County Council
• Weir Training
• Neighbour Training

Care services

• East Surrey College
• Brooklands College
• Nescot College

Construction

• East Surrey College
• Guildford College
• Brooklands College
• Nescot College

Customer services

• Guildford College
• Brooklands College
• Nescot College
• Weir Training
• Neighbour Training

Early years

• Guildford College
• Brooklands College
• Nescot College

Electrical installation

• Guildford College
• Nescot College

Engineering

• East Surrey College
• Guildford College
• Brooklands College
• Nescot College

Estate agency

• Neighbour Training

Hairdressing

• East Surrey College
• Brooklands College

Higher Apprenticeships

• East Surrey College

Hospitality and catering

• Brooklands College
• Nescot College
• Weir Training

Information technology

• Nescot College
• Neighbour Training
• Surrey County Council

Motor vehicle

• East Surrey College
• Brooklands College
• Nescot College

Retail

• Weir Training

Teaching and teaching support

• East Surrey College
• Guildford College
• Brooklands College
• Weir Training

Team leading and management

• Nescot
• Neighbour Training
• Weir Training

Warehousing

• Weir Training

Further Education Colleges

Further education colleges cater for those aged 16 and over (some colleges provide discreet 14 to 16 education provision) offering a wide range of vocational subjects as well as some academic subjects. All Surrey colleges offer supported learning environments, specialist provision and support.

Colleges typically offer a variety of learning styles dependent on the method of study:

• Work based: learning that takes place in a work environment. It is a practical way of learning that offers real life work experience whilst working towards relevant qualifications in the industry. For example, Supported Internship, Traineeship and Apprenticeship.
• Vocational: learning that involves more practical activities, it is commonly used to prepare a person for a particular trade or industry. For example, BTEC, NVQ, Laser and Asdan qualifications.

Further education colleges in Surrey

Brooklands College

• Address: Heath Road, Weybridge, Surrey, KT13 8TT
• Website: Brooklands College

East Surrey College

• Address: Gatton Point, London Road, Redhill, Surrey, RH1 2JX
• Website: East Surrey College

Nescot

• Address: Reigate Road, Ewell, Epsom, Surrey, KT17 3DS
• Website: Nescot College

Guildford College (Activate Group)

• Address: Stoke Road, Guildford, Surrey, GU1 1EZ
• Website: Guildford College (Activate Group)

Entry requirements

Please refer to individual college websites.

Recommended progression

• Apprenticeship
• Supported Internship
• Pre Supported Internship
• Work
• University

Further education college courses at Entry Level, Level 1 and Level 2

Accounting

Agriculture

Animal studies

Applied science

Arboriculture and forestry

Art and design

Aviation

Baking and cooking

Business

Catering and hospitality

Construction

Early Years and childcare

Electrical installation

Employability

Engineering

Equine management

Floristry

Hair and beauty

Health and social care

Horticulture

Information technology

Media

Motor vehicle

Music

Performing arts

Public services

SEND and transition

Sport

Teaching

Travel and tourism

Sixth Form Colleges

Sixth form colleges cater for those aged 16 and over, offering a wide range of academic subjects as well as some vocational options.

Many also offer a small learning environment with support.

Most sixth form colleges offer Level 3 qualifications, usually A Levels with some offering BTEC qualifications in certain subjects. Most sixth form colleges will expect you to study three A Levels.

Sixth form colleges offer a more independent learning environment.

Sixth form colleges in Surrey

Esher College

• Address: Weston Green Road, Thames Ditton, Surrey, KT7 0JB
• Website: Esher College website

Godalming College

• Address: Tuesley Lane, Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1RS
• Website: Godalming College website

Reigate College

• Address: Castlefield Road, Reigate, Surrey, RH2 0SD
• Website: Reigate College website

Woking College

• Address: Rydens Way, Woking, Surrey, GU22 9DL
• Website: Woking College

Entry Requirements

Please refer to individual college websites.

Recommended Progression

• Apprenticeship
• Supported Internship
• Work
• University

Sixth form colleges at entry level, Level 1 and Level 2

Art and design

Biology GCSE

Business

English GCSE

Health and social care

Information technology

Maths GCSE

Media GCSE

Media

Performing arts

Public services

Sport

Travel and tourism

School sixth forms

School sixth forms cater for those aged 16 and over, offering a wide range of academic subjects as well as some vocational options.

Many also offer a small learning environment with support.

Most school sixth forms offer Level 3 qualifications, usually A Levels with some offering BTEC qualifications in certain subjects. Most sixth form colleges will expect you to study three A Levels.

School sixth forms can be more reassuring and familiar to some learners, who may have attended the school since year 7.

School sixth forms in Surrey

Elmbridge

• Cobham Free School
• Heathside School
• Hinchley Wood School
• Three Rivers Academy

Epsom and Ewell

• Blenheim High School
  Blenheim High School website
• Epsom and Ewell High School
  Epsom and Ewell High School website
• Glyn School
  Glyn School website
• Rosebery School (single sex girls' school)
  Rosebery School website

Guildford

• Christ's College
  Christ's College website
• George Abbot School
  George Abbot School website
• Guildford County School
  Guildford County School website
• Howard of Effingham School
  Howard of Effingham School website
• St Peter's Catholic School
  St Peter's Catholic School website

Mole Valley

• The Ashcombe School
  The Ashcombe School website
• The Priory Church of England Voluntary Aided School
  The Priory Church of England Voluntary Aided School website
• St Andrew's Catholic School
  St Andrew's Catholic School website
• Therfield School
  Therfield School website

Reigate and Banstead

• The Beacon School
  The Beacon School website
• Royal Alexandra and Albert School
  Royal Alexandra and Albert School website
• St Bede's School
  St Bede's School website

Runnymede

• Fullbrook
  Fullbrook website
• Salesian School
  Salesian School website

Spelthorne

• The Bishop Wand Church of England School
  The Bishop Wand Church of England School website
• St Paul's Catholic College
  St Paul's Catholic College website

Surrey Heath

• Collingwood College
  Collingwood College website
• Gordon's School
  Gordon's School website

Tandridge

• Oxsted School
  Oxsted School website
• Warlingham School
  Warlingham School website

Waverley

• All Hallows Catholic School and Sixth Form College
  All Hallows Catholic School and Sixth Form College website

Woking

• St John the Baptist Catholic Comprehensive School
  St John the Baptist Catholic Comprehensive School website

Entry requirements

Please refer to individual school websites.

Recommended progression

• Apprenticeships
• Supported Internship.
• Work
• University

Employment and volunteering before age 18

The law requires young people to be doing some form of recognised accredited education or training until their 18th birthday. Young people are also allowed to be in work, which can be paid or voluntary, providing it involves at least 20 hours of work per week, plus working towards a nationally recognised qualification.

Young people can also become self-employed as long as they are doing part-time accredited education or training alongside their self-employment.

Self-employment

An increasing amount of young people opt to work for themselves by becoming self-employed. It is important to be aware however that there are rules and regulations on running your own business and the need to register as being self-employed to make sure that correct taxes are being paid. If you are under the age of 18 then, alongside being self-employed for at least 20 hours or more per week, you will need to be studying towards an accredited qualification.

People aged 18 to 30, living in the UK and unemployed, or working less than 16 education hours per week, and have a business idea they would like to explore, the Prince's Trust offer an Enterprise Programme where they can help you turn your ideas in to reality. For more information please visit the Prince's Trust website.

Other useful resources

• Working for yourself page (UK government website)

Employment or volunteering at 18 and over

Young people who are aged 18 and over and unemployed can receive support from the Job Centre to find vacancies. Many Job centres also have Disability Employment Advisers on hand to help those young people with SEND.

Employers have a duty under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments for disabled people in the workplace. Some young people with SEND may be eligible for an Access to Work grant that can pay for specialist equipment and support in the workplace.

Young people eligible for Adult Social Care may benefit from engaging with Surrey Choices who help those with SEND find volunteering placements and paid work. They also run job clubs that are open to everyone looking for work.

For more information visit Surrey Choices.

Related resources

• National Careers Service
• Volunteering Matters
• National Minimum Wage

Alternative Provision

Bright Heart Education

Bright Heart is a London-based tutoring agency and education consultancy who call their tutoring methodology the Bright Heart Approach. It is a more nurturing approach. They believe effective tutoring connects on a deeper level than focusing purely on intellectual abilities which leads to longer term stability and success.

Bright Heart ensure their tutors are suitably prepared to meet student's unique learning needs. They believe establishing good rapport with students is essential for successful tuition. Students receive a trial lesson to ensure their tutor is a great match.

Programmes

Bright Heart tutors currently support post-16 students with a range of tuition to meet their needs and academic level (AQA Unit Award Scheme, Asdan, A Level, college and university), to help them on their career journey. The tutors can provide support with college and university applications, including practice for interviews. Tutors can also support post-16 students with transitions to new settings, providing reassurance. Tutors provide daily lesson reports and an Individual Learning Plan (ILP) that is overseen by an Education Consultant. The ILP also accounts for the expected positive destination.

Contacts:

Telephone: 0208 064 3800

Email: councils@brightheart.co.uk

Website: Bright Heart

Disability Challengers

Challengers is a charity that gives disabled children and young people the opportunity to play, have fun, and make friends in a safe and supportive environment.

Programmes

555 service

The 555 Service offers urgent support to families of disabled young people aged 16 to 19 who are currently out of education. This may be due to awaiting a suitable school placement, because the young person has been excluded, or because their current setting cannot provide the appropriate support.

Disability Challengers offer a fun, safe space during the day where highly trained staff help young people build their confidence and prepare them for a successful return to school.

Contacts:

Telephone: 01483 579390

Email: 555@disability-challengers.org

Website: Disability Challengers

Education Drive Growth Employment (EDGE)

EDGE specialises in programs for young individuals (11+) with unique educational needs. Traditional settings don't fit everyone; EDGE recognises this, emphasising community-inclusive programs centred on readiness for professional life.

Programmes

EDGE Ahead

The aim is to give young people a safe and purposeful space in which to explore the world of work, life skills and independence. The focus of the provision will be on social development, health and wellbeing and work. During this time limited provision, the team meet with each user independently to discuss their ambitions and put together an action plan with clear outcomes and goals.

EDGE Ahead includes:

1. Work preparation: support individuals to move closer to the world of work by offering various training opportunities and support, such as skills assessment, CV writing, interview preparation and mock interviews, interview support as part of reasonable adjustments and in work support (job coaching). Explore funding for equipment or materials that will help with their employment success, such as the purchase of steel-capped boots, Security Industry Authority (SIA) training or Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) cards (to work on construction sites), laptops for job searching, bus pass, provisional driving license as part of 'Right to Work' proof of documents and much more.
2. Skills development support: EDGE offer Awards Qualification Alliance (AQA) unit learning which will target learning in line with individual's goals and ambitions for work and independent living or will sign individuals up to appropriate Adult Learning courses
3. Social skills: EDGE support young people to start to form a social network, friendship groups and hobby groups. We encourage shared interests and harness talent and strengths as well as introduce individuals to social and activities that are local to where they live
4. Benefits: EDGE assist young people, and their support network, to explore benefit entitlements, which can be used to fund activities and independent travel

EDGE Ahead website

EDGE Mentoring website

EDGE offers a bespoke alternative learning programme for young people aged 11 and older. The mentoring programme's aim is to re-engaging young people who are struggling to engage with education or are interested in a vocational pathway into employment, through practical community-based learning such as employment skills, life skills and social and communication skills. The programme is community –based, delivered within the young person's local community, meaning EDGE can offer the young people real life experiences and equip them with problem solving skills while developing their resilience as well as work on their confidence and self-esteem. Where appropriate work experience or volunteering opportunities will be sought for individuals. Desired outcomes include: -

• Re-engage with education
• Progress onto further training such as traineeships, supported internship, apprenticeships or employment
• Gain more community confidence and independence
• Engage with their local community; health and wellbeing activities (gym, fitness classes, join football/ badminton team etc.)
• Volunteering; minimum four hour a week
• Create a CV and support to gain paid employment opportunities
• Independent travel confidence and transferable/ problem solving skills

EDGE Mentoring website

Contacts:

• Telephone: 07425 471014
• Email: info@EDGEdisability.co.uk
• Website: EDGE website

Endeavour 360

Endeavour 360 is an alternative education provision for young people based in Surrey and Hampshire. Through consistent mentoring and tailored educational experience plans, specific to each individual's needs, Endeavour 360 aim to help young people build the toolkit necessary for everyday life, and the confidence to tackle the future independently.

Programmes

Endeavour 360 offer a mentoring service supporting the holistic development of young people, supporting with life skills and reintroductions to education and their journey for their next steps. The over-arching Endeavour 360 philosophy is to follow the N.E.U.R.O Pathway as a basis for all sessions:

Nutrition, Exercise, Unwind, Restore, Optimise

By using these five pillars, each session with a young person can increase their level of enrichment and education, which in time will develop their self-confidence, awareness and self-esteem, with the ultimate goal of re-igniting their spark, interests and passions in life.

Utilising the local area and communities, students will engage in a wide variety of activities and tasks, including but not limited to:

• physical activity and exercise
• cooking and nutrition
• creative activities
• cultural capital activities (such as historical sites, museums and exhibits)
• life skill work
• Personal Social Health and Economic Education and Social Emotional and Mental Health development.

Contacts:

• Telephone: 07738 568208
• Email: gpeters@endeavour360.co.uk
• Website: Endeavour 360

Equal Education

Equal Education is a social enterprise in the UK that connects qualified teachers with vulnerable and disadvantaged students, including Children Looked After , those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children, and students who have been permanently excluded (PEx) from school, to provide specialist one-on-one tuition.

Programmes

Equal Education believe that one-to-one tuition is one of the most impactful interventions in a vulnerable student's life, making on average, 5 months additional progress.

In addition to the online and in-person tuition services they offer the following:

• Secure device managed iPads with tuition packages
• Mentoring
• Career guidance
• Post-16 tuition
• English for Speakers of Other Languages/ English as an Additional Language tuition for children
• Transitions/catch-up tuition programs for all key stages
• PEx tuition

Contacts:

• Telephone: 0333 305 0850
• Email: Partnerships@equlaeducation.co.uk
• Website: Equal Education

Fresh Start in Education

Fresh Start in Education provides interim support to young people who are having difficulty accessing education. For over 10 years they have been working with children and young people of all ages, with or without an EHC plan, providing support in the home or local community.

Programmes:

The engagement and education packages are bespoke, tailored to the needs of each individual student.

The Careers, Employability and Independence Programme is developed specifically for those who need support to access the workplace or their next step in further education. The belief is every young person should be able to access employment in an area that is meaningful to them.

Contacts:

• Telephone: 0203 409 6410
• Email: referrals@freshstartedu.co.uk
• Website: Fresh Start in Education

Gasp Motor Project

Gasp was launched in 2005 as an evening activity for young people in and around the locality of Gomshall, Albury and Chilworth, Shere and Peaslake (hence the acronym Gasp).

Purpose:

Gasp delivers accredited courses in basic motor mechanics and practical engineering skills and contribute to students' positive personal development. Gasp do this by providing specialist, practical, hands-on learning within a focused, personalised and disciplined framework. This is either at our fully equipped custom-built workshop in Albury (near Guildford) or through a mobile unit.

Program:

Gasp offers accredited training in basic motor mechanics. Weekly teaching includes sessions of two hours, teaching motor mechanics and basic engineering. The tutors are trained to support those with challenging behaviours and act as mentor for those who struggle in mainstream education. All of the Gasp tutors are qualified mechanics and/or engineers Young People work towards an AQA Unit Award

Contact Gasp:

• Telephone: 07849 254082
• Email: admin@Gaspmotorproject.org
• Website: Gasp website

Halow

Halow's purpose is to support young people with a learning disability on their journey into and through adult life. It aims to ensure that every person with a learning disability has the same life choices and chances as any other person.

Halow offers a blend of activities, giving young people the chance to enjoy an active social life, make new friends and find further educational and employment training. Halow operates and immerses itself in the communities of Guildford and Woking.

• Buddies: Halow care is a social enterprise company which employs 'Buddies' to work on a one-to-one basis with young people to give individual support and encouragement. Each Buddy is matched with a young person with importance being placed on mutual interests and age matching.

• Social activities: Halow plan, arrange and co-ordinate social activities for over 200 young people with a learning disability.

• Building futures: Halow's Building Futures Group (BFG) offers young people with a learning disability the opportunity to build confidence, work as part of a team, make informed choices in life and create a person-centred plan for their future.

• Youth committee: Halow's Youth Committee gives young people a voice and a choice. The Youth Committee is open to all who are aged 18 and above who wish to meet friends old and new and contribute their ideas for future events.

• A Reason to Get Up (ARTGU!): ARTGU! engages young people aged 18 and over to engage in meaningful daytime activity within the local community. ARTGU! will provide opportunities that will give the same sense of purpose and satisfaction that other people of the same age gain from having a paid job.

Contact Halow:

• Telephone: 01483 447960
• Email: info@halowproject.org.uk
• Website: Halow Project website

Overworld Assisted Mentorship Programme (AMP) Ltd

Overworld's programmes are based on a 1:1 peer-mentorship model with authentic social coaching to empower neurodivergent youth. The young people who come to Overworld have an interest in gaming and/or creative media and are often neurodivergent and/or have complex sensory and social, emotional and mental health needs. Overworld promote self-confidence, self-acceptance, and mental well-being via a trauma-informed and neuro-affirming approach.

Programmes

• Mentoring Sessions: Tailored to individual needs, these sessions address teamwork, communication skills, stress management, and building a positive identity. By fostering social connections, the mentoring programmes help participants gain self-confidence, acceptance, and optimism. Facilitators use their lived experiences to tailor session plans which make their stories relevant to the needs of the young people and the pace of the sessions can easily be adapted to individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Peer Mentoring: Peer mentors provide relatable support, guidance, and role modelling. Moving beyond the traditional carer model, mentors leverage shared interests to forge authentic connections. Through observation and imitation, participants learn social behaviours, making peer-mediated interventions a proven and effective approach for neurodiverse individuals.
• Social Coaching Programme: Social coaching involves teaching social behaviours such as conversation skills, managing emotions, empathy, forming and maintaining friendships, sportsmanship, and coping with rejection. Research shows that social behaviour can be learned through observing, copying, practising, repetition, and role-play. Training the social brain is highly versatile, as it can be approached from multiple angles, with each method strengthening neural connections—whether by seeing, hearing, walking through, or acting out scenarios.
• Therapeutic and Supportive Services: Trauma-informed care, neuro affirming psychology and on-site therapeutic interventions including occupational therapy and speech and language therapy. Multi-disciplinary team support and life-skills development.
• Workplace readiness: Overworld's award in mentoring incorporates a work-experience component designed to build workplace readiness. Students earn credits through their work experience with younger students, which are converted into cash and loaded onto a personal Revolut card. This approach motivates students by enabling them to use the funds for practical purchases, such as in-demand technology. The programme also helps students develop essential budgeting and saving skills, while allowing staff to monitor their spending patterns and provide targeted financial guidance.
• Physical Activities: Fitness programmes are designed collaboratively with the Care Team and Fitness Mentor, a Level 4 Personal Trainer. These programmes consider each student's personal goals, preferences, and occupational therapy recommendations, ensuring that activities are both therapeutic and enjoyable.
• Community: From concept to execution, students take the lead in planning every aspect of a trip, including budgeting, itinerary creation, risk assessment, and group coordination. Staff provide facilitation and guidance throughout the process, ensuring that students develop essential life skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and decision-making. These enriching experiences help build confidence, independence, and a sense of achievement, while also fostering social connections and memorable learning opportunities.

Contacts

• Telephone: 01252 514 999
• Email: info@overworld-amp.uk
• Website: Overworld AMP Ltd

Peer Productions

Peer Productions is an award-winning youth arts charity. Peer Productions, based in Woking, specialise in combining high quality arts practice and learning with peer education.

They tour our original productions to schools across the South East of England, performing engaging plays which support the National Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) curriculum and tackle the issues that young people face in a compelling, compassionate, and accessible way.

Peer Employment Pathway (PEP)

Pre-Employment and Pre-Supported Internship programme for young actors and creatives with special educational needs.

PEP is a programme for young adults with SEND with a committed interest in performing arts. The primary aim of the programme is to enable participants to develop their communication and personal presentation skills to access employment, a supported internship or higher education whilst developing the necessary life skills for adulthood.

Peer Productions use drama, theatre and creativity to empower participants to develop their confidence, communication skills and abilities to work with others providing transferable skills for employment or higher education both within and outside of the performing arts industry.

The programme is designed to support young adults who may have aspirations to work in the performing arts industry providing them with transferable skills that can enable them to succeed in workplaces both inside and outside of the performing arts industry.

PEP is made up of five key elements:

• Performing Arts skills training
• Industry awareness
• Health and wellbeing
• Projects
• Work experience.

Who is this programme for?

• Young people aged 18 to 24 years with SEND.
• With a keen interest in drama and performing arts.
• With an EHC plan detailing a significant additional need.
• Suited to an alternative approach to conventional education.
• With the potential to be 'work ready' in 36 weeks.

Key information

• 36 week programme.
• Based in central Woking.
• 3.5 days per week.
• 3 days classroom-based learning.
• 0.5 days work experience within Peer Productions.
• September entry.

Entry requirements

PEP is open to any young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities who is in receipt of an Education, Health and Care Plan with a keen interest in drama and performing arts.

Contact Peer Productions

• Website: Peer Productions

Sport Centred Learning (SCL) College Group

SCL College Group positively impact people using a unique approach, delivering education, skills and training in a variety of sectors through a Sport Centred Learning approach. The SCL culture is based around the physical and mental benefits of sport, creating a strong foundation to provide a lifelong learning pathway.

Programmes

SCL College deliver unique education programmes infused with a student's passion for sport, esports (electronic sports, such an online gaming) or performing arts. The programmes provide an education, together with learning skills for the future and life changing experiences to shape students into a future leader.

Programmes include:

• Business, Employability and Skills
• SCL Sports College
• SCL Creative College
• SCL Enigmaz Esports
• A-Levels and Higher Education

Contacts:

• Telephone: 07500364339
• Email: Sarah.drury@wearescl.co.uk
• Website: SCL Education

SENse Learning

SENse Learning support young people with additional needs from the age of 5 to 25. Young people accessing the services range from those with anxiety or mental health conditions to children struggling in more formal school settings or waiting for a specialist placement. Every young person is given the respect and support they deserve.

Programmes

Packages of education are bespoke to the individual young person, and SENse look at health, education and wellbeing in a holistic way which revolves around positive relationship building, creative interest-based learning and working at the young person's pace.

Most of the Post-16 students will be working towards further education such as college, training or employment as their next steps. This may include options such as work experience, employability skills sessions and career guidance.

Contacts:

• Telephone: 01444 400896
• Email: referrals@sense-learning.com
• Website: Sense Learning

Targeted Provision Ltd

Targeted Provision offers relationship-led education packages for children and young people with SEND, Social, Emotional and Mental Health or additional needs, helping them to engage with learning and fulfil their potential. Targeted Provision have extensive experience supporting young people who have been placed in care, those with EHC plans and those who present serious safeguarding risks.

Support is delivered by experienced, trauma-aware teachers and takes place at home, in school, in community venues and online. Guided by the principles of trauma-informed practice, Targeted Provision's relational approach ensures that every young person receives personalised support from a trusted adult. Targeted Provision work in collaboration with schools and local authorities to re-engage and reintegrate children and young people.

Programmes

Where appropriate Targeted Provision can provide tuition and examinations for the qualifications below:

• A levels, GCSEs (offered via an external centre, exam boards Pearson, AQA)
• Functional Skills Entry Level 3, Level 1 and Level 2 (offered internally; we are a registered exam centre for Open Awards).
• AQA Unit Awards and Asdan courses.

Targeted Provision can also provide mentoring support. Support can take place online, in the young person's home, schools or in local community venues.

Contacts:

• Telephone: 020 7661 7084
• Email: referrals@targetedprovision.com
• Website: Targeted Provision

YMCA East Surrey

The Lifeworks Hub provides students aged 16 to 25 who have complex needs and disabilities to access an alternative placement. This maybe where their learning or sensory needs are unable to be met in an educational setting and they may require support around transition stages during this period of their life.

Programmes

Individual targets and outcomes will be identified, and a program will be designed with the young person to create their own unique timetable and support plan. The Asdan Lifeskills Challenge course modules are offered for 2 days a week as well as providing a range of weekly learning topics;

• Life skills and social
• creative arts,
• training and enterprise,
• transition preparation,
• health and wellbeing activities.

Community-based projects are also included i.e. allotment as well as local visits. There is optional access to rebound therapy on site by a training therapist.

The Hub runs Monday to Friday in term-time with full time places (Part-time places may be considered).

Contacts:

• Telephone: 01737 222859
• Email: lifeworks.hub@ymcaeastsurrey.org.uk
• Website: YMCA East Surrey

Young Giants

Young Giants are a managed education service working exclusively with learners in Alternative Provision. ​All tuition caseworkers and the senior management team are of qualified teacher status. Young Giants support a variety of needs including

complex needs/ Profound Multiple Learning Difficulties and Moderate Learning Difficulties, neuro diversity (such as Autistic Spectrum Condition and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Social Emotional Mental Health and Severe Learning Difficulties. Mentoring is a big part of the work Young Giants carry out with young people, supporting preparation for adulthood and all post-16 options.

Programmes

Young Giants offer mentoring and academic support to learners on a 1:1 basis.

They support Functional Skills (exam centre), GCSE and A Level. They also offer Asdan Employability and Personal and Social Development up to Level 2 as well as the Lifeskills Challenge.

Tutors support Post 16 learners to visit and apply for college placements, apprenticeships, supported internships and employment.

Contacts

• Telephone: 0208 068 6803
• Email: referrals@younggiants.co.uk
• Website: Young Giants

University

Once gaining a Level 3 qualification, university can be a real option for those interested in studying higher education, typically these are degrees (Level 6) or higher national diplomas (Level 5).

University courses usually take three years to complete and involve substantial self-directed study and research.

EHC plans cease once a young person goes to university, however learners may be entitled to claim the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). This is designed to cover any extra study-related costs incurred due to an impairment, mental health condition, or learning difficulty, it is neither a benefit nor a loan, so it doesn't need repaying.

The amount received depends on individual needs and not on personal income, nor that of parents or partners. DSA is available to both full-time and part-time students.

Related resources

• DSA Eligibility
• Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS)

Local universities

University of Surrey

• Address: University of Surrey Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7XH
• Website: University of Surrey website

Kingston University

• Address: Kingston University, River House, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, KT1
• Website: Kingston University website

Entry requirements

Please refer to individual university websites.

Recommended progression

Work

Accessing post-16 education support

Schools work with post-16 education providers to ensure the young person experiences a smooth transition to college, training or employment focused education. This should first be planned in the young person's Year 9 Transition Review Meeting and at subsequent reviews until the move.

The ways that the school may help the young person to prepare for moving to a post 16 education provider can include the following.

• Taster sessions.
• Discussions between the Special Educational Needs Coordinators (SENCO) at each provider to ensure the young person's needs are understood.
• Link Courses at post 16 education providers before leaving school. These are to assist in transition planning, vocational tasting and shared understanding of need.

If the young person has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan, this will be with them until they achieve their identified learning objectives, leave education or training permanently or turn 25 years old (whichever happens first). The support outlined in their plan must be fulfilled by their Post 16 education provider, such as a further education college.

Post 16 education providers have similar responsibilities to schools to provide reasonable support to young people with special educational needs, including when they do not have an EHC plan. This could include access to a teaching assistant, specialist teachers, one to one support, therapy input, independence skills and adaptations to resources or technology to make them more accessible.

If a young person arrives at a post 16 education provider and is assessed to need more support than they could usually provide, the post 16 education provider can request an EHC needs assessment, up until the young person achieves their learning objectives, leaves education or training or turns 25 years old (whichever happens first).

Support for young people on supported internships (work element) is organised by the education provider and funded via Access to Work.

Support for young people on an apprenticeship (learning element) is organised by the post-16 education provider who can claim funding to meet the costs of any appropriate reasonable adjustments.

Accessing employment support (including apprenticeships)

Employers must make certain changes (known as 'reasonable adjustments') to make sure employees with disabilities and/or difficulties are not substantially disadvantaged when undertaking a job that they may find hard. These could include changing working hours or providing equipment to undertake the job.

Employees are advised to:

• Talk to your employer about changes they must make in your workplace.
• Get extra help from Access to Work, including mental health support.

For more information on reasonable adjustments, please see the UK Government guidance on Reasonable adjustments for workers with disabilities or health conditions.

Support for young people on an apprenticeship (learning element) is organised by the post-16 education provider who can claim funding to meet the costs of any appropriate reasonable adjustments.

Access to work

If the help needed at work is not covered by the employer making reasonable adjustments, further help may be able available from Access to Work.

An Access to Work grant can pay for:

• Special equipment, adaptations, or support worker services to help you do things like answer the phone or go to meetings.
• Help getting to and from work.

Access to work grants may not be available if employees already get certain benefits. They do not have to be paid back and do not affect other benefits.

You can also apply for an Access to Work grant to get mental health support.

You can apply for an Access to Work grant online:

• Apply for an Access to Work grant

Adults

Adults with SEND may want to continue with education to learn new skills and gain knowlEdge about subjects they are interested in.

Surrey Supported Learning offers an entry-level programme of courses for adult learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities, as well as courses for those with hearing loss or those who want to learn Makaton.

For more information, visit the Surrey Supported Learning website.

University (Higher Education)

Many young people with SEND progress to higher education, however it is not possible to have an EHC plan at University. Those who require additional support and may incur extra costs as a result of their disability may be eligible for the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA).

The financial support offered is based on individual need not household income and does not have to be repaid.

If a young person with an EHC plan has a confirmed higher education place, with their permission, Surrey County Council will pass a copy of the EHC plan to the relevant institution and to the assessor for Disabled Students Allowance.

Higher Education is funded through the Higher Education Funding Council for England and the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice does not apply to students in Higher Education.

For more information about the Disabled Students Allowance and how to apply, go to the UK Government's website Disabled Students Allowance webpage.

Social care services

Surrey County Council's Transition Team directly supports young people known to the Children with Disabilities (CWD) team from the age of 18 to 25, as they move from children's to adults' services.

The team is aware of the level of needs (low, medium and high) of young people coming through the transition phase to become adults. The SEND education team works with the Transition team in a joined-up manner to ensure both social care and education needs are considered in good time.

If a young person is eligible for social care support, then social care funding may form part of the options that are available when considering their route onwards from post 16 education. Any young person with a disability (or their parents or carers) can request an assessment of their social care needs.

• Preparing for adulthood webpages

Support for parents and carers

Parents or carers, may be eligible for a carer's assessment. The assessment will look at what you do to look after your child's health and care needs, the support that the Local Authority could offer, and potential support from other local services. This can be particularly important when children become adults, as their lifestyle may change (for example no longer being in full time education), which could affect your caring responsibilities.

You can access the carers' guide to support.

Related resources

• For more information about SEND 19 to 25-year-olds' entitlement to EHC plans, see the Department of Education publication SEND: 19 to 25-year-olds' entitlement to EHC plans.
• The Preparing for Adulthood website outlines how children with an EHC plan should be practically supported to
  develop skills for adulthood, right from when they are in the early years. Visit the National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTI) website.
• Supported Internships aim to equip young people aged 16 to 24 with the skills they need to help them into employment. For more information, contact employability@surreychoices.com
• SEND Advice Surrey offers impartial advice by phone and face-to-face to parents and carers, to help improve access to services and support for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities.
• Action for Carers supports and campaigns on behalf of carers in Surrey.
• Contact offers a freephone helpline for families with disabled children and young people.