Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to increase access to work experience, supported internships and pre-apprenticeship provision for young people with dyslexia.

The department is committed to ensuring that young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including dyslexia, can access high-quality post-16 education and progress into employment, apprenticeships or further study. Providers are expected to make reasonable adjustments and provide tailored support so learners can participate in study and work-related learning.

The department wants every young person to benefit from high-quality, inclusive work experience during secondary education. We are working with the Careers & Enterprise Company and Careers Hubs to help secondary schools and specialist settings increase workplace experiences, including through employer brokerage and SEND-focused resources. In addition, through Jobcentre Plus, eligible young people can access voluntary work experience opportunities, tailored where appropriate to reflect individual needs and circumstances.

Supported internships offer 16 to 24-year-olds with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan a structured work-based study programme, substantial placement and job coach support. In 2026/27, we are testing this model for young people without an EHC plan, backed by up to £9 million.