Question to the Department for Education:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current career support available for students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Education is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

The government’s education policies are intended to ensure that all young people, whatever their background or circumstances, have the opportunity to reach their potential. Careers support for young people supports anyone, including young people with special education needs and disabilities (SEND) or in disadvantaged groups, to go as far as their talents will take them and have a rewarding career.

The statutory guidance for schools and colleges on careers guidance includes an expectation that schools and colleges will use the Gatsby Benchmarks of Good Career Guidance to develop and improve their careers programmes. The guidance is available here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/careers-guidance-provision-for-young-people-in-schools. The third benchmark focusses on addressing the individual needs of each student. The department expects schools and colleges to tailor careers activities and educational goals to the needs of each student, taking account of their prior knowledge and skills, the choices and transitions they face, and any additional support that may be needed to overcome barriers.

The department is working in collaboration with The Careers and Enterprise Company (CEC) and the National Careers Service to ensure careers advice for young people with SEND is of the highest quality. The department funds the CEC to increase young people’s exposure to the world of work and support schools and colleges to achieve the Gatsby Benchmarks. The CEC runs a community of practice focused on inclusion. Schools, colleges and training providers work together to support each other in their local community to work with students from disadvantaged groups, including young people with SEND, through the sharing of good practice and the development of resources. The National Careers Service provides free careers information, advice and guidance to both young people and adults through a website and telephone helpline.

To help more young people with SEND get into great careers, the department is also taking action to improve careers guidance, providing support, resources and SEND-specific training for Careers Leaders and special educational needs coordinators who design and deliver inspirational careers education programmes, tailored to the needs of young people with SEND.