SEND pupils need more employer opportunities
A schools leader is urging businesses to create more placements for young people with special educational needs.
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Employers and apprenticeship providers are being challenged to increase opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Thomas Keaney, CEO of TCES, a specialist education provider, stated that reforms aimed at valuing technical and vocational education will not succeed without greater employer involvement.
Mr Keaney argued that the primary challenge now lies outside schools, not within them. He highlighted that while specialist schools are actively preparing SEND pupils for employment, the readiness of employers to hire them is questionable. TCES North West London School in Old Oak Common provides practical experience through an on-site coffee shop, developing skills such as customer service and teamwork.
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Despite this preparation, Mr Keaney noted that securing meaningful work experience, apprenticeships, and employment remains a significant hurdle for students. He indicated that many employers lack confidence in offering placements to young people with SEND, and some apprenticeship programmes are designed for traditional learners rather than accommodating neuro-diverse individuals.
He is calling for enhanced partnerships between employers and specialist schools to generate more supported work placements and apprenticeships. Mr Keaney believes that London must demonstrate leadership in inclusive employment by addressing these barriers.
Questions this report answers
+What is stopping SEND pupils from getting work experience?
Employers often lack confidence in offering placements to SEND pupils, and some apprenticeship programmes are designed for traditional learners rather than those who are neuro-diverse. This means many young people with special educational needs still struggle to secure meaningful work experience despite their preparation.
+How are specialist schools preparing SEND pupils for work?
TCES North West London School in Old Oak Common trains SEND pupils through practical experience, including running an on-site coffee shop. This helps develop skills such as customer service and teamwork, giving students hands-on preparation for employment.
+Why does the CEO say reforms will fail without employer engagement?
Thomas Keaney, CEO of TCES, argues that reforms aimed at valuing technical and vocational education will not succeed without greater employer involvement. He believes that without more opportunities from businesses, the progress made in schools will not translate into real-world employment for SEND pupils.
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