Ofsted has today published an independent review of careers
guidance in special schools, independent specialist colleges
(ISCs) and pupil referral units (PRUs).
The report outlines the challenges these settings face in
providing careers guidance to children and young people with
special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and
highlights examples of good practice.
The report finds that a young person’s own voice is central to
good careers guidance in specialist settings. Where staff develop
a close and trusting relationship with learners and their
families, career plans are practical and ambitious. All of the
providers visited by inspectors had a highly personalised
approach to careers guidance, with the curriculum tailored to
meet learners’ individual needs.
In the settings visited by Ofsted, leaders prioritised work
experience and many were building relationships with employers.
But the results were mixed, with some employers lacking the
knowledge or confidence to offer learners with SEND high-quality
work experience.
Parents and carers of children who attend specialist settings are
often anxious about their future. Good providers make efforts to
reduce that anxiety through well-established communication tools,
such as newsletters, phone calls and events that link parent
evenings with career events.
The report also found that smooth and effective transitions into
further education, training or employment are important in
helping children and young people with SEND succeed in their
careers.
Ofsted’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver said:
“Good careers guidance can help address social inequality by
teaching children and young people with SEND about the full range
of options available and how they can make the most of them.
These children deserve the kind of high-quality advice that opens
the doors to ambitious and interesting experiences that help them
choose their next steps.
“It’s great to hear that many specialist settings are working
with children and their families to make sure these transitions
are as aspirational and positive as possible.
Notes:
- In 2022, the Department for Education (DfE) asked Ofsted to
review careers provision in specialist settings, focusing on
guidance for 11 to 19 year-olds, and young people up to age 25
with a current education, health and care (EHC) plan.
- To carry out the research, Ofsted inspectors visited 5
special schools, 3 PRUs and 4 ISCs in the summer term of 2023.
Evidence was also gathered from interviews with inspectors and
local authority officers, focus groups with key stakeholders and
employers, and through a sample of inspection evidence.
