BROMLEY SEND LOCAL OFFER
Preparing for adulthood – Studying, training and employment
Key Stage 4 age 14 to 16
Choosing Key Stage 4 options is important for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), as it allows them to focus on their strengths and interests. Alongside traditional subjects, alternative qualifications – such as BTECs, vocational courses, or life skills programs can offer more practical, accessible pathways. The right choices help build confidence, develop key skills, and prepare students for further education, training, employment, or independent living.
Choosing subjects for GCSEs
At the start of Year 9, young people begin considering their subject choices for Years 10 and 11. Some subjects are compulsory at GCSE level, including:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Physical Education (PE, though this may not be examined)
- Religious Education (in faith schools)
Beyond these, students can select from optional subjects, which typically fall into the following categories:
- Arts (e.g art and design, music, drama, media studies)
- Design & Technology
Humanities (e.g history, geography) - Modern Foreign Languages (e.g French, German, Spanish)
Alternative qualifications
GCSEs are not the only option for Years 10 and 11. Please note that not all schools offer these options.
- Entry-level qualifications: Vocational and life skills with practical assessments.
- Functional skills qualifications: Practical English, maths, and ICT skills.
- BTECs: Work-related courses that prepare students for employment or further study.
Exam support
If a young person has special educational needs and disabilities, they may be eligible for access arrangements such as:
- Extra time
- A reader or scribe
- Assistive technology (e.g., screen reader/voice recognition)
- Alternative formats (e.g coloured or large print exam papers)
- Supervised rest breaks
- A separate exam room
What happens after Year 11
After Year 11, young people must continue in education or training until at least their 18th birthday.
Helping young people make decisions
Parents can support their child’s decision-making by:
- Attending school options evening
- Encouraging discussions with careers advisers and teachers
- Exploring future career interests together
- Finding out about mentoring opportunities, where young people can gain guidance and support from experience mentors
You can also visit the following websites for more information:
GOV.UK website provides details of courses and qualifications for 14 to 19 year olds across the country.
BBC Bitesize have a range of information and helpful videos.
Call the National Careers Service helpline for information and advice about jobs, careers and training.
Post-16 age 16 to 18
After finishing Key Stage 4, young people with SEND have a range of post-16 options to help them continue learning and growing.
Choosing the right path helps them build confidence, develop skills, and prepare for the future. With the right choices, post-16 education can help SEND students achieve their goals and thrive.
Where can young people study?
Sixth form: Located within schools, offering academic and vocational courses. Find a list of secondary schools on the council website.
Mainstream further education (FE) colleges: Provide vocational and technical training, including T Levels and higher education pathways.
London South East Colleges (LSEC) has three campuses in Bromley, Greenwich and Orpington which offer vocational and technical education (T Levels) and training to all age groups (16+) as well as access to higher education, degrees, HNCs, HNDs and many other professional qualifications for adult students (19+).
Capel Manor College has two campuses in Bromley (Crystal Palace Park and Mottingham) which offer courses in arboriculture and countryside, conservation, animal care and management, garden design and horticulture. Courses are available for students at all levels and all ages from 14+.
Specialist further education (FE) colleges: Cater to young people with an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan, often referred to as EHCP).
London South East Colleges’ Nido Volans Centre is based at the Bromley and Bexley Campuses. The centre offers a range of courses, facilities and work experience opportunities, including a supported internship programme.
RSBC Dorton College is an independent specialist day college supporting students with vision impairment (VI), some with additional needs, from the age of 16 at The Walnuts in Orpington.
Helping young people make decisions
Parents can support their child’s decision-making by:
- Attending school/college options evening
- Encouraging discussions with careers advisers and teachers
- Exploring future career interests together
For more information:
- GOV.UK for course details
- National Careers Service for careers advice
Learn more about mentoring opportunities in Bromley, including how to become a mentee or mentor.
Post-18 age 18 and over
After 18, young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have many options to help them continue learning and build independence. These can include college courses, vocational training, supported internships, supported employment, or specialist programs.
Choosing the right path helps them develop important skills, gain confidence, and work towards their goals. With the right support, post-18 options can open opportunities for a happy and fulfilling future.
From the age of 18 young people can explore:
University and higher education
Some young people choose to continue their education at university after age 18. Universities offer a wide range of academic and vocational courses, and there is support available for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). For more visit the UCAS website.
If you go to university, your EHC plan stops. However, there are a variety of funding options and support available to you.
For students with additional needs, support such as Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA) is available to help with study aids, note-taking services, and other accommodations.
Further Education (FE) Options for 18+
Further Education colleges are not just for school leavers. They also provide opportunities for young people aged 18 and over to continue learning, gain qualifications, and prepare for employment. This includes advanced vocational courses, technical training, and access to higher education.
Visit the post-16 information above to find out more.
Additional Learning Opportunities
Open University: Offers flexible, distance-learning courses for adults of all ages. This is a great option for learners who want to study from home, balance education with work, or pursue higher education at their own pace.
Find out more on the Open University website.
Bromley Adult Education College (BAEC): For adults aged 19+ with SEND, BAEC offers structured SEND courses including vocational and functional skills such as Employability, Digital Skills, GCSE English and Maths, Cookery, Gardening, Arts and Crafts, Drama, Photography, Healthy Lifestyle, Music, and more. Courses are aimed at developing life skills, confidence, communication, and independence. The SEND programme includes clear learning outcomes, smaller classes, and supportive assessment and enrolment processes to meet individual needs.
Find out more on the Bromley Adult Education College.
Bromley Mencap Training Centre: Bromley Mencap offer a two year programme designed to help learners develop confidence, independence, life skills and employability skills.
- Year 1 focuses on independence and employability, along with Maths and English.
- Year 2 focuses on developing vocational skills and subjects, along with IT/computing.
All courses and qualifications are accredited.
Groups sizes are kept small (no more than six learners), and sessions run Monday to Wednesday.
Find out more about the Bromley Mencap Training Centre.
Work Experience and Employment Pathways
Supported Internships
Supported internships are structured study programmes designed for young people with SEND who have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan, often referred to as EHCP). They combine workplace experience with classroom learning to help develop skills for employment.
Find out more about Supported Internships.
Volunteering
Volunteering can be a valuable way for young people to gain experience, learn new skills, and contribute to their community. It can also help build confidence and improve employability.
Find out more about volunteering.
Education support for every child
Apprenticeships and training
What is an apprenticeship?
An apprenticeship is a paid job where you can gain skills, experience and qualifications while working. Apprentices split their time between working with an employer and training (usually one day a week or in blocks).
Apprenticeships are available at different levels, from entry level through to degree level, and they can lead to long-term employment.
Who can do an apprenticeship?
Apprenticeships are available to young people aged 16 and over, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
If you have an Education, Health and Care plan (EHC plan, often referred to as EHCP), you can still take part in an apprenticeship.
Support for young people with SEND
There is a range of support available to help you access and succeed in an apprenticeship, including:
- Extra help from training providers
- Workplace adjustments (for example, flexible hours or adapted equipment)
- Access to schemes such as Access to Work, which can help fund practical support
It’s important to talk to your training provider or employer about what support you might need.
Benefits of an apprenticeship
- Earn a salary while you learn
- Gain real work experience
- Achieve recognised qualifications
- Build confidence and independence
- Improve future career opportunities
Supported Internship
What are Supported Internships?
Supported Internships are structured study programmes designed to help young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), aged 16 to 24, who have EHCP. These programmes are based primarily at an employer and aim to equip interns with the skills, experience, and confidence needed to move into paid employment.
They typically last one to two academic years and provide a meaningful bridge between education and the workplace.
As part of the national Internships Work programme, Bromley Council has received a grant from the Department for Education to develop our SEND Employment Forum and increase the number of Supported Internships in our area.
Why do I need to get one?
To take part in a supported internship, you must:
- Be aged 16 to 24 years old
- Have an EHCP
Where and how are they being offered?
Supported internships are delivered through partnerships between education providers and employers. Interns usually spend:
- Up to five days per week in a work placement
- With learning delivered at the beginning and end of each day to reinforce workplace skills
Work placements vary in duration:
- Some run across a six-month period with scheduled days each week
- Others are shorter placements, lasting around ten weeks with different rotations across the year.
Interns spend the majority of their time in the workplace, gaining hands-on experience while continuing to study English and Maths, where appropriate.
We currently have the following Supported Internships:
- Bromley Council Supported Internship
- NHS Supported Internship at the Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH) – Project Search
- ISS @ Queen Marys Hospital – Project Search
- London South East Colleges Supported Internship
What support does an internship offer?
Each intern receives tailored support, including access to a 1:1 job coach, if needed, to help build skills and confidence in the workplace. Supported internships offer:
- Real-world work and life experience
- A deeper understanding of the world of work
- Support in developing a CV and professional identity
- Opportunities to build skills, confidence, and independence
- Raised aspirations for interns, their families, and employers
- A chance to explore whether a chosen career path is the right fit
- Ongoing support to ensure a smooth transition into the workplace
What will I get at the end?
The ultimate goal of a supported internship is to help the intern move into sustainable paid employment. Interns leave with:
- Valuable experience
- Improved confidence and workplace skills
- A clearer sense of career direction
- A stronger foundation for independence and adult life
Read Will’s Story
Project SEARCH interns win awards – Bromley Mencap
Read Erica’s Story
Project SEARCH success at the PRUH | King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Read Jonathan’s Story
“My colleagues are very supportive. It’s a friendly pharmacy team”
This year we continued our partnership with DFN Project SEARCH and local organisations in Bromley to deliver an internship scheme at PRUH to provide work experience for young adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.
Jonathan Pang was one of 12 interns who have recently graduated from Project SEARCH at PRUH. Jonathan celebrated completing the internship scheme with a full-time paid role at the Trust as a pharmacy runner, becoming the fourteenth intern to join King’s since Project SEARCH started at the Trust in 2021.
Jonathan said that taking part in Project SEARCH contributed to him becoming a member of Team King’s, and said that the help he received from Bromley Mencap was invaluable in helping him with job applications: “My confidence grew whilst doing Project SEARCH.” Jonathan said: “I really enjoyed meeting new people and I loved working with my job coaches from Bromley Mencap, who were really friendly and supportive.
“I learned lots of different practical skills which helped me gain paid employment at PRUH.”
To deliver Project SEARCH at PRUH, the Trust partners with London South East Colleges Bromley, Bromley Council and Bromley Mencap to help young people with learning disabilities and/or autism gain work experience and help them find employment post-education.
Since joining the pharmacy team at PRUH, he has become an important member of the team; delivering medication to the different wards and ensuring all the wards have the correct medication.
Laura Ford, Advanced Pharmacy Technician at PRUH and Jonathan’s line manager said: “We were delighted to offer the role of pharmacy runner to Jonathan. He initially joined the pharmacy team in September 2024 through the Project SEARCH internship scheme and everyone in the team was really impressed with his work ethic and kindness and he made a positive impression on everyone.
“When a role became available we were really pleased that Jonathan decided to apply. He has now been in post for a few months and he is a wonderful addition to the team.”
Jonathan added that his colleagues have helped him transition from the internship to full-time work: “I enjoy working in the pharmacy.
“My colleagues are very supportive. It’s a friendly pharmacy team.”
You can find out more information about Project SEARCH at King’s on our website .
Who can I contact?
These short videos will let you know more about some of the opportunities that young people have benefited from in Bromley.
Watch Aiden’s story:
You can also learn about the experience of our supported interns Taylor and Georgina
Taylor’s story:
Georgina’s story:
Information for employers
Supported Internships provide opportunities for 16 to 24-year olds with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), who want to move into employment and need extra support to do so.
Supported internships were introduced by the government in 2013 to give a greater focus on preparing young people with special educational needs and disabilities with the skills needed for adulthood and employment.
Employers working with an intern will benefit from the support of specialist job coaches who want to reach positive outcomes for both the business and intern.
Supported internships are a programme for students with SEND. The programme has one primary aim which is to support young people to move into sustainable paid employment.
Supported interns are enrolled and supported by an education provider, for example, a school or college, but spend most of their learning time – typically around 70 percent – in a workplace.
What are the benefits of offering supported internships for employers?
Supported internships can benefit your business in the following ways:
- Simple model ensures minimal impact on business and intern
- No additional cost – each supported internship is government funded
- Acts as an extended working interview, giving an increased chance of getting the right person for the job
- Interns may have skills currently lacking in existing staff eg. high functioning autism can result in significantly above average accuracy
- Increased workforce diversity, reflecting the communities it serves
How long is the internship?
Timescales can vary depending on the employer and student needs, this will be reviewed every six weeks. The supported internship placement should last for an academic year (10 months) and allow one day off per week study leave for the intern. Most internships are completed within 12 months and successful interns move into paid roles within the business.
What will it cost to offer a supported internship?
There is no cost for providing a supported internship.
Work placements for supported internships are unpaid, because participating in an extended work placement is part of the interns programme of study at college or education provider. The primary goal of an intern placement is to help a young person with learning difficulties to develop the skills they need for paid employment.
Will there be lots of paperwork?
No, but the college or educational provider will need to complete a health and safety declaration with you.
Will the young person fit in to my workplace?
If you are thinking about hosting an intern, a job coach will work with you to understand the role you have available and to ensure the best job match between the intern and you.
They may also suggest ‘job carving’, which means working with you to tailor the extended work placement to best meet your business needs, whilst utilising the strengths and abilities of the young person. This might mean that tasks carried out by other employees can be given to the intern, freeing up resource for other staff.
Specialist job coaches will work with you to train the intern, so this does not impact on your everyday operational running of the business.
What will my business need to provide?
Businesses need to commit to providing a high-quality work experience opportunity, which is substantial and meaningful for the young person.
The supported internship placement should last for an academic year (10 months) and allow one day off per week study leave for the intern.
You will need to provide effective line management and supervision of the intern as you would with other employees, although a lot of support will be provided by the job coach, especially at first.
The placement should enable the interns to develop new skills and behaviours, engage in purposeful work-related learning, and have the confidence to take the first step in their career to secure a traineeship, apprenticeship, or other employment.
What do I, as an employer, need to do?
Getting the right young person into the right job role with the right employer is critical to the success of an individual internship. The education provider will work with you to identify a job role that fulfils a real business need for your organisation and ensure that someone is matched to the job role for the extended work placement. The role can develop over time as you get to know what the young person can do.
What support will I receive during the internship?
The education provider or specialist job coach will work with you to arrange the induction and settling in period and provide as much support as is needed throughout this time. The job coach will also support you to make any reasonable adjustments that may be needed. As the young person becomes more confident and able, the job coach will gradually withdraw their support, but you will still be able to contact them at any time if any issues arise.
What happens if things go wrong?
Every effort will have been made to match your business with the most suitable intern, but if something goes wrong, the job coach should be your first point of contact to resolve any issues. It may be a skills gap, a difference in expectations between the intern and employer, a behaviour concern or simply a misunderstanding by the young person or employer. If it becomes clear that the work placement is no longer viable, the job coach will work with you to bring it to an end. Either the job coach, college or education provider will discuss why things went wrong, and whether to consider placing another young person with you.
What happens at the end of the internship?
The aim of supported internships is to prepare young people with learning difficulties for employment. As the intern has been fulfilling a real business need in your organisation, you should consider whether you can take them on as a paid member of staff at the end of their internship. This won’t always be possible: you may not be in a position to recruit, or the intern may not have met the required standards. You can still play an important part in helping an intern achieve employment elsewhere, e.g. by providing a reference, recommending the intern to other employers, or giving honest feedback about the skills and/or behaviours that the young person still needs to develop.
Do I need special insurance?
Interns are covered by the employer’s insurance as if they were an employee.
Employers can learn more about how their business can become involved with Supported internships – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
The government funded internships work programme is supported by the National Development Team for Inclusion.
Other useful links
Easy read guide to supported internships
National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTI) Internships work
Volunteering
Volunteering helps young people with special education needs or disabilities (SEND) build confidence, develop skills, feel valued and have a sense of purpose. It also opens doors to new experiences that build independence and lifelong skills.
In England your young person can leave school on the last Friday in June if they will be 16 by the end of the summer holidays.
They must then do one of the following until they’re 18:
- stay in full-time education, for example at a college
- start an apprenticeship or traineeship or supported internship
- spend 20 hours or more a week working or volunteering, while in part-time education or training
Volunteering is unpaid activity and can be a great way to help your young person make career choices. They can test out different jobs to find out what they prefer and they’ll also gain experience, develop their confidence and skills that are useful in all careers.
There are lots of opportunities for young people to do voluntary work. Most local areas have a volunteer centre which will advise and guide you as to which opportunities would best meet your skills, aspirations and support needs.
Find out what the benefits are for the volunteer in this short video.
Find out more about volunteering from the careers advisor at your education setting or the National Careers Service.
More useful links
Community Links Bromley – Volunteering opportunities in and around Bromley
Do It – Nationwide volunteering opportunities
vInspired – Volunteering website for young people.
Careers Pilot Volunteering impartial careers advice and guidance
Do-it-org volunteering opportunities across the UK
Need more help
Contact the Bromly Information, Advice and Support Service (IASS) for free, impartial information, advice and support for parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Support is also offered to children and young people with SEND. They can also help provide information in a non-web format.
Work experience
Work experience can be an important step in helping young people prepare for adulthood. It offers the chance to:
- Try different types of work and understand what they enjoy
- Develop confidence, independence, and communication skills
- Learn workplace routines and expectations
- Build skills that support future employment, supported internships, or further training
- Make connections with employers and gain real insights into different careers
For young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), work experience can be especially beneficial. It provides an opportunity to practice real world skills in a supportive environment and explore future pathways at a pace that suits their individual needs.
We share work experience options listings to help you find useful information, but they are not recommendations from the Local Authority. Because providers tell us their own details, things may sometimes change. Please contact providers directly to check the most up‑to‑date information or to ask any questions.
If you ever have concerns or want to give feedback about a listing, please let us know and we’ll look into it.
Organisations offering work experience opportunities for SEND young people.
Organisations offering work experience opportunities for SEND young people
Ambitious About Autism, Employ Autism Programme
Offers paid experiences of work, employment preparation, industry insight events, and employer‑trained autism‑inclusive placements for autistic young people aged 18 to 25.
Find out more about Ambitious About Autism, Employ Autism Programme.
National Autistic Society, Employment and work experience support
Provides extensive guidance, routes to work experience, volunteering, supported internships, and job‑seeking support for autistic people.
Find out more about National Autistic Society, Employment and work experience support.
WorkFit (Down’s Syndrome Association)
A specialist employment programme for people with Down’s Syndrome, including work experience placements, supported apprenticeships, and volunteering.
Find out more about WorkFit.
Scope, work experience, internships and training
Offers guidance and opportunities for disabled young people looking for work experience, internships, or practical workplace exposure.
Find out more about Scope, work experience, internships and training.
Variety, Access Interns (Supported Work Experience Programme)
Supports young disabled people (including those with SEN) to access corporate internships with tailored support in inclusive workplaces.
Find out more about Variety, Access Interns.
Hft, Supported employment and supported internships
Provides national supported employment programmes and supported internships for people with learning disabilities and autistic people.
Find out more about Hft, Supported employment and supported internships.
Supported Internship Programme (SEND specific, ages 18 to 25 with an EHCP)
Supported Internships are for young people aged 18 to 25 with EHCP. In Bromley, these include work placements within Bromley Council, Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), and Queen Marys Hospital, with job coach and specialist support. Learn more about at Supported Internship Programme.
Important information for SEND young people and families
Where some work experience opportunities are not SEND specific, providers should make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act.
Families can contact employers directly to discuss support needs, adjustments, or suitability.
Schools and colleges may also help arrange work experience and ensure appropriate support is in place.
You may wish to ask providers about:
- Accessibility
- Sensory considerations
- Supervision
- Tasks involved
- Flexibility in hours or pace
- Whether they have previously supported young people with SEND
Information for employers wanting to offer work experience opportunities
We welcome enquiries from employers who would like to offer work experience opportunities to young people in Bromley, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Providing a placement can make a real difference by helping a young person develop confidence, learn new skills, and gain real insight into the workplace. Employers also benefit from fresh perspectives, the chance to support the local community, and the opportunity to develop inclusive practice.
If you are an employer and would like to:
- Offer a work experience placement
- Discuss how to make your workplace accessible
- Find out more about supporting a young person with SEND
Please contact: SEND.Employment@bromley.gov.uk
We are happy to talk through what support looks like, the types of roles that might be suitable, and how we can work together to ensure a positive and inclusive experience for everyone involved.
Employment
Every young person deserves the opportunity to experience the world of work and enjoy the benefits of paid employment. Many young people are eager to find a job, and as a parent, you play a key role in supporting them on this journey.
Getting work ready
Looking for a job can take time, so it’s important to stay positive and build on existing skills. Encouraging your young person to assess their abilities through a skills health check can help identify strengths and areas for improvement.
To be work ready, young people should:
- Have a positive attitude – be willing to work independently and as part of a team, be punctual, and dress appropriately.
- Develop basic skills – Good English and Maths skills are required for most jobs.
- Gain experience and qualifications – Additional training, work experience, or qualifications can improve employability.
If your young person isn’t quite ready for employment, they may benefit from Bromley Council’s employment programme or take part in Bromley Mencap’s employment service programmes.
Employment programmes for young people with SEND
If your young person isn’t quite ready for employment, they may benefit from Bromley Council’s employment programme or take part in Bromley Mencap’s employment service programmes.
The six‑week course is designed for young people who are not currently in education, employment or training (often referred to as NEET), and focuses on building confidence, independence and practical employability skills. Participants will explore different types of jobs and industries, identify their strengths and interests, and develop essential skills such as CV writing, interview preparation, communication at work and managing anxiety. The programme offers structured group sessions alongside personalised support, providing a safe and inclusive environment to help young people take positive next steps towards employment.
For more information about the programme, email SEND.Employment@bromley.gov.uk.
Finding a job
Many young people visit a Jobcentre Plus or search online for job vacancies. The local Jobcentre Plus in Bromley is located at: Unicorn House, 28 Elmfield Road, Bromley, BR1 1NX.
If your young person has a disability or health condition that makes it difficult to attend Jobcentre appointments, they can request reasonable adjustments or speak with a Disability Employment Adviser (DEA). DEAs provide guidance on job searching, training opportunities, and disability friendly employers. They can also arrange an ‘employment assessment’ to identify suitable roles based on skills and experience.
More information is available at: Looking for work if you’re disabled: Looking for a job – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Connect to Work
Connect to Work is a local programme delivered by Bromley Works that supports residents with disabilities or health conditions to move into employment. The scheme offers personalised one‑to‑one guidance, skills development and interview preparation, working with local employers to help people access suitable job opportunities. Residents can complete an online expression of interest form and the Bromley Works team will get in touch to discuss the support available.
Find out more about Connect to Work.
Job coaching support
Your young person may be eligible for support from a job coach – a trained professional who assists individuals with disabilities in accessing and maintaining employment. Job coaches provide support in areas such as:
- Interview preparation
- Workplace inductions
- Travel training
- On-the-job performance and training
Funding for job coaching may be available through the Access to Work scheme, which provides financial support for workplace adjustments.
Read the easy read guide for more information about the Access to Work scheme.
Find out more about job coaches.
Identifying inclusive employers
When looking at job adverts and application forms, look for the ‘Disability Confident’ symbol. This means the employer is committed to employing and supporting disabled employees. Employers in this scheme promise to:
- Proactively recruit disabled individuals
- Provide an inclusive, accessible recruitment process
- Offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum job criteria
A list of Disability Confident Employers can be downloaded from GOV.UK.
Employment rights and support
It is against the law for an employer to discriminate based on disability. The Equality Act 2010 ensures employers make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to support disabled employees. More information is available on the Citizens Advice website.
Read GOV.UK guidance about employing disabled people and people with health conditions.
Further information
There are a number of national and local organisations that offer resources to support young people in their job search:
Disability Rights UK – Guidance on job applications and interviews
National Autistic Society – Employment support services
Royal Mencap – Easy-read job seeking guides
Scope – Online and telephone job seeking support
The following organisations can also provide you with information about careers:
- The National Careers Service
- Career Pilot
- Youth Employment
- Bromley Youth Support
- Bromley Well
- Work Choice
By encouraging and guiding your young person, you can help them take meaningful steps towards independence and success in the workplace.
Connect to Work Programme
Connect to Work is a new, government funded supported employment programme designed to help people with disabilities, long term health conditions, and other significant barriers move into meaningful, sustained employment. Although the programme is not a SEND specific programme, many young people and adults with SEND may be eligible and benefit from the personalised support it offers.
Delivered locally by Bromley Works, the programme connects residents with dedicated employment support and local employers, offering targeted help to overcome barriers to work.
How Connect to Work can support SEND young people and adults
While open to a wide range of residents, the programme may be particularly helpful for those with SEND, as it offers:
- One to one support from an employment specialist experienced in supporting people with disabilities and those facing complex barriers.
- Vocational profiling to identify strengths, interests, goals and support needs.
- A “Place, Train and Maintain” approach, commonly used in Supported Employment for people with learning disabilities, autism, and SEND.
- In-work support to help individuals settle into and sustain employment, including guidance and assistance in accessing potential funding for reasonable adjustments.
This model aligns well with preparing for adulthood outcomes, especially gaining employment and developing independence.
Eligibility
You may be able to join Connect to Work if you:
- Are 18 years or over.
- Live in Bromley.
- Have a disability, long term health condition, or face other significant barriers to work (This can include learning disabilities, autism and other needs commonly associated with SEND).
- Are not currently working, or are in work but struggling to stay employed due to health or personal challenges.
- Are motivated to find work with support.
Because the programme is not SEND restricted, eligibility depends on barriers to employment rather than a formal diagnosis.
How to take part
Bromley residents can join the programme by completing an expression of interest form.
Connect to Work expression of interest form.
Once submitted, the Bromley Works triage team will contact you to discuss your circumstances and the support available.
For more information email: Employmentworks@bromley.gov.uk.
Information for employers
Local employers wishing to support the programme, offer work opportunities, or learn how Connect to Work can help meet recruitment needs are encouraged to get in touch: Recruitmentworks@bromley.gov.uk.
Bromley Works provides advice on workplace adjustments, job matching, and how to engage with local talent.
Job coaches for young people with SEND
A job coach is a professional who partners individuals with disabilities to help them secure and maintain employment. They provide a valuable link between an employer and the employee, ensuring any concerns from either party are addressed quickly.
Within Bromley’s supported employment initiatives, job coaches play an important role in supporting young people with learning disabilities, including those taking part in our supported internships programs. By engaging with such projects, individuals can benefit from job coaches who provide support with:
- On-site work training
- Job searching
- Sustaining employment
Access to a job coach is not limited to people enrolled in supported employment projects. Individuals with disabilities or health conditions that are hindering their job performance and who are in secure paid employment can also apply for a job coach through Access to Work. This easy-read guide gives more information on the Access to Work Scheme.
What job coaches offer
Job coaches within supported employment projects may:
- Provide one-on-one or small group support.
- Assist with helping to build interpersonal skills, particularly valuable for individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
- Evaluate strengths and needs, either through personal assessment or existing evaluations.
- Offer support both within and outside the workplace.
- For individuals transitioning from education or training to the workforce, job coaches provide valuable support during this adjustment period. They help facilitate a smooth transition into employment, ensuring that individuals feel supported and prepared for their new roles.
Access to Work job coaches can:
- Provide individualised support.
- Offer on-site assistance in the workplace, allowing direct observation of the employee’s capabilities.
Benefits of job coaches to employers
Employers also benefit from job coaches. By supporting employees with disabilities, job coaches can:
- Enhance employee productivity.
- Reduce the need for additional staff to support individuals.
- Utilise the full extent of the employee’s skills and abilities.
- Build better communication within the team through initial support.
- Promote inclusivity and diversity within your organisation but also build a supportive and accommodating work environment where all employees can thrive.
For more information on the benefits of Supported Employment and what it is, the British Association for Supported Employment (BASE) have created this explanation What Is Supported Employment?
How to get a job coach
One avenue to get the support of a job coach is by participating in supported employment projects like the supported internships program, where individuals receive support throughout a period of unpaid work experience.
Bromley Mencap’s Job Coaching agency provides trained job coaches who will support you with any employment matters such as support at interviews, inductions, travel training, performance at work and training.
Learn more about what it’s like to be a Job Coach.
Visit the Young SEND Matters website or the Adult Learning Disability Hub for more information.
For free, impartial advice, contact Bromley IASS (Information, Advice and Support Service).