At Priory School in north Somerset, we take careers advice and work experience very seriously – and we treat all young people similarly, regardless of ability, aptitude or SEND. Every child has access to high quality careers advice that will set them up for life beyond school.
Our approaches are not based on any research as such, but are anecdotal and opinion-led. Over the years, we have simply observed what works, and what is less effective.
And we know what we do works because our NEET figures year on year are usually less than 1%, and our progression to higher education is a source of huge pride for the school.
Participation in career-related events and activities is always close to 100%, so we must be doing something right.
Here are a few pointers to engage with SEND students and families, and so ensure that they experience the best possible careers’ experience.
Early engagement and inclusive events
We run a Year 5 interview challenge at our feeder schools which is followed up in Year 7. Students create a CV, research job roles and attend a ‘job interview’ with me. We talk about achievements, interests, favourite movies. They receive a certificate and a personalised poster.
This early experience sets the tone for the career programme and what lies ahead. Students get to know me, the careers office becomes a familiar location, and families can be part of the conversation too.
SEND families may sometimes feel that the activity may not be appropriate, but I reassure them that it is always worthwhile, and adjustments will be made. The kids enjoy themselves and feel part of the school.
We also create a ‘quiet period’ as part of our career conventions (open to all year groups) which lets our families know that we see them. There is less noise, fewer attendees and more space for easier conversations.
Availability and accessibility
You don’t need to over-think an inclusive career programme – small adjustments work just as well, and maybe better. Being a consistent presence in school is reassuring for many SEND students and families. Having a clear career space, in the form of a careers office, even more so, where I can give quick responses and solutions to potential problems.
A clear online presence is also very beneficial for families to literally see what is coming around the bend via the school’s Facebook page, parent comms and the school website. Our ‘shout out’ posters give context to our events and activities. These posters use images of real students taking part in the activities we are promoting.
Being accessible to everyone helps alleviate unnecessary fear and anxiety around what we do and helps us pivot support to the needs of every student.
We cannot future proof, other than helping our young people develop skills and strengths to remain flexible and adaptable in a changing work landscape
Keep things flexible to promote participation
Many families have told me in the past that work experience, mock interview day, and college taster day, are off the cards for their SEND child. But my job is to help families to navigate from the fear of the unknown, to the delight of seeing their child thrive.
Our local colleges are super supportive with work experience placements for SEND students, and many of the employers we work with have previous experience of supporting SEND students. They are always happy to make reasonable adjustments, such as shorter working days.
There is no reason why ALL students cannot participate in a full career programme.
Create a safe space
The careers office here at Priory is not just an interview room. Students know it is a safe space during break or lunch to chill out alone or with friends. It is a hub in the school for students who prefer a quiet environment.
We have fidget toys and games, and keep leaflets and unnecessary clutter to a minimum. Several Year 8 SEND boys spent their lunch times in my office and others will call in to say hello during the day.
Don’t take yourself, or the process, too seriously
Adapting a lighter approach to what might be scary events for some students helps to manage stress.
An example of this is the Year 7 interview challenge. Many SEND families and students find the process daunting, but I explain the simple steps of CV writing and career quizzing before having an easy chat with me takes the scariness away to make it a fun activity.
A parent once told me: “He [their son] told me that you pretend to be a little daft to make him feel more relaxed. He told me that acting daft doesn’t make him more relaxed. But knowing that you are trying your best to make him more relaxed makes him feel better.”
Job done – hopefully!
Use your contacts
Use existing contacts to help your students get the college place or work experience placement they want. Transition from secondary to post-16 can be daunting for families who have to plan a new start for their child, in a new setting.
This makes your contacts in colleges and the business world a vital bridge in that transitional phase, to keep the handover as smooth as possible. I often prime employers that a particular SEND student will be in touch to request work experience, so when the student approaches them they are more likely to say ‘yes’.
Make it less about careers
I find myself talking less and less about careers these days, because it’s really about the best next step – a happy life, skills and confidence development, and making the world a better place.
We cannot future proof, other than helping our young people develop skills and strengths to remain flexible and adaptable in a changing work landscape. I believe this helps many SEND – as well as non-SEND – families who find themselves overthinking an appropriate career path for the next 50+ years.
Don’t be afraid to challenge assumptions
A colleague worked at a special school and was often boggled with the refusal of families to engage with the career programme, because they had already made the decision that their child will never have a career.
We are not a SEND specialist school here at Priory, but we do have a high proportion of students with mild, intermediate and very complex needs. The events and activities that we roll out here are for everyone, to help our young people grow into awesome young adults.
A SEND family last year were very clear that their child would not be participating in our annual mock interview day, but with a little practice and managing of expectations, they shone so brightly that the employer picked them out as their next employee!
Stay in touch
I love crossing paths with previous students. It validates what we do, and makes it all worthwhile, as well as showing current students real role models.
A wide range of our previous students are placed in poster form around the school. My favourite is Max. He charged through school while grappling the developing symptoms of ataxia and other diagnoses that had a significant impact on his time at school.
I bumped into him a while ago, and he is now part way through a degree, making a mint on stocks and driving a car slightly smaller than my house. Go Max!
Manage expectations, define boundaries, simplify
As career advisers we can have a tendency to overreach and go the extra mile to support students. But we must be careful to contract effectively with SEND students and their families to define where everyone’s responsibilities lie.
We are no good to anyone if we are overwhelmed and burnt out. We are also often isolated in our roles and may find it hard to decompress. I have curated an online community of career practitioners and check in with them on a regular basis. This helps so much.
