A special school in Derbyshire is creating 70 new specialist places and expanding a pioneering employment-focused programme designed to tackle inequalities in employment and training facing young people with learning disabilities.
Brackenfield SEND School, in Long Eaton, has opened The Orchard, a ground-breaking new facility that will support an additional 70 secondary-aged pupils.
At the same, it will strengthen its award-winning post-16 provision, helping more young people progress into employment, independence and adulthood (pictured) – at a time when research has shown that young people with learning disabilities are more likely to be not in education, employment of training (NEET).
Across the region, it is estimated that just 1.8% of working-age adults with a learning disability, who receive long-term support, are in paid employment, highlighting the barriers many young people face when leaving education and entering adult life.
Brackenfield, which was rated outstanding by Ofsted two years ago, supports children and young people aged three to 19 with complex learning, communication, physical and medical needs.
It has become recognised for its innovative approach to preparing young people with SEND for adulthood, developing specialist pathways that bridge the gap between education and employment.
Learning for Life
Brackenfield’s bespoke Learning for Life programme is built around three pathways – Preparing for Adulthood, Preparing for Independence and Preparing for Employment – ensuring every student receives support tailored to their individual needs, aspirations and abilities.
The programme combines vocational profiling, employer encounters, travel training, work experience placements, careers education, community projects and supported internship.
Research cited by the school shows that young people who experience four or more employer encounters are 86 per cent less likely to become NEET, underlining the importance of meaningful workplace experiences from an early age.
Brackenfield has also achieved the nationally recognised Quality in Careers Standard and has consistently met 100 per cent of the Gatsby Benchmarks for careers education, placing it among the leading schools nationally for careers and employability provision for young people with additional needs.
Post-16 challenges
Sophie Evitts, head of site at Brackenfield SEND School, said: “For many young people with SEND, the greatest challenge is not school itself but what happens next.
“Too often, young people with learning disabilities face barriers to employment, independence and community participation despite having enormous potential.
“We believe every young person deserves the opportunity to lead a happy, fulfilling and meaningful adult life. For some that may be paid employment, for others it may be volunteering, greater independence or increased involvement in their local community.
“The Orchard allows us to expand those opportunities, reach more young people and strengthen the support available as they prepare for adulthood.
“We are passionate about helping employers see what our young people can achieve when they are given the right opportunities, support and belief.”
A key part of the school’s approach is building strong partnerships with employers and training providers, including IKEA Giltbrook and Inspiro Learning.
Students are supported to explore different workplaces, identify their strengths and develop transferable skills, while employers receive guidance on creating more inclusive workplaces and opportunities for people with SEND.
One of Brackenfield’s student, Thomas, has been doing work experience with construction company, Stepnell.
He said: “I love going to work experience with Stepnell. I like meeting all the different people there and learning about their jobs.
“Everyone is welcoming and I like watching the work they are doing take shape.”
Ashley Lukowska, learner services and wellbeing manager at apprenticeship providers, Inspiro Learning, said: “We welcome Brackenfield pupils on a regular basis and provide hands-on experiences within a workplace setting.
“We’ve already seen clear improvements in confidence, communication and engagement. It’s a privilege to be part of their journey.”
