SEND Next Choices: getting ready for adult life

In November 2021; students from West SILC, East SILC and Green Meadows Academy took over the ‘Leeds Area SEND and AP Partnership Board’, as part of national takeover challenge. Following a consultation with students from across specialist settings in Leeds there were three key asks from board members. One of these asks was for a SEND specific information event to provide them with access to services who can help support them to get ready for adult life (preparing for adulthood).

Following the takeover, the Employment and Skills Service at Leeds City Council worked in partnership with representatives from specialist provisions, voice influence and change and SENSAP to host the first SEND Next Choices event in June 2022. Due to the success of the event and positive feedback, SEND Next Choices has now become an annual event in Leeds hosted by Employment and Skills.

The 2024 event was attended by over 2,000 people. Providing an opportunity for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their parents, carers, support workers and teachers to prepare themselves for adult life. There were over 70 services in attendance providing information about jobs, training, apprenticeships, college courses, voluntary work, leisure activities, finances, support and benefits available in Leeds. There was also information sessions about supported internships and financial support.

Information sessions were offered to all secondary schools, colleges and special schools in Leeds to help prepare students for the event. In total 32 schools took up the offer and the team delivered pre-event sessions to 750 young people and teaching staff.  A visitor guide was created to support visitors to the event. The guide was written in size 14 font and accessible colours were used. It included useful information and 50-word summaries for each exhibitor, along with their contact details. The visitor guide was available on the Leeds Local Offer website and in print on the day of the event. It was also emailed in advance to visitors and schools who booked tickets. To see the guide visit: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/7c87a86576.html

“A brilliant event – I learned so much and was able to find out about support available in the city.”-Visitor

“A very well organised and insightful event to find out more about support and opportunities for SEND young people in Leeds”- Visitor