Employment

We also work with SEND young people who have left or are leaving learning, and are ready for employment. This includes help with finding and applying for suitable opportunities.

Referrals and working with other organisations

Many young people with SEND require support from more than one professional or organisation. We work closely with a range of other agencies to make sure the support is joined up and effective. We can signpost to suitable organisations and make referrals, where appropriate.

Resources and further help

Useful information from the UK Government:

• Carer’s and disability benefits
• Disability rights
• Disabled Students’ Allowances
• Get help at work if you’re disabled or have a health condition
• Support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
• Funding – Education Maintenance Allowance allows pupils in Sixth Form schools and colleges to apply for £400 to support them with their studies. The University Bursary will support students with living costs at university. Students can apply for £1,500 to help with their undergraduate studies.

Directories of services for SEND young people

Tower Hamlets ‘Local Offer’ website – includes a directory of organisations offering different services to local SEND young people and their families.

Other relevant organisations (not included in the directories above):

Bromley by Bow Centre – neighbourhood hub offering a range of services, including general advice, healthcare services, training courses, help finding employment, arts/leisure activities and more.

Disability Rights UK – national charity campaigning for equal rights for disabled people; there is lots of useful information on their website.

Independent Parental Special Education Advice (IPSEA) - charity offering advice to parents/carers of SEND children and young people.

NATSPEC – association for organisations which offer specialist further education and training for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities; includes a directory of specialist colleges.

Real – Tower Hamlets charity offering support to anyone who is or has been disabled, or who has a long-term health condition.

Remploy – national provider of specialist employment and skills support for people with disabilities and health conditions.

Scope – national charity campaigning for disability rights and offering a range of support.

Shaw Trust – national charity offering a range of services, including support with learning and employability for disabled people.

Special Needs UK – information for parents and professionals, including a directory of specialist schools.

Tower Hamlets Citizens Advice – free, confidential advice on a range of issues; drop-in services also offered from local Idea Stores.

Tower Hamlets Community Learning Disabilities Service – team of health staff and social workers who assess and support people who live in Tower Hamlets with a learning disability, their families and carers.

Tower Hamlets Early Help Hub – provides a single point of access for the public, and those working with children, young people and their families; the hub offers advice and recommends support for a range of issues.