SEND

At The Westwood Academy, we believe every student has the potential to achieve great things, and we are committed to ensuring that careers education supports all students to explore and reach their aspirations.

Our approach is rooted in the belief that SEND is not a limitation to ambition. Guided by our school mantra, Better Never Stops, we provide tailored and inclusive support to help every student succeed.

 Supporting SEND students in their careers journey:

• Presence at SEND Cafes: We welcome the chance to meet with families and the Careers Team actively participates in SEND Cafes ready to provide tailored guidance and answer any questions from students, parents, or carers.
• Collaboration with SENCO and SEND Department: We work closely with the SENCO and SEND Department to identify students who may benefit from earlier intervention or additional careers support and to share resources and information.
• Differentiated Resources: Our resources are adapted to meet diverse needs, ensuring that every student has access to meaningful careers education and guidance. In addition to adapting our school resources, we use specialist programmes developed by the Careers Enterprise Company (CEC), such as MySkillsMyFuture, which looks at Employability, Next Steps, and A Day in the Life.
• SEND Newsletter Contributions: The Careers Team regularly contributes to the SEND newsletter, sharing updates and tools, such as information about Unifrog, to help students explore their options. 
• Inclusive and Aspirational Opportunities: We are actively working with employers to create inclusive and aspirational opportunities for SEND students, ensuring they can access meaningful career pathways.
• Alumni Engagement: We are exploring our alumni network to identify individuals who can inspire and support SEND students, showcasing diverse and achievable success stories.
• Highlighting role models and success stories. We celebrate achievements of individuals with SEND, showcasing role models and success stories that demonstrate how challenges can be part of the journey to success. For example, the Dyslexic Thinking Campaign Film. Dyslexic Thinking Campaign Film

Unifrog Newsletter (December 2024)

Careers Support Resources for SEND Students

Careers research for SEND students can sometimes feel overwhelming, but finding inclusive employers and accessing tailored support is key. To make the process easier, we’ve gathered useful links and resources in one place. These will help you, or the student you are supporting, explore career opportunities confidently. For targeted resources, please refer to the section further down the page

• National Careers Service
  The National Careers Service provides information, advice, and guidance to help students make decisions about learning, training, and work opportunities. They have a dedicated section for SEND students, offering tailored careers advice, job profiles, and apprenticeships. A helpline for individuals with disabilities is available at 0800 100 900. Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service
• Disability Rights UK
  Disability Rights UK provides information and advice on a range of issues for disabled individuals, including education, training, and employment. Their resources include career planning and job-seeking advice specifically for young disabled people. Visit their website
• The Careers and Enterprise Company
  This organisation works with schools and colleges to help young people prepare for the world of work. Their website includes resources specifically for SEND students, including practical careers advice. Visit their website
• The Prince’s Trust
  The Prince’s Trust supports young people aged 11-30 who are unemployed or struggling at school. They offer programmes to develop skills, gain work experience, and find employment. Visit their website
• Prospects
  Prospects provides careers advice for students and graduates. Their resources include a dedicated section for students with disabilities, covering careers advice, work experience, and job opportunities. Visit their website
• UCAS
  UCAS supports over 100,000 disabled students annually as they apply to study at university or college in the UK. Their resources cover support for mental health conditions, learning differences, and long-term health conditions. Visit their website
• MyPlus Students' Club
  MyPlus Students’ Club offers careers advice for higher education students with disabilities. Their services include information on job hunting, applications, interviews, and disability disclosure. Visit their website
• Career Pilot
  Provides support with next steps, including FE, HE, internships, and general guidance. Visit their website
• Mencap
  Mencap is a charity supporting people with learning disabilities. Their "Employ Me" service offers guidance and advice on finding and maintaining employment. Visit their website
• AGCAS
  AGCAS supports university students with disabilities by providing advice on career planning and job search strategies. Visit their website
• EmployAbility
  EmployAbility is a not-for-profit organisation supporting disabled students and graduates with career planning, job applications, and interview preparation. Visit their website
• Amazing Apprenticeships

A leading organisation in the education sector focussed on apprenticeship opportunities. Finding an inclusive employer  Home - Amazing Apprenticeships

Remember, individual differences do not limit your aspirations or potential. Inclusive employers value the unique skills and perspectives that individuals with SEND bring to the workplace. For additional guidance, don’t hesitate to contact our Careers Team or SEND Department.

Careers:

Mrs Sally Linsell: KMAT Careers Lead S.Linsell@kmat.org.uk

Mrs Sophie Florance: Careers Advisor S.Florance@twa.kmat.org.uk

Work Experience and Employer Engagement Section

Work Experience Opportunities

At The Westwood Academy, all Year 10 and Year 12 students participate in work experience. This is more than an opportunity to explore future career paths; it’s a chance to enhance key workplace skills such as communication, teamwork, and adaptability.

Student-Led Placements
We encourage students to find their own work experience placements, as the process of researching, applying, and securing a placement is an essential skill for their future. However, the Careers Team and school staff are on hand to offer guidance and support throughout the process.

The school website provides:

• Comprehensive guidance on finding placements.
• Ideas for work experience opportunities.

Student Info - The Westwood Academy

We also have a growing employer database and are happy to liaise with local businesses regarding how they can accommodate SEND students and make reasonable adjustments where needed.

Aspirational and Inclusive Placements
We expect work experience placements to be aspirational, helping students challenge themselves and explore their potential. Employers are encouraged to provide equal opportunities and make reasonable adjustments to ensure that all students, including those with SEND, can participate fully and comfortably.

Virtual Work Experience
Virtual work experience is also available to all students. This flexible option allows students to gain insights into various industries without geographical constraints. For SEND students, it can be an excellent way to explore career possibilities in a supportive environment tailored to their needs.

Employer and Educational Engagement

We are committed to connecting students with employers and educational institutions that value diversity and inclusion.

• Employer Talks: Employers regularly visit the school to deliver talks, sharing insights into their industries and discussing how they create inclusive opportunities for SEND students.
• Careers Fairs: Our annual Careers Fairs bring together a range of local and national organisations, with a focus on offering meaningful guidance and opportunities for students with SEND.
• University and College Outreach: We work closely with universities and colleges to ensure that their outreach programmes support SEND students. This includes tailored workshops, campus visits, and guidance on post-16 and post-18 transitions that are accessible and inclusive.

Through these initiatives, we aim to create opportunities that inspire all students to achieve their ambitions, demonstrating that SEND does not limit potential or aspiration.

Parental Involvement

Supporting Your Child’s Career Development

At The Westwood Academy we understand that parents and carers play a crucial role in shaping their child’s future. To support you in guiding your child through their career journey, we’ve compiled practical advice and resources tailored to students with SEND.

How Parents Can Help:

• Explore Career Options Together: Discuss your child’s interests, skills, and aspirations. Use platforms like Unifrog Sign In - Unifrog and the National Careers Service Careers advice - job profiles, information and resources | National Careers Service to explore career paths and opportunities.
• Encourage Independence: Support your child in developing essential skills such as CV writing, job applications, and interview preparation.
• Stay Informed: Attend school events, such as SEND Cafes and Careers Fairs, to stay updated on available resources and opportunities.

Resources for SEND-Specific Support:

To help your child manage schoolwork and transitions while preparing for their future, we’ve included resources that focus on specific needs:

• Dyslexia Support:
  • British Dyslexia Association – Advice on educational transitions, assistive technology, and workplace support for students with dyslexia.
  • Careerpilot : Strengths & values - I want to use my dyslexia strengths in my career.
• Dyscalculia Support:
  • Dyscalculia Guidance – Strategies for managing maths-related challenges in school and career planning.
• Autism Support:
  • National Autistic Society – Resources for post-16 and post-18 transitions, including employment and further education support.
  • Ambitious About Autism – Careers advice and programmes for autistic students.
  • Careerpilot : Strengths & values - I want my Autism talents to be valued
• ADHD/ADD Support:
  • ADHD Foundation – Guidance on supporting students with ADHD in education and employment, including strategies for managing focus and organisation.
  • Careerpilot : Strengths & values- I want my ADHD strengths to be valued
• Anxiety Management:
  • Young Minds – Advice for parents on supporting students with anxiety, especially during career decision-making and transitions.
  • Anxiety UK – Practical tools and helplines for managing anxiety in education and employment contexts.
• Physical Disabilities:
  • Scope – A charity providing advice and support for individuals with physical disabilities, including guidance on education, work, and independent living.
  • Leonard Cheshire – Resources and programmes to help students with physical disabilities access inclusive education and employment opportunities.
  • Access to Work: get support if you have a disability or health condition: What Access to Work is - GOV.UK– A government scheme that provides funding for workplace adjustments to support individuals with physical disabilities.
• General SEND Resources:
  • Contact – A SEND support network offering resources for families on education, careers, and transitions.
  • Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) – Guidance on moving into further education, employment, or training.

Local Opportunities:

• Links to local job fairs, SEND-specific open days, and workshops. Check the Careers section of the newsletter and Bromcom messaging for details.

Stay Connected:
For personalised advice, contact our Careers Team or the SEND Department. We are here to support you and your child through every step of their journey.

For further details or support, please explore the Careers section of the website Personal Development - Careers - The Westwood Academy or contact our Careers Team:

Mrs Sally Linsell: KMAT Careers Lead S.Linsell@kmat.org.uk

Mrs Sophie Florance: Careers Advisor S.Florance@twa.kmat.org.uk