Supporting Young People with SEND
SEND & Sandwell Careers Service
Young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) may need different types of support as they plan for their future. In Sandwell, we want every young person to feel understood, included and confident about their next steps. Our aim is to help learners with SEND build on their strengths, explore opportunities that suit them, and move towards adulthood with the right information and guidance.
Our Careers Advisers have strong experience working with learners with SEND and understand the importance of clear communication, personalised support and working closely with families and professionals. We make sure that careers conversations are accessible, at the right pace, and focused on what matters to each young person.
All schools and colleges must provide access to independent careers advice. For many settings in Sandwell, this is delivered by our team. The type of support offered depends on the agreement we have with each school or college, but our commitment remains the same: to help learners with SEND understand their options and make informed, positive choices about their future.
What SEND‑focused support may include
• One‑to‑one careers guidance that explores interests, strengths and future goals
• Support for parents and carers to help them feel informed and involved
• Group sessions to build confidence and explore career ideas
• Help to understand different pathways, including supported internships, college courses and training options
• Clear labour market information about local jobs and skills employers look for
• Attendance at EHCP annual reviews to support long‑term planning
• Careers Action Plans that set out agreed next steps
• Support with college applications to identify the most suitable course or setting
• Help after Year 11 to move into education, employment or training
This SEND‑focused support works alongside the wider careers information and guidance available across Sandwell, ensuring that every young person receives the right help at the right time.
