CONNEXIONS

The Connexions Service will help schools, colleges and all those involved with young people to make arrangements for their placement beyond school, whether in further education, day provision or employment.   No young person will be outside the scope of the Connexions Service whatever their needs and regardless of issues that have to be addressed before they can take advantage of the opportunities available for learning and personal development beyond school.  For more information contact:

 
LEAVING SCHOOL

The Authority has a duty to notify the Social Services Directorate between eight and twelve months before a young person’s school leaving date.  Social Services are then required to carry out an assessment, normally three months before the school leaving date.  See notes below on 1993 Education Act.

 
1993 EDUCATION ACT – TRANSITION PLANNING

Under the 1993 Education Act, and since September 1994, the annual reviews of a pupil’s Statement between the ages of 14 – 19 should involve the agencies who have a role in the young person’s life after school e.g. Social Services, Health and Connexions.  The first review in year 9 will include a Transition Plan completed by the Connexions Advisor.  This will draw together information in order to plan for the transition of the young person from school to adult life.  The views of the family and the young person concerned must be sought during this process and at every stage.
 

TRANSITION CARE MANAGER

At your child’s annual reviews from year 9, approximately age 14 onwards, you will have the opportunity to explore, with school staff and other professionals, the available options for your child’s continuing education or future placements.

The Transition Care Manager determines the status of Statemented pupils to establish whether they are “permanently and substantially disabled” as per the 1948 and 1986 Acts.  Transition Care Managers may attend school reviews at 14 years to gather information, which helps with planning for the future. 

Formal referrals to the Transitions Care Manager are made at 16 years of age. The Children with Disabilities Team Social Worker will remain the case holder if the child receives care, either permanent or residential, or if there are child protection issues.

At 16 years an assessment of need is offered and an assessment of health needs may be provided by the Community Resource Team. Ongoing liaison with the school and the Connexions Service will continue until the student leaves school or further education college and is settled into adult life, which may require continuing support and adult provision.  Liaison with the Community Resource Team continues if there are health issues.
 

FURTHER EDUCATION

There are a variety of further education opportunities available, for example, residential courses in colleges for people with a learning disability, such as are available at:

and special courses within colleges in the area, for example:

For further information about courses and funding, contact:

York & North Yorkshire Guidance Services Tel: (01609) 773537 at 159 – 160 High Street, Northallerton, DL7 8JZ

or

Connexions Service