Specialist careers support
Essential support
At the specialist level, careers education is most powerful when it is highly personalised, ambitious and embedded within each young person’s journey. National guidance reinforces that for young people with SEND and EHCPs, careers support is not optional - it is essential.
GOV.UK statutory guidance on local authorities duties relating to the participation of young people in education, employment or training - highlights a clear expectation:
“Schools should make use of the SEND local offer… and where students have EHC plans, their annual reviews must, from year 9 at the latest, include a focus on preparing for adulthood, including employment.”
This places careers education at the core of the EHCP process, not as an add-on, but as a fundamental part of planning for a young person’s future.
Delivering impactful support
Settings play a vital role in ensuring that every young person:
- receives tailored, meaningful careers guidance
- explores aspirational and realistic pathways
- develops the skills and confidence needed for adult life
- makes informed choices about education, training and employment
Using the Local Offer
The SEND Local Offer Preparing for adulthood is a powerful tool.
It helps schools and families access:
- local education and training opportunities
- supported internships and employment pathways
- services that promote independence and community inclusion
The difference you make
Careers guidance and EHCP planning
By working in partnership with families and professionals, settings can:
- raise aspirations and widen opportunities
- support smoother transitions into post-16 and beyond
- enable young people to move towards meaningful, fulfilling adult lives