Careers - WOW 

Our vision is to inspire, inform and equip all our pupils for careers and world of work 

Here at Little Heath School, we recognise that people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) face long-standing prejudice and barriers to enter the world of work (WOW), from the simple act of divulging their disability to a lack of work experience.

Research shows that 76% of people aged 16 to 64 in the general population in England are in employment but only 6% of adults with a learning disability known to their local authority in England are in paid work (NHS Digital 2018) with many more capable and desperate to work. This leaves people with SEND deprived of the many benefits work can bring including good health, wealth and well-being which contributes to our happiness, confidence and independence. The right support and guidance will enable more people to work and enjoy these benefits.

This is why our careers and WOW programme is built around the Gatsby Benchmarks which are an outline of eight standards that identifies the best practice and guidance for schools to improve their career provisions. Our school has mostly met 100% of the assessment areas of the Gatsby Benchmarks and are working towards meeting them in full.

Below you will find our current Careers Programme and a series of our school policies that outline our Careers provision:

• Careers and WOW programme.
• Provider Access Statement.

INSPIRE pupils with careers education embedded in the curriculum across the whole school, challenging stereotypical thinking. Organise annual aspire events for parents or carers and employers to showcase success of people with SEND in education, training and or employment. Gatsby Benchmarks 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

INFORM pupils and their parents or carers about future education, training and work options by providing a timely, impartial information, advice and guidance. Develop a programme of encounters with further education, training and work providers. Gatsby Benchmarks 2, 4, 7, 8

EQUIP pupils with knowledge and skills from as early as KS3. Gatsby Benchmarks 1, 3, 4, 5, 6

We would like to thank everyone who contributed to our careers and WOW programme: FPLD, our work experience providers, guest speakers, staff, parents or carers, and pupils. Without your support, it just wouldn’t be possible.

Finally, do you believe in a world where people with a disability should be equally valued, listened to and included?

Please complete the Contact Form to offer your support to our careers and WOW programme in any capacity possible including careers information, visits to work environments, enterprise projects, employers delivering sector-specific information or business simulation challenges, mentoring, mock interviews, work tasters or experience, work shadowing or workshops.

We welcome feedback from pupils, parents & carers, staff, employers and those wishing to comment on our CAREERS & WOW programme. Should you require more detailed information on any of these activities, please contact our Careers Leaders or our Careers Coordinator either by telephone or email.

• https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/learning-disabilities/our-work/employment-education
  Practical information on employment and education.

• https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/young-people/connexions
  Information, advice and guidance for vulnerable young people who are not in education, employment or training (NEET), young people at risk of becoming NEET and young people with Special Educational Needs and disabilities.

• https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
  Information, advice and guidance for making decisions on learning, training and work.

• https://www.prospects.ac.uk
  Guidance for making the right choice. Match skills and personality to 400+ job profiles.

• https://www.ncclondon.ac.uk/send-redbridge
  Information on SEND courses and support at New City College, Redbridge.

• https://www.barkingdagenhamcollege.ac.uk
  Information on the Reach Supported Internship Programme. A one year preparation programme for students with learning disabilities and autistic spectrum conditions.

• https://www.havering-college.ac.uk
  Information on courses and training available at Havering College.

• http://www.care-trade.org
  Information on new opportunities and choices for young people with autism.

• https://www.linkssupport.co.uk
  A new and innovative support service promoting Self Directed Support and offering Unique Service exactly how and when you want it.

• https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk
  Search and apply for an apprenticeship in England.

• https://www.entitledto.co.uk
  Free benefits calculator to see what you are entitled to.

• https://www.gov.uk/looking-for-work-if-disabled
  Looking for work if you're disabled. Getting help. Programmes and grants.

• https://www.gov.uk
  Guidance employing disabled people and people with health conditions.

• https://www.redbridge.gov.uk/jobs/work-redbridge
  Work in Redbridge.

• https://www.scope.org.uk/employment-services
  Employment support services designed for working-age disabled people.

• https://www.mencap.org.uk/advice-and-support/employment-services
  Employments services for employers and jobseekers.

• https://www.ellingham.org.uk
  Information on Day Opportunities and Employment Programmes.

• https://www.evenbreak.co.uk/en
  Employments services for employers and jobseekers.

• https://www.indeed.co.uk
  Find jobs at Indeed.

• https://www.richmondfellowship.org.uk
  Richmond Fellowship is a national mental health charity working with individuals, families and communities to make recovery reality for over 60 years.  

• http://www.sycamoretrust.org.uk
  Information on a range of services specifically designed to support families, educate the community and empower individuals of all ages to flourish and be valued members of society