SEND Post 16 and Hackney Supported Internships
Advice page content
Why have Supported Internships been developed?
Supported internships provide supported training for young people aged between 16, but more commonly, 18 to 24 years of age who have complex learning difficulties due to having special educational needs or disability (SEND).
The young person must also have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan).
In 2012 the Government increased the age that all young people in England must continue to be engaged in education or training. This is called raising the participation age or RPA.
Raising the participation age means you must continue in education or training until you are 18 but it does not mean you must stay in school.
You can choose one of the following options:
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Full-time education, such as school, college or learning provider
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Work-based learning, such as a Traineeship or Apprenticeship
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Part-time education or training if you are employed, self-employed or volunteering for 20 hours or more a week
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Supported Internship (as an option for those with SEND)
What are Supported Internships?
Supported Internships are set up to develop helpful skills and attitudes needed for the workplace. They are suitable for those who learn best by doing.
Most learning takes place at work and only a small part of the placement is in a classroom.
Who provides support during the Supported Internship?
Trained Job Coaches provide support during the programme. These positions are generally funded by the Access to Work Fund.
This can also help with travel costs and any special equipment required.
Supported interns can get help applying to the fund from the provider they are interning with.
Do young people get paid on a Supported Internship?
No. Supported internships are an education programme so the work experience is not paid. However at the end of the programme it is expected that successful interns would be ready to take up paid work.
Who can apply for a supported internship?
Young people aged 16 to 24 who have an EHC Plan and are interested in completing a Supported Internship as a route to finding paid work can apply for either of the 2 Project Search Hackney Internships. Young people aged 18-24 who have an EHC Plan can apply for the Ellingham Hackney Supported Internship.
Young people with SEND often go to college before doing a supported internship. Colleges may work with providers to offer taster sessions or shorter projects that prepare young people for taking part in a full supported internship after college.
If the young person is interested, the chosen supported internship is suitable and the application is successful it will be named in the EHC Plan.
What about young people with SEND who do not have an EHC Plan?
Supported Internships are not suitable or the right path for all young people. The range of options for young people with different support needs but no EHC Plan includes Traineeships or Study Programmes. These options are designed to prepare young people for work, an apprenticeship or higher education in a chosen topic, field of work or subject.
The Alternative Pathways Directory https://education.hackney.gov.uk/content/alternative-pathways-hackney includes information on local providers and vocational options.
What if I have support needs but don't have an EHC Plan?
If a parent, young person or provider believes that a young person with a learning difficulty or disability, but without an EHC Plan, would benefit from a supported internship, they may wish to request an Education Health and Care Needs Assessment.
This may lead to an EHC Plan being agreed and confirm that the Supported Internship is a good progression option for the young person.
What supported Internships are available in Hackney?
There are 3 Supported Internships options in Hackney and 2 providers for these.
SEND Post 16 Supported Internship Qualification Rules
Hackney Council’s SEND Department contracts two organisations to run Supported Internships. These are for young people with SEND between the ages of 16 - 25 who live in Hackney and have an active Education, Health, and Care Plan.
The purpose of a Supported Internship is to help young people develop the skills needed to enter the world of paid work. They also offer the opportunity to put the newly learned skills into practice while on a longer-term work placement or work placements.
Supported Internship requests can only be considered by Hackney if they are for the:
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Ellingham Employment Services Hackney commissioned Supported Internships program
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Project Search Supported Internships commissioned by Hackney Council’s Supported Employment Team at Homerton Hospital or Hackney Council.
Programs offered by other providers will only be considered if both the contracted providers say they are unable to meet the SEND needs of the young person.
If a young person has a specific interest in a particular area and has successfully completed a course at a college or elsewhere related to that interest then there may be a case for using a non-commissioned or out of borough provider. However this arrangement would be an exception and agreed on a case by case basis as Hackney seeks to place students within it’s commissioned services.
For further information please contact Aneurin Wood, Lead Officer for SEND Post 16.
Who else can I talk to if I need to know more?
As supported internships are intended for those with EHC Plans, the Plan Coordinator or setting lead at the Annual Review can discuss the range of options including supported internships with the young person. To find out who your EHC Plan Coordinator is contact the EHCP Team.
If you need Information, Advice and Support related to a young person with SEND contact Hackney SENDIAGS
One of the delivery partners for the Hackney Project Search Supported Internships is Hackney Supported Employment Services who can provide further information. The service has Job Advisors who can provide advice and support for young people with SEND who are seeking paid work.