Choices at 16
Download 'Choices at 16' Handout
Download 'Staying on at school' Worksheet
Download 'Going to college' Worksheet
Download 'Getting a job' Worksheet
Download 'Training' Worksheet
Download 'Daytime activities' Worksheet
Download 'Things to do...' Worksheet
When a young person reaches 16 a range of learning options become available. Some young people stay on at school until they are 18 or 19 depending on the school they attend.
After leaving school a young person can:
- Attend a college
- Start a course of work-based learning
- Get a job
- Do voluntary work
- Be supported by Social Services/Social Care and Health/Children’s Services to achieve their potential
These options can be discussed at the annual review and the transition plan can be written or adapted to help the young person work towards the option they would like to take.
16-19 Bursary Fund
If you’re aged 16-19, studying or starting a full-time course from September 2011 and think you might struggle with the costs for your studies, schools, colleges and training providers have funds to help you.
The students most in need will be eligible to receive a bursary of £1,200 a year. This group includes:
- People in care
- Care leavers
- People claiming income support
- Young people with disabilities who receive both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance
Other students facing financial difficulties may be awarded a bursary at the discretion of their school, college or training provider, who will decide on the amount paid. They will also decide when the bursaries will be paid and will set conditions that students will need to meet, for example, linked to behaviour or attendance.
Staying on at school
Schools offer a variety of courses in the sixth form. Some courses will help students develop independence skills, others may deliver vocational and academic qualifications.
Local colleges
Colleges of further education offer a wide range of courses, both vocational and academic, for students with both moderate and severe learning difficulties and provide additional support to enable disabled students and those with learning difficulties to access mainstream courses.
If local provision can’t meet a young person’s needs they may be able to access a place at a specialist college. Specialist colleges offer very specific education programmes to meet particular needs (for example autism, visual or hearing impairment, or learning difficulties). The majority of specialist colleges are residential but in some cases day places are available.Funding for students attending specialist colleges is currently accessed through the local authority and the Young People’s Learning Agency. This process is rigorous and is led by the Connexions service with the support of other agencies working with an individual.
Transport
Local Authorities have a responsibility to help with transport to learning for those who are eligible up to their 19th birthday. After the age of 19, such help is discretionary. Each Local Authority has its own transport policy and criteria - Connexions Personal Advisers can help.
Work-based learning
There are a wide range of opportunities available in work-based learning, covering many different types of work. Work-based learning offers the opportunity to get the work skills and qualifications employers want. There are various options available through work-based learning, including:
Intermediate Level Apprenticeships
Intermediate Level Apprenticeships lead to Level 2 or 3 qualifications. Employed apprentices will receive a wage of at least £2.60 per hour.
Advanced Apprenticeships
Advanced Level Apprenticeships lead to Level 3 qualifications. On Advanced Level Apprenticeships you will be employed and receive a wage of at least £2.60 per hour that will reflect your skills, experience and ability.
Foundation Learning programmes
These aim to help 14-19 year olds achieve entry level and Level 1 qualifications and move onto Level 2 learning by offering vocational experience, skills and understanding (in a particular career area), personal, social and employability skills and functional skills like practical English, Mathematics and ICT for everyday use.
There are different levels and types of support available to help those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities within work-based learning depending on the programme the learner is engaged in.
Connexions Personal Advisers can discuss all the options and answer any questions about Apprenticeships, Foundation Learning and other personal development programmes.
Voluntary work
Some young people choose to do voluntary work after leaving school. This can help improve confidence, develop job skills and introduce them to new people. There are many types of voluntary work, such as; working in charity shops, in care homes, or in day centres for older people.
Connexions Personal Advisers can offer more information about the opportunities available.
Employment
Support is often available to help young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities gain employment.
Jobcentre Plus runs a number of schemes designed to help and support people to gain employment these include:
Job Introduction Scheme
This allows an employer to take on a disabled person for a trial period (usually six weeks) by paying an allowance towards wages
WorkPath Scheme
This brings together support programmes to help disabled people find work. Each programme is designed to help overcome the barriers faced by disabled people when they are looking for work. Connexions Personal Advisers will be able to offer more information on this support and liaise with the local Pathway Adviser and local Jobcentre Plus
Social Services/Social Care and Health/Children’s Services
Social Services/Social Care and Health/Children’s Services offer adult care services to some young adults. A social worker will support the young person and their family, carry out an assessment and develop an individualized plan that meets that young person’s needs, choices and aspirations.
Social Workers and Connexions Personal Advisers can offer further information.
Higher Education
Students who gain the qualifications they need, either in the sixth form or at college and want to study for a degree or a similar course may apply to university.
Each University has a Disability Adviser or a Learning Support Co-ordinator who can give advice on the university’s provision for disabled students, including accommodation support.
It is recommended that a young person visits a university before making an application. Funding can be accessed through the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) to meet extra costs of study. For further information, visit the Directgov Student Finance England website or speak to a Connexions Personal Adviser.
Adult and Community Learning
A wide range of day and evening courses are offered at Neighbourhood and Community Centres and in schools. These may include reading and number skills, or leisure pursuits such as arts and crafts, cookery and fitness. Academic courses such as GCSEs in various subjects and many other qualifications are also available. Many Adult and Community Centres offer courses designed to provide support for people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.
Your Connexions Personal Adviser can help you find details of the opportunities in your area.
Although every effort has been made to ensure that this information was correct at the time of publication, contacts, telephone numbers and addresses are subject to change, which may make the information become gradually less accurate.