Launch of Education Committee report on transition for pupils with SEN

Young lives can be blighted if proper arrangements are not made to help young people with special educational needs transfer from school to further education or work, according to a new report published today. The National Assembly’s Education Committee today launches the third and final part of its wide-ranging review of SEN in Wales. The report looks at transition arrangements, and warns that more needs be done to ring-fence funding, share good practice and encourage employers to give these young people a chance. Employment rates among these groups can be as low as 5% but evidence from other countries suggests that this could be improved to at least 50% with the right action. The report’s key recommendations are the appointment of key workers to help strengthen the support available for young people, their families or carers,   independent advocacy services to help ensure that young people are properly informed and fully understand the choices they face. The Committee is also calling for the appointment of a “champion” to convince employers of the benefits of employing people with additional educational needs. Peter Black AM, Chair of the Committee, said: “Getting it right for this group of young people is extremely important. Good work done in school to help them make the most of their educational opportunities and carrying that through into adulthood is very important.Otherwise this work would be wasted and young livesblighted. The ultimate aim is to allow every young person to reach their maximum potential and to live fulfilling and satisfying lives which contribute to their own well-being and to that of society." The report will be launched at 10.30am at Trinity Fields Special School, Ystrad Mynach, Caerphilly. Peter Black will speak at the launch with Cliff Warwick, the head teacher of Trinity Fields, and pupils and carers. One of the pupils, 17-year-old Chris McClure, has recently been on work experience with the Assembly.