Source · Select Committees · Education Committee
Recommendation 36
36
Accepted in Part
Paragraph: 135
Collect and publish data on SENCO careers training, ensuring all are fully trained.
Conclusion
The Department should work with the CEC to collect and publish data on the proportion of SENCOs who have undertaken careers training, and set out the steps it intends to take to ensure that all SENCOs are fully trained and working with Careers Leaders with a school or college.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the importance of SEND careers support, stating it funds the CEC to develop Careers Leader training (including for SENCOs) and will ask CEC to continue working with partners like NASEN to enhance SENCO professional development. However, it does not commit to collecting and publishing data on SENCO careers training or outlining steps to ensure all SENCOs are fully trained.
Paragraph Reference:
135
Government Response
Accepted in Part
HM Government
Accepted in Part
We agree with the Committee that careers support for pupils with SEND is vitally important. This is why we have set out in the careers statutory guidance that the school governing body should provide clear advice and support for the Career Leader who is responsible for developing a strategic careers plan. An important part of their role is to work closely with their SENCO to ensure that tailored careers plans are in place to support each pupil to understand their careers choices, raise their aspirations, meet their potential, and support their transitions (p26). The Department is funding the CEC to develop the Careers Leader role through training, resources, peer learning, and wider networks. They have developed specialist resources, training modules (including SEND training for Careers Leaders and SENCOs), events, a dedicated community of improvement, a network of business volunteers who are experienced at working with young people with SEND, as well as dedicated SEND Enterprise Coordinators who can partner with a school or college to improve the careers education programme. This autumn term, CEC is launching a training module for SENCOs on how the role of the SENCO and the Careers Leader can better align to support all aspects of a young person with SEND through their careers education programme including links to the education, health and care plan process and key stages of transition. We will continue to ensure that Careers Leaders are supported (through training and local hub support) to effectively carry out their strategic function and prioritise careers provision, working closely with parents/carers, the SENCO and other relevant staff to identify any barriers and support needed by young people with SEND. We will continue to encourage take-up of the current CEC offer. We will ask the CEC to continue to work with National Association for Special Educational Needs (NASEN) and the consortium of SEND charities, Whole School SEND to develop their direct offer of support by reaching SENCOs through partner networks and to share the free resources, training and events to enhance a SENCOs professional development. Many Career Hubs also have a localised offer through their inclusion work and have held several events targeted at bringing together the work of Careers Leaders and SENCOs.