The original aim of the project was to undertake pilot studies exploring flexible, individualised non-residential support to people with learning disabilities, however, early discussions with involved authorities resulted in a refinement towards focussing specifically on the Transition area.
The overall purpose of these projects was to achieve better outcomes from FE for young people with a learning disability in the South West. Some of the findings were also generally applicable to FE provision across the country. Specific issues addressed included:
- How to meet young people’s needs and improve outcomes for school leavers and those leaving college
- The need to stem flow of young people going into expensive residential placements especially if out of area
- Whether we can map out a new way of working with providers that is individualised and responds to needs and wishes
- Develop approaches for authorities to ensure parents were better informed and engaged in making best use of monies available.
The SW Centre of Excellence worked collaboratively with the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) in developing these exemplar approaches to transitions planning for young people in FE establishments. The recent national report from the LSC, ‘Through Inclusion to Excellence’, implemented locally, and in the South West, a regional strategy (LSN) was launched in March 2007. Being keen to explore the opportunity to commission joint research, LSC has funded both the SWCoE pilots being developed to explore aspects of FE provision where there is an emphasis on moving through to employment.
Two authorities undertook pilots looking at the transitions area between children’s services and adult services. One project also explored the impact of individual job coaching in terms of numbers finding, and keeping work. This project is progressing well but has been expanded until late autumnn 2008. The other pilot explored mechanisms to enable better planning of education and training provision through improving the transmission of appropriate information between children’s and adult divisions of social care and education and training providers. Findings from this work have been shared with Children's and Adult Services commissioners. Both pilots essentially focused on the 16-18 age group, mindful that defining specific age ranges will inevitably be restrictive in that some young people with learning disabilities need support into their mid 20s and that for “looked after children” support needs to be provided to those over 18 years.
The pilots were also mindful of “In Control” developments and looked at process from children’s services to adult services not involving residential placements.
The final report was presented at an LSC event on 24th June 2008. Some of the findings should also be generally applicable to FE provision across the country.
