Education, Training and Employment
Special Educational Needs
Many young people known to YOTs have special educational needs. Usually a young person is identified as in need of being on the Code of Practice for special educational needs. Sometimes need has not been formally identified, but it is apparent that, due to a lack of early identification, their needs are not being met. Education staff are encouraged to be familiar with the Code of Practice. The DfES website provides detailed information: www.dfes.gov.uk/sen [opens in new window].
It is useful to agree an arrangement with the local LEA to have copies of statements and the last annual reviews of the young people being supervised to help make professional judgements about appropriate provision. Additionally, if a young person is sent into custody, a copy of their SEN statement needs to be sent to the secure establishment to help with sentence planning and delivery of education while in custody. It is recommended that YOT practitioners liaise with the secure estate establishment on how this is best done. Decisions on how to arrange consent from parents/carers for this should be implemented.
Occasionally practitioners may judge it appropriate to seek advice about whether the statement is fulfilling the young person’s needs. Practitioners will need to consult with LEA education psychology and SEN teams and the school about cases of this nature.
Vulnerable Children's Grant
Young people's special educational needs may be able to be supported through DfES's Vulnerable Children's Grant. Money has been made available to support all groups of vulnerable children, including young offenders needing to be reintegrated into education, and YOTs should encourage LEAs to use it for this purpose. For more information see our web page about the grant.