New SEND careers advisors to be trained up

Eight new careers advisors for students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are to be trained up at seven specialist schools in Oxfordshire.

The current teaching assistants, who already have experience working with SEND children, will be given additional training funded by a £25,806 grant from the Department for Education.

The county council hopes it will help address a shortage of qualified careers advisors for young people with SEND.

Unlike normal sessions, they will lead group meetings including the student, parents or guardians and support staff.

The training, due to take 15 months, will be provided by Oxfordshire County Council and the Oxfordshire Careers Hub.

Applicants will receive a level 6 diploma in career guidance and development from Activate Learning.

Hannah Gordon, assistant headteacher at Fitzwaryn School in Wantage, said: "The value of this training lies in its practical, inclusive approach.

"It ensures that all learners, regardless of need or background, receive meaningful and personalised guidance to take their next steps."

Shelley Woodley, a teaching assistant at the school who has just started the training, added: "I'm already learning more about careers education than I knew existed, and it's been both enjoyable and inspiring to network with others in the field.

"This training is not only expanding my own knowledge, but it will also help us create extensive and meaningful opportunities for our pupils as they prepare for adulthood."

Councillor Sean Gaul, the council's member for children and young people, said: "Our experience shows that one-to-one career advice isn't always the most effective way of engaging with SEND children.

"We hope these group sessions will remove barriers, giving young people confidence to ask questions, consider options, and inspire them to pursue exciting career and further education opportunities."

You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X, or Instagram.