Parents of SEND teents/young adults: have you heard of supported internships?

Half term now. Have a plan for next year, a bit unexpected but:

Hopes to continue at her work placement 3 days a week, unpaid, but on an official 'student placement' where they will properly train her in horticulture. In theory there is a paid full time internship possibility but we don't think she could cope.

It's not animals, but the gardens environment suits her and is less than 10mins drive.

Overall my view on the SI
. work placement has been great but couldn't get an 'in' to desired area
. the promised maths/English/IT skills has been hopeless
. haven't got a paid job, but do have a potential future direction
. 70% successful

the most important things have been really tailoring the applications, seizing relevant volunteering opportunities wherever possible and sticking with them, and networking.

We are really trying with this too.

One big issue is DD doesn't drive, and public transport is too sporadic so it cuts down what seems viable (especially as I am away randomly due to elderly parents)

Just need to keep plugging away I guess.

Good to hear the updates. Since I posted last summer DS (who did not do a supported internship in the end but went to uni) has found a permanent PT job, through his sister who had been working at the same place, she heard there was a vacancy and put a word in, but he still did a full cover letter and CV. He has been applying for full time jobs and apprenticeships but selectively as each application takes him ages and needs quite a lot of support from me with proofreading. He has had a couple of interviews so we feel there is some progress, the most important things have been really tailoring the applications, seizing relevant volunteering opportunities wherever possible and sticking with them, and networking. He has also got his LinkedIn profile set up and trying to follow as many relevant organisations as possible (I am following them all on FB too so I spot opportunities as well).

We haven't got as far as applying for any jobs yet but same here. Ds would be a real asset to anyone who gives him a chance. But getting that chance.....

Glad things are going ok-ish at least.

Dd is getting despondent about being turned down for jobs without interview even for 'no prior experience needed', it is such a numbers game. She'd be great in the right place, but finding that place is so hard.

He's ok thank you. He's only managing a few hours over two days in work atm. The college threatened to chuck him off the course initially due to this but seemed to have backed off a bit now. Im not sure if it's because I involved the local authority or because he does a good job when at work and they've been pleased with his speed and accuracy and want to train him on other things now. I'm just relieved he's still there. I've no idea what will he will do after this though. If he gets a job and requires access to work we've been told it's a 38 week just for an assessment.

I'm pleased your dd is doing so well.

Well done her, that’s amazing, she sounds really settled, it must have been tough through the winter months. I hope she’s now enjoying the lighter mornings and slightly less cold weather!

How is your DS @LlamaNoDrama ?

I shall chat to myself I expect, but DD is really enjoying her work placement. She is doing 2 days a week, plus a week at college. She has survived the pouring rain and dark starts throughout January and is settled in. She is doing working in a gardens and is now considering horticulture related jobs.

That's where we have ended up. The first placement was pottering on, paperwork being done, then suddenly last week it wasn't.

She does now have a placement starting mid January, but as for you it is in a volunteer position. However it will improve fitness and other skills which will be helpful when applying for proper jobs.

7.30am start however!!

I hope all goes well for her. My ds does too, but it's a role that's been advertised as a voluntary role anyway so I'm feeling a bit unsure about how that will lead to any job offer.

DD has interview next week for a placement .... watch this space.

DD has a trip out today. We have arranged with college to pick her up from that, rather than her going through our location then another 30mins to college just to get a bus back. She is massively struggling emotionally so she'll be home a couple of hours earlier this way.

@LlamaNoDrama DD has 3 days in college until Christmas. Then from January she has 1 day in college and 2 or so days placement hopefully.

Is she doing 3 days already? Mine only has one day atm. Morning job related stuff, afternoon english and maths. I assume they don't up the days until they secure a job placement. It's interesting that different places obviously run it differently.

Have seen DD's timetable. One 'heavy' afternoon of maths, English and IT skills.
The other 2.5 days are CVs, interviewing, teamworking, business research and visits and volunteering. Certainly varied, with trips out at least once a week which will be tiring for her I think but hopefully OK. Need to make sure she has some heavy duty gloves that actually fit her tiny hands.

Dd's first day. I have been away since Monday and unlikely to return until Friday.
So fingers crossed it goes OK.

Anyway 6 days to go.what should have been a nice calm happy run up post passing maths is anything but.

2 days after results my DM had a heart attack, thankfully mild, and I have been away from home since.

Dd (anxiety, trauma, loss issues) normally copes with me being away 2 nights, but it is now 5. She is holding it together but will collapse on my return. My DF is 95 and has a patchy short term memory.

I need to get home. I need to be here. I need to sleep.

Sorry no idea on transport. I would think that as everything is under an EHCP then whatever founds other things should fund transport too?

I have but we found it hard to find someone to accept our child as they have GCSEs etc already, but they still need the support to move into work. Round here they seem to be aimed mainly at those with learning disabilities and finding info about them on college websites is like wading through mud!

does anyone know who should fund transport? The Gov website says it's full time education so I thought the LA then someone else told me it falls under access to work, but when I looked at that it didn't mention SIs and said it's just for paid employment?

12 days to go until DD starts her SI course. And she can go happily with a shiny new Maths GCSE to add to her CV

I contacted the local provider in response to this thread. They sent me a really helpful leaflet and said if we are interested the case worker needs to approach them. So we are going to pursue this in the autumn when his ehcp review is happening.

Yes @Arran2024 they do. I've read every bit of the SEND Local Offer and they say to enquire by email to a certain person, who for two of my attempts didn't reply, third attempt they did and said she'd get back to me but did not. The deadline for applying this year came and went and I'm no clearer.
DD is doing a Level 3 course at college in September with a view to being confident enough to do a Supported Internship afterwards - IF she gets the support she needs for the next two years.

If you are in England your local authority should have a section on their website called "local offer" and the info should be in there. You usually apply direct to the provider for these - but the ehc coordinator might be able to put you in touch.

I've heard of it but despite enquiring to the "right" person I can't get any information on how to apply in our area!