“All learners will follow a curriculum that is tailored to their needs so they can access their destination of choice with confidence, in keeping with their hopes and aspirations.”

Preparing for Adulthood, Careers and Employment Programme

The Children and Families act 2015 and the SEND Code of Practice 2015 define four outcomes essential for preparing a young person for their adult lives. These are:

1. Further Education and Employment
2. Independence
3. Good Health
4. Friendships, relationships and being part of the community

Preparation for Adulthood offering can be found here.

This document explains what students, their families and professionals can expect Ivel Valley School to do to support students to prepare for their adulthood in each of these areas.

Ivel Valley employs a Transitions Coordinator who can provide information about future options and opportunities to students and their parents/carers from Year 9 onwards and support in contacting, visiting and applying for potential post Ivel Valley provisions.  This is done through annual reviews, individual consultation with students and parents/carers and transition information sessions.

As well as supporting students, parents and carers to identify the most appropriate post school  options, Ivel Valley arrange and support with transition visits, meetings and the clear and thorough handover of information.

The Sixth Form continues our well sequenced curriculum from the earlier key stages and, together with a deep understanding of individual learning needs and aspirations, is used to plan individual study programmes for each student which include:

• Structured, challenging and functional learning programmes which help prepare students for adult life, including vocational pathways.
• Programmes which aim to develop students’ character, skills, attitudes and confidence to support progression.
• Programmes to develop independent living skills.

Ivel Valley works with the South Midlands Learning Partnership Careers Hub to ensure full compliance with the Gatsby Benchmarks each year. These benchmarks are recognised as the standard of good career guidance in schools.

Ivel Valley also works closely with SEN Personal Advisers from the Authority that the student resides in (e.g. Central Bedfordshire Council, Hertfordshire Council and Bedford Borough Council). The Advisers provide impartial information, advice and guidance on careers and education and meet regularly with Rebecca Marshall our Transition Coordinator.

Further Education and Employment

Post 16 students have the opportunity to participate in information visits and taster days to appropriate local provisions. These are planned by the school in partnership with local Further Education Providers. Consideration is given to individual student aspirations and those of their families, as well as their interests and strengths, when planning. 

Each year Ivel Valley hosts education providers, employers, businesses and social services in a ‘Future Options’ event.

Work Experience

Where appropriate, a variety of opportunities are planned for students to participate in meaningful work experience and work related learning, which enable students to explore the work environment and potential employment options.  Students’ aspirations, interests and abilities are considered when planning work placements, which include:

• Internal / External Bespoke Work Experience placements 
• Enterprise activities
• Vocational offering
• Voluntary support to local community groups
• Meaningful encounters with local and regional businesses

Each year the careers programme will be structured around the above timeline.