Guest Blog SfYP - Moving on from school

Published Tuesday 29 April 2021

Moving on from school or college can be an exciting time, but it can also be a bit overwhelming.

In this latest blog post, Services for Young People has some really useful advice to guide you through your next steps.  You might be heading off to college, or to university, or you might not have decided yet what the future looks like...

If you don't know what the future looks like yet...

Is your young person in year 11 and still not decided what they want to do in September?

You can support your young person to make this important decision, by encouraging them to think about the following:

• Do they want to continue in education or look for employment with training?
• If they want to continue in education, do they want to continue in a school, either the one that they currently attend (if their school has a Sixth Form) or go to a different school or do they want to go to college?
• Do they want to earn whilst they learn? If so, they could consider an Apprenticeship?
• Would they prefer to undertake training?

For further information on these options your young person could do the following:

• Ask their school Careers Leader to arrange a personal careers guidance interview with their impartial information, advice and guidance provider.
• Look at the Further Education and Employment and Training pages in our Preparing for Adulthood section of the Local Offer.
• Contact the Services for Young People SEND Team on 01438 844999 or SfYP.SEND@hertfordshire.gov.uk.

SfYP SEND Team

Services for Young People (SfYP) offers young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 13-25 impartial information, advice and guidance on their post-16 options such as further education, training, employment and independent living.

Once young people with SEND have left school or college we also help them to find work with our Pathways to Success programme. 

Learn more about the SfYP SEND team

If you're heading to College...

Is your young person hoping to go to college in September?

Going to college can be a positive experience for young people whether they are going to do a mainstream or a supported course.  It can help them to learn about work, shopping, travelling independently, writing, being creative, cooking, using money, IT and many other things. They will also make new friends.

However, they will be moving from an education provider that they are familiar with to one that they do not know and that can be scary for them and for you.

There are a few things that you can do to make the transition easier for you both:

• Ensure that your young person has applied for the course of their choice
• Contact the college to arrange a visit
• If your young person is working with a Transition Support Worker, contact them for support

If you're heading to University...

Is your young person interested in going to University after school/college?

You can support your young person with this, by encouraging them to do/ think about the following:

• What course would they like to do?
• Which university would they like to go to – it is important that they do their research as to what support their preferred universities offer?
• Go and visit in person – ensure that you get to speak to the university department that provides support to people with additional needs

  Your young person may be eligible for Disabled Students Allowance (DSA) which help cover some of the extra study-related costs they incur due to a physical or mental health condition or learning difference. This is a non-repayable allowance which is in addition to other student finance.  Start applying for DSAs as soon as possible – you don’t need a confirmed university place to apply. More information on the application process can be found -  Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) - Find Your Way | D&A | Diversity and Ability

Services for Young People

Services for Young People (SfYP) provides youth work projects, careers education, information, advice and guidance, work-related learning and wider support for young people in Hertfordshire.

By Tracy Noble
SfYP SEND Team Manager