Learning for Life

SUPPORTED INTERNSHIPSSTRENGTHENING COMPANIES STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES

Information for Students, Parents and Carers

WHAT IS A SUPPORTED INTERNSHIP?Supported Internships are for young people aged 16 – 24 who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs or an Education Health and Care Plan who want to move into employment and need extra support to do so.

HOW DO SUPPORTED INTERNSHIPS WORK?

• They are unpaid work placements lasting 6 months to a year with a view to paid work at the end.

• Interns spend four days a week with the employer and one day in class learning relevant workplace skills.

• Hours are negotiated with the employer.

• Interns are assigned a Job Coach who will support both them and the employer throughout the programme.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

• Develops more independent young people who are less dependent on their parents/carers.

• Gets young people onto a pathway to gain sustainable employment.

• Develops workplace skills within the relevant sector.

• Helps improve wellbeing and mental health.

• Provides a positive contribution to their community.

• Increases social integration.

WHAT SUPPORT DO THE JOB COACHES PROVIDE?

FOR THE INTERN:

• Work in partnership with the Interns to identify their skills, interests and abilities.

• Source suitable placements from our network of employers that best match the Interns.

• Provide on the job support for Interns and employers.

• Carry out health and safety checks of the placements.

• Complete monitoring and evaluation of placements to review progress.

FOR THE PARENT/CARERS:

• Receive regular updates from the Job Coach on the Interns progress.

• Support to address any concerns or barriers.

• Access to information, advice and guidance on welfare benefits.

If you share this vision and are interested in a

Supported Internship, you can register your interest

using the attached form or on-line PDF available on

www.westleaschool.co.uk

BUSINESSES WE’RE PARTNERING WITH:

IS THIS PROGRAMME SUITABLE?

The success of the programme depends on an effective partnership between the employer, the Job Coach, the Intern and their family. We ask that parents/carers support our young people on this challenging and exciting journey towards independence and employment.

Potential Interns will need to:

• Travel independently to the work placement or be committed to undertake independent travel training.

• Have a strong commitment and aspiration to work.

• Have an EHCP or Statement of Special Educational Needs.

Learning for Life

Expression of interest form

Name of young person: DOB:

Address:

Referral Made By:

Parent/Carer Self-Referral School/College Careers Service

Other Professional Service (Please specify):

Referrer Name: Date of Referral:

Referrer Contact Details:

Email:

Telephone number:

Is the young person in full time education or training: Yes No

Does the young person have an EHCP/Statement of Special Educational Needs? Yes No

Please specify details of current School/College/Provider:

Is the young person wanting to seek employment? Yes No

Please specify area of work interested in?

Highest level qualification in English and Maths:

Summary of additional needs (learning/behaviour difficulties, disabilities or medical conditions?)

If offered an Internship the following will need to be supplied:

• Copy of most recent Statement/EHCP if available

• Copy of most recent Maths and English qualifications

• Relevant medical information

For more information, please contact:

Renee Flourentzou

Head of Business and Partnerships

T: 0208 887 1171

E: rflourentzou@westleaschool.co.uk

www.westleaschool.co.uk

Please post or email your completed form to:

West Lea School Haselbury Road Edmonton London N9 9TU

rflourentzou@westleaschool.co.uk