Around 60 young people with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND) across the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) region will have the opportunity to prepare for an internship or employment pathway, thanks to a significant grant awarded to Direct Education Business Partnership (DEBP) CIO.

The £60,000 grant will enable DEBP to expand its Supported Insight Scheme (SIS)^® and deliver four programmes each year for the next three years.  The scheme is designed to strengthen progression routes and improve employment outcomes for young people with SEND.  Each programme includes a six-week placement (one day per week) with a host employer, alongside four weeks of wrap-a-round delivery to prepare students pre-placement and consolidate learning afterwards.

Across the East Midlands region, only 2.7 per cent of working-age population with learning disabilities and/or autism spectrum conditions are in paid employment, despite 97 per cent expressing an aspiration to work (Youth Futures Foundation Connected Futures Programme).  This funding will help DEBP reach more young people, offering practical experiences of work, whilst building confidence, self-esteem, resilience and essential life and employability skills.

The expansion of the scheme will not only benefit participating students but will also provide positive role models for their peers, showcasing different pathways available and demonstrating what can be achieved with the right support.  It will also encourage employers to adopt more inclusive practices and create more accessible pathways.