Agenda item

Report of the Deputy Chief Executive (People)

The Scrutiny Board considered a Briefing Note of the Deputy Chief Executive (People) which outlined the requirement in the Children and Families Act 2014 to develop supported internships for young people with learning difficulties and or a disability (SEND) as part of an employment pathway. The Briefing Note indicated that it is a fact that the vast majority of young people with SEN are capable of achieving sustainable paid employment with the right preparation and support. In Coventry, young people described this an entitlement to an ordinary life which is encapsulated under the SEND strategy of “Raising the Cloud of Limitation”. 

Since September 2013, any institution that receives a funding allocation directly from the Education Funding Agency (EFA) has been able to deliver supported internships. This includes Further Education colleges, schools and independent specialist providers.

The Briefing Note provided a summary of progress to-date of the employer led supported internship delivered by University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) in partnership with Hereward College. An evaluation of the outcomes for 2017/18 to date, based on eight interns completing the programme evidences that:-

  • Five young people have secured confirmed job offers

• Two young people are being actively supported in securing

  employment

• One young person has determined that they want to access the

  Princes’ Trust Programme

The Scrutiny Board received an inspirational presentation by Joey Mander who took part in the internship programme at UCWH and who had secured employment at the hospital.

The Scrutiny Board questioned officers and Joey on aspects of the Briefing Note and presentation including:-

  • Using Joey as an ambassador for supported internships

  • Other examples of supported internships in the City and across the

    country

  • Replicating the success of UCHW

The Scrutiny Board noted that there are currently a limited number of supported internships available within the City.  Coventry’s post 16 providers are committed to rolling out an extended range of opportunities for young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan to secure employment as part of the FE offer.  Currently most programmes begin at the age of 19.  Special school FE providers have confirmed their commitment to developing a pathway to employment post 16 curriculum.  Whilst the Citywide strategy to secure supported internships is at an early stage of development, the need to secure a strong partnership infrastructure is now a priority.  The Council in partnership with schools now have to achieve the critical step of secure the full engagement of a wider range of employers across the City, to secure an appropriate job match for the range of skills and career aspirations of young people with SEND.

RESOLVED that the Scrutiny Board:-

1)  Record their sincere thanks for the excellent presentation received at the meeting

2)  Note the information presented and welcome the progress made to date and the direction of travel

3)  Request that the Cabinet Members for Education and Skills, Jobs and Regeneration and Strategic Finance and Resources investigate the introduction of a similar internship scheme, both for the City Council and also within the wider business community, working with the City’s larger employers.