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Life After Thomas Bewick School
We know that many of our students have been with us at Thomas Bewick School since nursery or primary and the thought of moving on maybe daunting for students and their families. Hopefully the information in this pack will support you to begin planning this transition.
Here is some information about potential pathways that students from Thomas Bewick could follow…
Timeline
From Year 9 we will start thinking about the future and possible courses during EHCP reviews and introduce you to a SEND caseworker/advisor.
During Year 12 and 13 we will have more discussions in EHCP reviews but also start visiting different courses and Colleges.
From Year 12/13 or 14
- September onwards – students/parents can make applications to further education colleges
- October onwards – if families are considering specialist colleges (e.g. ESPA, Percy Hedley) or it has been identified as a potential option, the local authority will start discussing the application process with families. The local authority has to make applications to this type of College.
- Colleges (both FE and Specialist) – after applications are received by the Colleges, they look at EHC plans to see whether they will make an offer.
- October to March – Local Authority post 16 funding panel looks at whether college offers can support young people.
- March 31st – Local authority must confirm placement for following September.
- Summer term –Transition visits start to take place
Suggested Pathways
Pathway 1: Engager Pathway
Types of Placements:
Social Care = Community involvement activities
Further Education = SEND specialist colleges
Providers:Welford Centre
Pathway 2: Explorer Pathway
Types of Placements:
Social Care = Community involvement activities
Further Education = SEND specialist colleges or courses
Providers:
Pathway 3: Discoverer Pathway
Types of Placements:
Further Education = SEND Specialist colleges or courses
Providers:
Newcastle City Learning - Westgate College
Newcastle City Learning (post 19)
Learning for Life courses at Newcastle College
Supported courses at Tyne Metropolitan College
Supported courses at Gateshead College
Project choice - work experience/ supported internships
Young people and families should be aware that most courses outside of a School are not 5 days per week, many are 3 to 4 days. Young people and families will be supported to consider other options available which may be in volunteering, work placements, activities or support from social care (where there has been a need assessed). The Local Authority usually funds courses on this basis though do take individual circumstances into consideration.
Please note this gives information on the most commonly used provision but there are many other Colleges in the area/country – please see the Local Offer for more information.
Community Activities and Clubs
There are also many clubs and social groups in the North East for SEN young people for all ages and abilities. Whether your child is interested in drama, music or sport take a look at the website: The Newcastle SEND local offer – Newcastle Support Directory.
If possible it may support your child’s transition if they begin to access community activities before leaving Thomas Bewick School so they have something familiar to attend in the future.
