Futures and Careers

All of our pupils progress to their own bespoke pathway to adulthood. We work closely with families and other services to find the right placement for when they leave Hillside. Over the last few years, we have worked with the pupils for them to transition into a variety of different settings. This has included Foundation Learning courses in mainstream Further Education (FE), Independent Specialist Education Provision (ISP), Adult Day Services and Supported Living. We aim to prepare them for the opportunities and experiences they may encounter, and the learning that is needed for this may address independent living, social interaction, communication, problem solving and career skills.

We aim to develop a broader understanding of the world of work to all our pupils from at least Key Stage 3. This allows us to identify sector specific interests or opens them to new opportunities. Options may provide time to focus on vocational understanding and industry expectations.

Some students will take part in internal or external work placements, and we approach a variety of companies and industries to find suitable jobs and experiences. This has included animals, cafes, shops and maintenance, just dependent on their own interests and skills we are looking to develop. We are also working with Future U in delivering their SEND Industry Workshop Programme which introduces learners to the soft skills important for work and further study via a range of practical activities that have been designed for learners in SEND settings.

We continuously monitor the impact of this to determine next steps and will celebrate achievement and identify future need.

Our Careers Leader is Assistant Headteacher, Emma Pettitt

e.pettitt@hillside.lancs.sch.uk