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Local Offer

HSDC (South Downs) - SEND Employability Hub

Offering services to:
  • Young people 16-18
Supporting people with:
  • Education, training and development
  • Special educational needs and or disabilities (SEND)

SEND Employability Hubs provide young people with education, skills, training and personal development, as well as work experience placements, and supported internships. The type of pathway is based on their individual needs and aspirations. The hubs also provide opportunities for young people to access other educational opportunities within colleges (find out more about SEND Employability Hubs here)

The HSDC SEND Employability Hub operates across the South Downs sites. Young people with an EHCP from Hampshire County Council can study in an area of their choice and receive bespoke job coach support to enable them to progress to work.  HSDC offer a well-established Supported Internship programme with excellent outcomes to enable young people with SEND to achieve their career goals with tailored support. This may include travel training, vocational profiling, employability skills workshops, support to apply for jobs, interview practice and in-placement coaching.

Who to contact

Contact Name
Helen Robinson
Telephone
02393 879999 02393 879999
E-mail
helen.robinson@hsdc.ac.uk
Website
HCC SEND Employability Hubs
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Where to go

Name
Havant, South Downs and Alton Colleges
Address
College Road
Purbrook
Waterlooville
Hampshire
Postcode

PO7 8AA

View PO7 8AA on a map

Local Offer

Contact Name
Helen Robinson
Contact Email
helen.robinson@hsdc.ac.uk
What does your service do?

SEND Employability Hubs bring together workplace and non-workplace learning to develop and deliver a flexible programme focusing on the elements young people with SEND need to gain independence and skills which maximises progression into sustained employment and independence to transform the life chances of young people with SEND.

Core elements of the programme include:

  • Education, skills and personal development support, in line with the pathways of ‘Preparing for Adulthood’ framework from the Department for Education (Employment, Independent Living, Community Inclusion and Health).​
  • Opportunities to engage with employers and gain experience in the workplace through work experience, work placements and Supported Internships.
  • Progression pathways into Paid Employment or Supported Apprenticeship
Who does your service provide for?

If you are a young person interested in joining the Employability Hub you can discuss this at your next EHCP review, contact your SEN caseworker or contact the Hub directly.

How can I start using the service?

If you are a young person interested in joining the Employability Hub you can discuss this at your next EHCP review, contact your SEN caseworker or contact the Hub directly.

Where is it located and what areas does it cover?

The South Downs campus is in Waterlooville and covers a wide area of South West Hampshire, including Waterlooville, Cosham, Portsmouth, Fareham, Havant and Petersfield.

How are decisions made about who can use your service?

Places will be agreed between Hampshire County Council and the respective college. To discuss joining one of the SEND Employability Hubs, speak to your SEN caseworker and/or discuss options at your next annual review. Alternatively, contact the college directly to have an initial conversation.

If you are unsure of your eligibility or want to discuss your EHCP, contact the SEN helpline on 01329 316165.

How do you communicate with service users and how are they involved in decision making?

We communicate with families and young people in a variety of ways, including face to face meetings with staff and other professionals, emails, text messages, letters and phone calls.

What training are the staff supporting children and young people with SEN and Disabilities had or are having?

Staff receive a variety of training depending on their roles, including supporting learners with ASC, SpLD, SEMH and medical needs.  Specialist staff have received training in BSL, Makaton, SLCN, VI, HI and personal care.

How will I know my child is safe?

All college staff are trained in safeguarding children and young people.  There is a dedicated team of health and wellbeing staff at each site, including RGNs, Progress Mentors and Managers.

Offering services to:
  • Young people 16-18
Supporting people with:
  • Education, training and development
  • Special educational needs and or disabilities (SEND)

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Last Updated: 07 September 2023

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