Supporting Your Child Through Safe and Structured Supported Internships.
As a parent, your top concern is knowing that your child is safe and supported as they transition into the world of work. Supported internships (SIs) are designed specifically with this in mind, providing a secure and structured environment where young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) can thrive. From the beginning, your child’s well-being is at the centre of these programmes, and great care has been taken to ensure a person-centred, high-quality experience for everyone involved.
Quality and Safety First
One of the core strengths of supported internships is the emphasis on safety and structured support. We recognise that sending your child into a workplace can be a daunting step. That’s why professionals involved in these internships—including job coaches and employers—are carefully trained to support young people with SEND, ensuring they are safe and able to fully participate in a meaningful way.
Through the Internships Work programme, over 700 job coaches and 600 employer champions have received specialised training. These professionals are equipped to support not only the practical skills your child will learn on the job but also their emotional and social well-being, ensuring that they feel confident and secure throughout their journey.
Supporting Local Authorities to Improve SEND Provision
We understand that many families have previously faced frustrations around the level of support available through Local Authorities (LAs). Significant efforts have been made to address these concerns and raise the quality of provision for supported internships. Through Internships Work, all 153 LAs in England have received guidance and support to enhance their services for young people with SEND.
A major step forward has been the development of SEND Employment Forums, which bring together key stakeholders—families, schools, employers, and job coaches. These forums ensure that young people’s needs are discussed collaboratively, and decisions are made with full consideration of their individual strengths, interests, and challenges. This means that families and young people are not just participants but co-creators of the experience, ensuring that their voices are heard.
A Collaborative, Person-Centred Approach
Gone are the days when assumptions were made about what young people with SEND need or want in a work environment. Today’s supported internships are based on a collaborative approach that brings together professionals, families, and young people to create personalised pathways to employment. Whether through input at SEND Employment Forums or in one-to-one sessions with job coaches, the needs and desires of each young person are at the heart of every decision.
Through the Supported Internship Quality Assurance Framework (SIQAF), providers are held to rigorous standards, ensuring that the quality of internships remains high across the board. This framework ensures that all supported internships meet the same quality benchmarks, providing young people with consistent, high-quality experiences that lead to real job opportunities.
Families at the Heart of the Experience
The move towards a more person-centred approach also means that families are more involved in their child’s experience than ever before. Parents know their children best, and their insights are invaluable in creating an internship experience that works for each young person. Whether it’s helping to shape goals, providing feedback, or working closely with job coaches, families are essential partners in the process.
For many families, supported internships offer reassurance that their child is entering a safe and well-structured environment designed to help them grow. The programme is not just about employment; it’s about empowering young people to gain confidence, develop life skills, and prepare for an independent future.
A Safe Path to Employment
In supported internships, your child’s safety and future are taken seriously. With professionals in place to guide them and a collaborative network of support around them, young people with SEND are given the best possible start on their employment journey.
Through a combination of high-quality training, collaboration across Local Authorities, and the input of families, supported internships provide the peace of mind that every parent seeks. Rest assured that your child is in good hands, with every measure taken to ensure their well-being and success.
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