Connexions Wolverhampton support for school leavers

Connexions Wolverhampton is offering support to secondary school leavers with their future options.

Careers advisors from the service will be in schools that have requested their presence on results day in August and they will be providing all schools with guidance on how young people can connect with them throughout the summer and beyond.

Connexions representatives are also available at The Way, School Street, on Wednesday afternoons from 1.45pm to 4pm and young people can drop into the new IGNITE hub at the city centre’s i10 building, off Railway Drive, on Wednesday and Friday afternoons, to be signposted to the service.

Advisors are also available Monday to Friday by calling 01902 554499.

City of Wolverhampton Council Cabinet Member for Skills and Education, Councillor Chris Burden, said: “Deciding what next steps to take after leaving school can be difficult for many young people.

“We are determined as a Council, working with city partners, to continue raising the education and skills bar in Wolverhampton.

“Connexions provides an excellent service to help our young people find a pathway forward to make the most of their talents – and I would urge any young person or school to get in touch to find out how the service can help.”

Data provided by the schools will also enable Connexions to follow-up all year 11 leavers to ensure places have been taken-up and support is offered to those who have not made a positive transition.

Connexions Careers Advisors provide a free baseline service to all secondary schools, special schools and Pupil Referral Units (PRUs). This service falls into two broad categories: a baseline SEND transition service for years 9, 11, 12 and 13 pupils and a targeted NEET vulnerability service for year 11 pupils and early sixth form leavers.

The baseline SEN service covers work with all students who have a statement or Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) in years 9 and 11, and all those leaving their post-16 provision. The advisor works closely with a school’s SENCO to ensure that these pupils are supported in the learning decisions they need to make and in their transition to post-16 and post-18 opportunities. The service also includes attendance at relevant transfer review meetings and the provision of any appropriate progression advice notes for the City’s SEND Team. For special schools and PRUs in the city the baseline SEN service is available to all students in years 9,11,12 and 13.

The NEET vulnerability service is for leavers identified by the school as likely to be susceptible to poor transitions. It is intended as a supplement to the statutory support and guidance provided by the school and aims to ensure that year 11 and early post-16 leavers engage in positive destinations. Services to schools can be bolstered with a Connexions traded services package. This enables a school to provide access to impartial, independent careers guidance and support for all its students.

For up to date news and opportunities young people can follow Connexions Wolverhampton on Facebook (Connexions Wolverhampton) and Twitter (@ConnexionsWton) or view the Connexions offer at www.connexionswolverhampton.co.uk