Limited Connexions in special schools

Some special schools are hindering disabled young people’s use of
Connexions support, according to research.

The study, by the Foundation for People with Learning Disabilities,
finds that many disabled young people attending special schools do
not have the same access as non-disabled young people to support
from a Connexions personal adviser.

Nic Rowland-Crosby, one of the report’s authors said that many
special schools felt they could offer support themselves. Access
was also restricted by a lack of resources, with personal advisers
in special schools tending to have large caseloads. But, he said,
targeted independent support was needed.

The report highlights a failure by some schools and Connexions
partnerships to recognise that young, disabled people have similar
problems to non-disabled young people and need the same range of
support.

The two-and-a-half year project covered five areas in England and
consulted 120 young, disabled people, including those with learning
difficulties and mental health problems.

– Developing Connexions from www.learningdisabilities.org.uk