OPTIONS
Opportunities, Pathways and Training Inclusive of Neurodiverstiy and SEND
Great Minds Together have created a new vocational route to further education or employment for pre and post 16 students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and/or Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) needs to ensure better outcomes and a more achievable route to Apprenticeships and Traineeships. The OPTIONS programme will act as an alternative to GCSE's as an 'Access' course to further vocational education routes. This route to further education and work-based learning will be able to support these students nationwide.
The OPTIONS programme is made up of three components:
1- CPD certifications in personal and professional development as well as CPD certifications in the young person's chosen industry reflective of their aspiration.
2- Mentor support to assist with increasing engagement and attainment in core subject matters at their school setting. Also ensuring a positive mindset and increased self-esteem via our Growth Mindset programme, whilst helping professionals and family members to understand the best way to support the young person in order to ensure positive outcomes.
3- Work-based learning, assistance with careers advice and building links with local a relevant workplaces to allow the young person to gain relevant experience in their chosen industry.
Who is the OPTIONS programme aimed at?
Our OPTIONS programme is for pre and post 16 year olds, where the academic route may not be right for them. It provides emotional and practical support pre and post 16 that is critical for students with SEND and/or SEMH needs. Students do not have to have an EHC Plan, and students that may be (or may have been) on the schools SEN register can also benefit from this support.
What makes our programme successful?
We have a collaborative programme that includes 5 key elements:
1- CPD certifications in confidence, employability and their chosen field.
2- A Growth Mindset programme to increase employability, motivation, confidence and attainment and links with local work places relevant to the young persons aspirations to gain work experience.
3- Wraparound support service for their family.
4- Wraparound support for the professionals; The programme provides training and upskilling for other professionals that work with these students to support them in understanding the needs of the young person as well as adopting a Growth Mindset approach to ensure better outcomes.
5- A dedicated mentor for each young person. This mentor will encourage, support and provide a large number of resources to encourage success on the programme.
These key elements are what makes the programme successful and there are no other programmes like this in the UK.
We have been working on the OPTIONS programme over the past 2 years, and it has shown a 96% increase in learning, attainment and engagement. The programme also focusses on increasing employability as well as confidence building and we are currently welcoming young people onto the programme.
For schools that are interested in implementing this programme please get in touch by completing the form below.
