The West Northamptonshire SEND partnership, would like to invite you to a ‘Business Brunch’ to have discussions and hear thoughts, feedback and ideas on employment opportunities for young people with SEND (Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities)

In the summer, the partnership co-produced a new three year SEND and Alternative Provision Strategy, which sets out the improvements that the partnership wide system needs to make for young people with SEND or who are in Alternative Provision over the next three years. Within the strategy, there are six key priority areas and one of these is ‘Preparation for Adulthood’ and within this employment is a key focus.

We know that current figures of employment of people with SEND are not where they should be, nor where we would like them to be. We know that they are a significantly under-represented group in the workforce and that:

· 86% of people with SEND would like to work

· 4.7% of people with SEND are in employment

· 2.5% of people with SEND in West Northamptonshire are in employment

West Northamptonshire SEND Partnership recognise this and are committed to work with business sector to change this and are resolute in determination to improve employment outcomes for young people with SEND in our area. We all committed to ensuring that the workforce reflects the diversity of the community we work in and understand this is a key driver for businesses.

To steer this change, your support and influence is invaluable and we can’t do this without you.

At this event, we will present a situational update on SEND employment across West Northamptonshire and to work with yourself and other key identified business leaders to understand support and assurances needed to drive forward change.

Business brunch details

Date: 18 January 2024

Times: 10am – 12pm

Venue: Northampton Museum and Art Gallery

If you require any further information or have any additional questions, please email: olivia.bray@westnorthants.gov.uk

We look forward to welcoming you to this event in January. Your support and working collectively is imperative to shaping the future for young people with SEND in West Northamptonshire.

SEND Employment Business Brunch