Future Choices suits those who are ambitious and looking to develop their skills to move into employment, but still feel they require further support to make this transition.
It is a five-day week programme across the academic year running around the school terms. It covers a combination of work experience, volunteering, skill building, wellbeing support and self-directed activities. The programme is to help people to move into Supported Internships or into work.
Future Choices is for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities agreed 16-24, with an EHCP. It is designed to be a solid foundation for young people as they transition to work and independent living. The programme is for those who need further support or are not yet ready to do a Supported Internship.
This programme is designed to prepare you for adulthood and particularly to get you ready for work. It is a flexible programme for those who need a more supportive environment with a local employer. The programme is designed to help people on their career path at their own pace.
To be referred for this programme, the young person would need to discuss this with their SEND Caseworker who would need to complete a referral to Surrey Choices.
Flexibility
Future Choices runs for 5 days a week during term time for one year.
Everyone’s programme is individual so we will work with you to build a robust programme to help prepare for work and adulthood. The programme is built with the input of the young person to ensure they can fully engage. There will be opportunities for the young person to expand their friendship groups through activities such as Duke Of Edinburgh (D of E).
The programme runs throughout the year, it is not a college or replacement for accredited courses, and there are no minimum qualifications required to join the programme. The programme does not cover support to gain English and Maths qualifications; if these are still an ongoing need then this would need to be discussed with the young person’s SEND Caseworker and arranged separately.
The flexibility of the programme means that if you are offered a paid job, you can either reduce your hours on the programme or leave Future Choices.
Is this for you?
If a young person is more independent and looking to move in to employment but feel they require further support to develop their skills then Future Choices can help provide this.
The benefits of Future Choices are that the programme:
- Supports you to develop the skills needed to achieve your personal goals
- Helps you increase your independence as much as you are able
- Offers flexibility to make progress at your own pace
- Gives you more time to make decisions about what comes next
- Provides you with pathways to volunteering in the community or work that is right for you
Who can apply to Future Choices?
The programme is open to any young person with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, if you have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or if you have been diagnosed with a disability.
If you do not have an Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP) or no formal diagnosis, get in touch with us to see what programmes we may have to suit you.