Taking the next step…

What is the Transitions Service?

Here at Stepping Stones we believe that planning for the future is a vital and important step for a young person towards leading a fulfilled adult life.  Our Transitions Service assists young people with learning disabilities and learning difficulties to make an informed decision about the right move for them when they leave school.

What will happen after school?

At this daunting and challenging time of life, young people are offered support, guidance and real life experience to ensure a smooth transition from school into one of 3 main areas:

 
At Stepping Stones, assistance with this transition after school is available through the following services:

1.    Further Education

Our Transitions team offers a comprehensive service that includes support to enroll and participate in courses at further education providers. If this is a viable option for the young person we will offer guidance in choosing the right course, as well as facilitate college visits and an opportunity to speak with a representative.

2.    Training

Training services at Stepping Stones are facilitated onsite by trained and dedicated staff.  Possible options, dependent on available places, include:

• NVQ qualifications in catering

• Barista Coffee Training

• Essential Food Hygiene

• Workability

• Independent Travel Training

• Customer Service

• Health and Safety

3.    Employment

Our Employment Service helps people to gain part time or full time paid employment or even to find voluntary work.  This is a gradual process delivered on an individual basis involving the following:

• Individualised work placement and paid employment opportunities

• Person centered support from a qualified team of dedicated staff

• Progression at a pace that is suitable

• Ongoing support for both employer and employee

 
When should I start thinking about the future?

The earlier you start to think about and prepare for Transition, the easier it will be for you.  This will help alleviate confusion or anxiety as to the future. Stepping Stones can work with any young person in full time education, living in the South East Trust area who is 16 years and above and has a learning disability, or a learning difficulty as registered on the Autistic Spectrum.

We provide an individual and supportive service as it is vital that young people develop their own goal and identify the role they play within their community. Short ‘tasters’ of work experience, longer placements and training before leaving school, all serve to enhance self esteem, independence, confidence, communication skills and can help develop working and social relationships, not to mention building up a good CV.

Who all is involved?

We encourage parents to be actively involved in the programme, and to ensure that they spend time with the young person, finding out what their hopes and wishes for the future might be. For students who are able to travel independently, we ask where possible, that this is encouraged.  The Transitions Officer can visit the home and may regularly phone to discuss progress.  We also conduct reviews every three months.  This consists of gaining feedback from the student, parents, the Transitions Officer and where applicable Employers, Trainers and Job Coaches.
Depending on individual circumstances, the Transitions Officer and Job Coach will be present, or make frequent visits throughout the placements, working closely alongside both the employer and student to maintain a supportive network.  This is also true of the relationships we seek to build with other people of influence in the lives of the young person e.g. their Carers, Teachers and Social Workers.

Vocational Training

Stepping Stones seeks to offer some important initial training for when you leave school.  Whilst on our Transitions Service, students may get the opportunity to receive some introductory training in areas such as: independent travel, workability, and money management.

Student Development

We aim to help young people, and those who care for them, undergo the Transition from school to adult life as smoothly as possible.  We want to raise awareness and understanding of post school options and ensure students leave school as responsible, contributing young people, through maximising employment potential, increasing independence, and developing essential life skills.