Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to Part One of the National Disability Strategy, published 28 July 2021, what recent steps his Department has to improve supported internships in England.

In the National Disability Strategy, we committed to supporting pathways to employment for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including strengthening the Supported Internship Programme. We have recently announced investment of up to £18 million, aiming to double the capacity of this programme to help more young people with an education, health and care plan gain the skills they need to secure and sustain paid employment. We have also updated the Supported Internship Programme guidance, and through our contract/grant delivery partners in financial year 2020-21 we are developing a self-assessment quality framework for providers and helping local authorities to develop local supported employment forums. In addition, the Careers and Enterprise Company continues to encourage employers to provide work experience and supported internships for young people with SEND.