Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps her Department is taking to support local authorities to develop coordinated pathways into education, training and employment for neurodivergent young people.

The government is committed to ensuring neurodivergent young people and those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) have clear, coordinated pathways into education, training and employment. Local authorities have statutory responsibilities to support participation and effective preparation for adulthood.

Through SEND reforms, the department is strengthening transitions between education and adult life, improving information sharing and supporting pathways including apprenticeships and Supported Internships. Youth Guarantee Trailblazers are testing approaches for young people at risk of becoming NEET.

The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper complements this by strengthening local coordination across skills, employment, health and transport. Post-16 qualification reforms will provide clearer, inclusive routes into further study, apprenticeships and skilled employment, with providers able to tailor support to individual needs. We are also developing technical education routes from age 14, working with Strategic Authorities to create a consistent national framework that can respond to local labour market needs and growth priorities.