Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, if she will take steps to make more tailored support available to young people with a disability or long-term health condition who are undertaking work experience.

Schools and colleges are expected to offer post-16 students personalised study programmes based on the students’ prior attainment and make provision for students’ special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). In addition, mainstream schools and colleges have a duty under the Children and Families Act to use their best endeavours to make sure a young person with SEND gets the support they need. This duty includes all aspects of learning, including work experience.

Access to Work funding (which is administered by the Department for Work and Pensions) is available to help pay for practical support so that disabled people can do their jobs. For students on a supported internship or a traineeship, Access to Work can provide funding for job coaches, where needed, to support the student during their work experience.