Ealing charter aims to open routes into work for young people with SEND

Ealing Council published details on 6 October of a new partnership charter intended to increase the number of jobs, placements and internships available to young people with special educational needs and disabilities. The Ealing SEND Partnership Charter brings together employers, education providers and support organisations to improve the transition from education into employment.

The initiative responds to a substantial gap between Ealing and the London average. Figures cited by the council show that only 2.2% of adults with learning disabilities in the borough are in work, compared with a London average of 7%. The charter is designed to turn broad commitments to inclusion into specific opportunities, including work experience, supported internships, apprenticeships and paid employment.

Organisations signing the charter can work with the Ealing SEND Network. Support includes identifying suitable roles, matching young people to opportunities and arranging job coaching. This means an employer does not have to design the entire process alone or resolve every issue connected with introducing a new employee to the workplace.

Ealing Council was among the first organisations to sign. The founding group also includes the University of West London, West London Business, West London Chambers of Commerce, Ealing Business Club and the Ealing SEND Network. At an event hosted by the university, young people who had gained jobs through supported internships described improvements in confidence, independence and workplace skills.

The charter builds on existing programmes rather than replacing them. The council’s Supported Internship Programme combines work placements with tailored help for young people moving from education into employment. A separate option is Connect to Work, a free West London Alliance programme for people with disabilities, health conditions or other barriers. It can help participants find suitable jobs, develop skills, secure workplace adjustments and remain in employment.

Mahaba Café provides a practical local example. The social enterprise offers training and employment opportunities to young people with learning disabilities and autism. Its regular food and drink stall at Perceval House gives learners experience of serving customers, organising tasks and working more independently in a real workplace.

For young people and their families, the important point is that the charter is intended to create more routes into employment, but it does not guarantee a particular job. Employers interested in offering an opportunity can contact the Ealing SEND Network at info@ealingsendnetwork.org. Residents looking for broader employment support can also approach Connect to Work, which operates in Ealing and other west London boroughs.

The success of the initiative will depend on employers creating real and sustainable opportunities. The charter supplies a common framework and access to specialist support; the next test is whether those commitments lead to placements, apprenticeships and paid roles that young people can enter and keep.