Ealing school leader urges employers to hire SEND students

Thomas Keaney, chief executive and founder of The Complete Education Solution (TCES), has urged London employers and apprenticeship providers to increase opportunities for young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). TCES runs specialist schools in Ealing, including a facility in Old Oak Common.

Mr Keaney welcomed the government's emphasis on technical and vocational education, a stance also advocated by Andy Burnham. However, he stated that these reforms would fall short if employers were not prepared to offer roles to young people with SEND.

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Employer Preparedness is Key

The TCES leader highlighted that the primary obstacles to SEND employment are external to schools. He noted that specialist schools across the capital are actively preparing students for the workforce, but the question remains whether employers are equally ready to recruit them.

At the TCES North West London School in Old Oak Common, students develop practical skills such as customer service and teamwork through the operation of an on-site coffee shop. This initiative provides a live commercial environment for students to gain experience.

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Mr Keaney explained these practical experiences are designed to prepare students for adulthood, building confidence and communication skills. He stated that employers consistently seek such practical experience, yet securing meaningful work, apprenticeships, and employment remains a significant hurdle for TCES students.

He identified a lack of employer confidence in offering placements to young people with SEND, and apprenticeship programmes often designed for traditional learners rather than accommodating the strengths of neuro-diverse individuals, as major barriers.

Call for London Leadership

Mr Keaney is calling for stronger partnerships between employers across London and specialist schools. He advocates for the creation of more supported work placements and apprenticeships to address the current deficit. He suggested that if London aims to lead the nation in inclusive employment, this is where that leadership must be shown.