Our Offer
Transitions
Relative to their peers in mainstream school settings, RBAir learners may not be aware of the range of post-16 opportunities potentially available to them, due to the significant time missed from school. Additionally, we have found that the challenges our learners face have often left them unable to think about their future.
Giving learners the time, information and experience to gain insight into suitable ‘next step’ pathways is key to their success in achieving a positive transition onwards from RBAir.
The core purpose of our Careers and Transitions Programme is:
- to inform and enthuse our learners about the options open to them at their stage in education (many learners are not working to chronological age and year groups);
- to give real-world supported work experience opportunities to build confidence and transferable skills;
- to prepare our learners for a successful onward transition into education, employment or training.
Careers Advice at Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 and Post-16
Embedded in the RBAir programme is information about careers and transitions. RBAir endeavours to deliver the eight Gatsby Benchmarks across the provision, ensuring an equality of offer for all learners.
We use a vocational profile approach to help learners identify the challenges and barriers they may face in larger educational settings, workplace environments and any other social situations. Focused discussions and targeted support allow staff to help our learners find and transition to suitable next step placements, whether that be onward education, volunteering, apprenticeships or employment placements.
Key Stage 3
Learners consider different careers and employment pathways in PSHE sessions and across the curriculum; additionally, they have access to individualised careers sessions. Link Mentors provide continued opportunities to discuss learners’ thoughts and feelings about their future and to identify next steps through their regular weekly input.
Key Stage 4 and Post 16
Learners continue to be offered individualised careers and transitions guidance sessions but also are also given access to our internal careers hub and Morrisby, our external careers platform. Work experience is on offer for KS4 learners, and post-16 learners are strongly encouraged to engage with a regular work experience programme.
Careers and Transitions Support Sessions
Our individualised careers and transitions guidance sessions led by our Careers and Transitions Lead (with support from Link Mentors and teachers) support learners to:
- explore their interests and discover links to a broad range of careers and professions;
- consider different, and realistic, transition routes for post-Red Balloon of the Air;
- apply for suitable transitions pathways (bespoke education, mainstream college, apprenticeships or employment);
- develop CV writing and apply for jobs;
- work towards a positive transition into the next placement/setting.
Extra Support
RBAir is committed to offering robust and achievable transitions advice and support through our annual reviews for EHC Plans; liaison with colleges, work experience opportunities and apprenticeships; advising parent(s)/carer(s) on next steps and how they can support their young person.
We have a solid framework which demonstrates learner performance, and we are able to track leaver destinations and progress up to three years after learners have left us.
