Post 16 SEND Alternative Provision & Supported Apprenticeships Programme
At NeuroAdvantage CIC, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to unlock their full potential. Our mission is to reimagine post-16 specialist education, creating an inclusive and supportive environment for young people to thrive, learn, and build their futures.
Our Origin Story
Hi, I’m Anna, the founder of this manifesto and organisation. As a parent of an autistic 15-year-old, I was frustrated by the limited post-16 educational options in our county. The choices available often fail to meet the needs of SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) young people, offering a stark choice: compromise on specialist support locally or endure a 3.5-hour daily commute to an appropriate setting.
The broader education system is failing young people in critical ways:
Outdated Curriculums:
Young people are being prepared for jobs that no longer exist due to advancements in AI and robotics.
Inadequate Support:
Many SEND children face rejection from Colleges or Apprenticeships because they have ‘failed’ to make the grade for their onward couse. 8 in 10 apprenticeships expect young people to have English and Maths GCSE to enter their programme.
A damning report by the Local Government Ombudsman, The Buckland Review in 2024 highlights that England’s special education system is failing, with 90% of complaints being upheld due to lack of resources, staffing, and suitable provisions.
Young people have missed out on so much education due to a failing mental health system; and our goal is to provide a adapted environment that sensitively supports young people to ‘catch up’ on crucial years missed.
Our Ethos
We stand for person-centred support, kindness, and compassion. We treat young people as autonomous individuals capable of making decisions for themselves, involving their parents as collaborative partners in their journey.
Key Principles:
People First:
As a non-profit, we reinvest all profits into improving education programs and support structures.
Radical Change:
We aim to disrupt conventional education models and advocate for excellence.
Inclusive Support:
We stand for the rights of young people overlooked by the system, especially those with less obvious needs.
“At the moment, only 3 in 10 autistic people of working age are in employment.” — Buckland Review, 2024
Our Goals
We aim to create a sensory-regulated hub in Buckinghamshire that reimagines post-16 education. This hub will serve as a sanctuary for:
- Young people reintegrating after home education or hospital education.
- Those with emotionally based school avoidance.
- Individuals recovering from challenging life experiences.
- Young people who have EHCP needs who will not be able to have their needs met in mainstream
What We Offer:
1. Curriculum:
A diverse, neuro-affirmative program including independent living, mental health, relationships, and employability skills.
2. Work Experience:
Opportunities for rotational placements, supported internships, and apprenticeships.
3. Social Opportunities:
Day trips, sports, arts, and monthly social events to foster connection and belonging in young peoples’ communities.
4. A small setting environment:
With high teacher to pupil ratio to support ongoing needs.
Our Curriculum
We provide a comprehensive program designed to support every aspect of a young person’s growth:
Advocacy & Education:
Training on neurodivergence, disability rights, and self-advocacy.
Life Skills:
Practical learning in independent living, mental health, friendships and relationships.
Employability:
Public speaking, teamwork, communication, and NVQ qualifications.
Entrepreneurship:
Business mentoring, startup funding, and workspace access for budding entrepreneurs.
Adapted Learning:
Individualised disability assessments and assistive technology training; and support to apply for assisted technologies.
Work Placements & Internships
Year 1: Rotational Placements
- Gain exposure to various work environments through placements in local businesses.
Year 2: Supported Internships
- Collaborate with local employers to secure impactful, inclusive internships; or take on an entrepreneurial project.
Year 3-5: Apprenticeships
- Transition into long-term apprenticeships with coaching and reasonable accommodations.
“94% of students complete supported internships, with 60% moving into full-time jobs.“ — Buckland Review, 2024
Social Opportunities
We believe in fostering joy and connection through shared experiences:
- Day Trips: Monthly outings planned by young people.
- Sports & Arts: Access to local facilities and creative opportunities.
- Hobby Sessions: Try new activities in a supportive environment.
- Alumni Groups: Monthly meetups to explore next steps together.
Attendance & Belonging
We cultivate a strong sense of belonging by prioritising:
- Wellbeing: Creating environments that feel safe and welcoming.
- Community: Building support networks for families and young people.
- Adventure: Offering opportunities often missed in mainstream education, including Duke of Edinburgh awards and Certificates of Personal Effectiveness.
A Journey with Us
Here’s what a typical pathway at our centre looks like:
Year 1:
• Functional skills in English and Maths.
• Rotational work placements and career coaching- to try out different work fields and experience different types of jobs.
Year 2:
• Personal and professional skills development.
• Mental health and neurodivergence training.
Year 3:
• Starting apprenticeships with continuous coaching and troubleshooting.
We’re here to talk
Let’s create a future where every young person can thrive. Together, we can challenge the status quo and build a better education system for all.
Ready to learn more? Contact us at anna.day@pfl876prkw.wpdns.site or explore how you can get involved.
