Careers guidance in specialist settings in England—Moving towards career readiness? Findings from OFSTED research

Abstract The aims of this study were to investigate careers guidance for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in specialist provision in England. There has been growing interest internationally in ensuring effective careers guidance for secondary education promotes social mobility and gives all children and young people the best chance in life. Although there has been some limited consideration of how to tailor careers guidance to meet the needs of children and young people with SEND in mainstream settings, there have been no substantive studies to date that have considered this in specialist settings. This is the first such study globally to consider this question and was undertaken by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted) in England. The study involved 12 research visits to special schools, pupil referral units, and specialist further education colleges in England in 2023. The results will be of interest to both specialist and mainstream settings internationally and suggest that a clear focus on careers guidance, distinct from a wider focus on transition, is needed to ensure high career expectations for children with SEND.