The article shines a spotlight on our commitment to preparing learners for adult life and meaningful employment. In particular, it includes an insightful interview with our Work Experience Coordinator, Lesley, whose role is vital in helping learners access supportive, structured placements. As Lesley says:

“Work experience supports learners with building confidence, independence and a sense of responsibility. It gives learners a genuine sense of purpose and helps them feel part of something bigger.”

Her words powerfully capture why we believe in creating opportunities beyond the classroom — and why we champion work experience as an essential part of our provision for SEND learners.

Why Work Experience Matters — Especially for SEND Learners

Across all of Creating Tomorrow sites, including Isebrook, careers education and employability have never been treated as an afterthought. From Year 7 through to Post-16, our programme supports learners to build the skills, confidence and ambition they need to navigate adulthood and work life. 

Work experience placements are a key part of this. Research shows that for young people with SEND, work experience can lead to enhanced core competency skills, such as teamwork, communication, responsibility, as well as improved confidence, self-image, and motivation.

But it’s more than just a stepping stone to a job. It helps learners feel included, valued, and connected to the wider community; it gives them a sense of belonging, and helps break down barriers and stereotypes about what people with SEND can contribute.

Isebrook’s Approach: Person-Centred, Supported, Inclusive

The careers' education approach at Isebrook is built around four core principles: personalisation, inclusivity, collaboration, and progression. 

• Personalised: We tailor our support to each learner’s strengths, interests and aspirations.

• Inclusive: Our pathways are designed for a wide range of SEND needs — ensuring opportunities remain accessible to all.

• Collaborative: We work closely with families, employers, support services, and external agencies to build meaningful provision.

• Progressive: From early exposure to workplace ideas in Key Stage 3, through to supported placements and vocational training in Post-16, we ensure that employability is embedded from day one.

Lesley’s role as Work Experience Coordinator embodies this ethos — creating placements that provide structure, support and real opportunities for growth.

Supporting the National Movement: Modern Work Experience for All

This feature in Satcol’s magazine comes at a time when the national conversation around work experience is evolving. The concept of “Modern Work Experience” is gaining traction, moving away from a single block placement in school towards flexible, meaningful, and repeated employer engagements throughout a young person’s education. 

As a trust, we are committed to supporting this movement. We believe every young person, regardless of need or background ,deserves multiple, accessible opportunities to experience work, build skills, and make informed decisions about their future.

Our partnerships with employers, training providers, colleges and support services reflect that commitment. We welcome and value a broad range of engagement types , from supported placements to project involvement, employer-led workshops, taster sessions and more.

We know there is power in collaboration. If you are a further-education provider, training organisation, employer or community agency interested in creating meaningful, inclusive work experience opportunities, we’d love to connect.

By working together, we can help open doors for young people with SEND — building confidence, offering real-world experience, and helping them find purpose and belonging in the workplace.

Together, we’re helping ensure that our learners don’t just leave school — they move forward with skills, ambition, and hope.

Thank you to Salvation Army for featuring Isebrook School in re:connect magazine, and to Lesley, and everyone at Isebrook and for your dedication to making real, meaningful change for young people with SEND.

Are you from an organisation that would be able to support. For more information, visit:

 Let's make it work | The Careers and Enterprise Company 

Alternatively please do get in touch. We would love to hear from you.