More children and young people with additional needs are out of school than ever before. We have developed a new programme to support them and their families. 

A recent Ofsted and Care Quality Commission report found that schools are responsible for forcing many children with SEND out of the system. School leaders reported "a lack of capacity or resources to meet needs", such as limited staffing, large class sizes and no space for quiet areas. 

For many families, this isn't a choice. It is the result of a system that has not been flexible enough to meet their child's needs. When a child has spent years surviving rather than learning — managing anxiety, masking, shutting down — more pressure rarely creates progress. What these children need is a different kind of support: one that works with them, not against them. 

Supporting you to Get Ahead 

LinkAble's new Get Ahead programme was created with these families in mind. It offers three flexible services to support young people with additional needs through the transition from school and college.  

Link Learning (EOTAS)

There are many reasons why a child or young person might not be attending school. A lack of a suitable placement, unmet needs, anxiety, bullying, or health conditions can all lead to a child being out of education — often for longer than anyone would like. For families, this can be an incredibly difficult time. Children can quickly lose confidence, fall out of routine, and become isolated from their peers. 

Link Learning provides 1-1 support for children and young people with high support needs, offering a structured, nurturing environment where they can rebuild confidence, manage anxiety, socialise with peers and maintain the daily routines that keep them connected to the world around them. Where appropriate, we work closely with schools to support a smooth return to education. 

LivAbility — preparing for adult life

LivAbility is LinkAble's post-16 transition service for young adults who are thinking about work, volunteering, or independent living. Delivered in small groups of up to ten people, with space for 1-1 work where needed, LivAbility covers practical life skills, digital skills, financial know-how, and work experience — all in an encouraging and supportive environment. 

Link+ — a PA service you can trust

For some families, sourcing a reliable and well-matched PA can be a challenge. Many of our staff already work as personal assistants outside of LinkAble sessions — so we decided to bring that together into something more formal. 

Through Link+, families are matched with trained, DBS-checked staff who know their child and understand their needs. Bookings can be ad hoc or regular, in the community or at The Link, and are funded through Direct Payments or self-funding. With a small dedicated team of four PAs per family, there is always cover when it's needed. 

Find out more about Get Ahead here.