Support for LAs in Internships Work

Welcome to the central hub for Local Authority support within the Internships Work programme. Our collective mission is to build capacity and improve quality and consistency of supported internship provision in England. Here’s how we’re assisting:

Grant Assistance for Local Authorities

Every Local Authority in England benefits from a three-year Department for Education grant, which has now been extended for a fourth year.

Please see this webinar summary for information about the year 4 extension.

This funding supports the creation or enhancement of your SEND Employment Forum, directly contributing to the growth of Supported Internships in your area. NDTi manages this grant, offering consistent updates, guidance, and assistance with your paperwork and reporting. For any grant-related queries, reach out to us at: SIgrants@ndti.org.uk.

For reporting deadlines and requirements see:

• SI Grant & Programme: Frequently Asked Questions
• Internships Work: Grant Deadlines

Tailored Support from NDTi

Your dedicated NDTi Regional Lead, backed by a team experienced in SEND and employment pathways, offers personalised support. They assist in:

• Developing a robust SEND Employment Forum.
• Crafting an action plan focused on clear outcomes.
• Facilitating regional network meetings for collaboration and training.
• Providing tailored assistance to meet your specific needs.

Comprehensive Training for SEND Employment Forum

DFN Project SEARCH delivers comprehensive, CPD-accredited training over five days, enhancing forum members’ capabilities in areas like partner roles, intern recruitment, employer engagement, and long-term strategy development. Coordinate with your NDTi Regional Lead or contact DFN Project SEARCH at info@dfnprojectsearch.org to arrange your training sessions.

Extensive Additional Support

The programme’s success is bolstered by:

• The Supported Internship Quality Assurance Framework (SIQAF), a self-assessment tool aiding providers in evaluating their Internships.
• Job Coach Training by BASE, offering instruction in Supported Employment Techniques and Systematic Instruction, ensuring well-supported internship placements. Due to high demand for the training there are some priority areas we need to work with first and then other people may access a waiting list.