Cookies on our website

We use strictly necessary cookies to make our website work.

We'd also like to use analytics cookies to understand how you use our website. These cookies will only be set if you accept them.

Find out more about the cookies we use.

Report a problem with cookies

Skip to content
Open menu

KELSI
  • News and events
  • Term dates
  • Admissions
  • Education provision
  • Child protection and safeguarding
  • Kent PRU and Attendance Service (KPAS)
  • Inclusion
  • Support for children and young people
  • Secondary school improvement, skills and employability
  • Curriculum
  • School Management
  • Kent Association of Leaders in Education
  • School Finance
  • Schools Funding Forum (SFF)
  • HR information and guidance for Kent maintained schools
  • Policies and guidance
  • Pathways for All - Kent 16 to 19 review
  • EEFective Kent Project
  • The Education People
  • Early Years and Childcare
  • Primary
  • Secondary
  • 14 to 25
  • Integrated Children's Services

Contact us

Accessibility statement

Cookies

Privacy policy

About the website

© 2025 Kent County Council

KELSI
Early Years and Childcare Primary Secondary 14 to 25 Integrated Children's Services
  1. Home
  2. Inclusion
  3. Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND)

Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) in Further Education

Further Education (FE) is used to describe the education that occurs following compulsory post-16 secondary education. Registered Post 16 education providers have the same statutory duties as schools laid out in the SEND Code of Practice: 0 to 25 years (PDF, 3.2 MB).

There is a wide range of courses and qualifications available, including:

  • vocational subjects that are related to a broad subject area such as business
  • vocational courses which prepare students for a specific job, such as hairdressing
  • academic courses like GCSEs and A Levels - which can be undertaken on their own or in combination with a vocational course
  • some Education Providers specialise in certain subjects such as agriculture, music, construction and others specialise in supporting learners with complex additional needs.

Facts about FE Colleges
pink line

At an FE College, students can progress from foundation or entry level courses all the way up to degree level and professional qualifications.

There are still exams and written assignments at college but there are also courses that include practical assessments where you will be assessed in a realistic work environment.

Like schools, there is a Learning Support Team at college which can help young people if there is learning needs or a disability. This may include:

  • support in the classroom
  • provide one to one help
  • set up exam arrangements and extra time, etc.

Some colleges have other support staff such as mentors, counselling service and staff trained to give medication or provide confidential support if needed.

Colleges and other establishments can apply to the Local Authority for funding to help support students with a high level of special educational needs with their studies. Download the HNF Guidance for young people (PDF, 219.9 KB). You can also download the easy read version (PDF, 261.7 KB), or listen to the audio version of the young person guidance (MP3, 566.1 KB).

A full time vocational college course may be only 3 days a week, whereas Supported Learning courses may be 5 days a week. Term dates may vary from school.

Each course may have a different timetable, which may include evenings and there may be an expectation to undertake work experience as part of Preparation for Adulthood and independent study at home.

Supported Internships
pink line

The Department for Education has produced advice about Supported Internships for Further Education colleges, sixth forms in academies, maintained and non-maintained schools, specialist post 16 providers, other providers of study programmes and local authorities.

A Supported Internship is one type of study programme specifically aimed at young people aged 16 to 24 who have an EHC plan, who want to move into employment and need extra support to do so.

Employability Skills
pink line

Employability skills are embedded within the curriculum post 16 in Preparation for Adulthood.

Traineeships and Apprenticeships are also available.

Please visit the Skills and Employability page on Kelsi.

Feedback

Pink line

If you have any feedback you would like to give or have any queries about this page then please do visit our we want to hear from you page to find relevant contact details.

A message from Christine McInnes

This week, Christine provides a summary of the education collaborations involved in the summer term headteacher briefings.

Read Christine's message

Tell us what you think of this page

Your feedback will help us ensure that the website works well for everyone.

Give website feedback

Events

30
Jun
Gestalt Language Processing (GLP)

Gestalt Language Processing

2
Jul
The Green STEM Showcase

The Green STEM Showcase

4
Jul
Sensory Circuits

Sensory circuits

More events...

Subscribe to our e-bulletin

For updates on news, policy, and resources for education professionals.

Subscribe to our e-bulletin