Action For Inclusion header, includes Action For Inclusion logo and a group of young people.

A network of professionals and organisations who are working together to develop and improve education for learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities in the FE sector.

Specialist Mediation

Action for Inclusion Ltd's Specialist Mediation Service available for disabled people and their families.  All our mediators have mediation qualifications and significant experience at managerial level in Further Education and the S139a process.

We have also worked collaboratively with Local Education Authorities. Our services are rigorously monitored to ensure that professional standards are maintained.  Please see the Specialist Mediation Service area of the website for further information and how to request mediation from AfI Ltd

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Provision and support for learners with autistic spectrum conditions

Early in the Initiative, research pointed to an increase in young people with autistic spectrum conditions, including Asperger Syndrome, who were unable to access, and progress in local Further Education provision. Ten projects in the region have focused on autistic spectrum conditions (ASC), each involving other providers to share practice. 

Sussex Coast College, Hastings, introduced a transition pathway so that young people with ASC are able to have a staggered and supported transition into vocational courses. The students learn to manage their learning and behaviour with other students and in other environments and are supported to progress into employment. The college’s dedicated ASC team works closely with a wide range of other agencies to plan transition and has trained mainstream Learning Mentors to support the students to attend fully, engage in learning, and achieve. There is now a significant increase in the number of learners with ASC who were not in education, employment or training (NEET) being supported back into learning and high retention rate. The approach, and the expertise in working with learners with ASC, has been shared with other providers in Sussex and across the region.

Queen Mary’s College (QMC) has led a network of Hampshire providers which include Farnborough Sixth Form College, Alton College, Basingstoke College of Technology and Andover/Sparsholt College to increase provision, share good practice, develop new materials and collaborate on staff training. QMC was rated as outstanding for Inclusion by Ofsted in 2009. As well improving transition, access and support arrangements and develop an integrated academic, social, communication and life skills curriculum, the college has focussed on the transition and progression from college to higher education, employment and training. The college has established links with Higher Education to gauge the level of support needed at university and runs a residential summer school to prepare students to progress. The course covers money and budgeting, visits to two university campuses, writing CVs, UCAS personal statements and mock interviews.