The Careers Programme starts in Early Years, where pupils follow simple daily routines and are supported to transfer these skills to home. Through the Learn to Learn approach across their school career, pupils learn to look after themselves and be as independent as possible. Communication is a fundamental aspect of everything we do at Brookfields.

As pupils get older, the Careers education is refined to meet the age, needs and interests and will look different for the cohorts. Some pupils will follow a programme where the emphasis is on key skills in preparation for transition to college, and then on to the world of work. Other pupils will apply Life Skills, Independence and Communication in a variety of contexts in readiness for the next destination, which might be a college course, a Day Centre provision or other Social Care packages.

In our Secondary classes, pupils are introduced to practical careers lessons, learning about what jobs are available in the local job market, role playing different working scenarios and visiting different places of work. There remains a strong focus on individual needs and interests as well as independence, communication and life skills. 

From Year 10 pupils will start to think more seriously about what’s next. Visits to colleges and work places will be part of the curriculum. Discreet Way 2 Work lessons will start to focus more on what they like doing as well as work experience opportunities, which help give pupils ideas of what they like and do not like as well as highlighting jobs that they may not have thought of in the past.

Pupils whose next destination may not be work-related, continue to have opportunities to develop their communication, independence, life skills and self-occupying skills in readiness for the next stages in their lives. Teaching and Learning focusses on the individual needs of the pupils to provide the best possible opportunities for them when they leave Brookfields.

As pupils progress through school, their individual needs are assessed and as they approach 6^th Form, opportunities for work experience, volunteer work, life skills, cooking, independence, travel training and a more individualised programme of study helps to shape their progression towards future destinations. Where appropriate, qualifications are offered, such as English and Maths at Entry Levels.

Through individualised timetables and curriculums, pupils have had opportunities to access work experience both on and offsite. Important elements to experiencing work include travel training (independent and in small groups), developing life skills – home and community, and engaging in sensory opportunities to support self-regulation. Our curriculum includes lots of opportunities to explore the world around them.