Torbay Post‑16 SEND Conference Brings Parents, Employers and Partners Together to Strengthen Pathways to Adulthood
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4 May 2026 ]
Families, employers and professionals from across Torbay and Devon came together at South Devon College recently to explore how supported internships and inclusive post‑16 pathways can open doors for young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).
The Post‑16 Supported Internships Conference was delivered on behalf of SEND Family Voice Torbay in partnership with NDTi (National Development Team for Inclusion). The event brought together parent carers, employers, education providers and local partners at a key point in young people’s transition to adulthood. It created space for open conversations, shared learning and practical insight into the options available beyond 16.
Supported internships sat at the heart of the day, positioned within a wider Pathways to Adulthood approach which recognises employment, independence and community participation as closely connected goals.
Our panel members at the conference
Partnership working across Torbay and Devon was a strong thread running through the conference, with organisations sharing how working together is helping to raise awareness of supported internships and open more opportunities locally.
For SEND Family Voice Torbay, the event was a chance to bring different perspectives into one shared space. As a parent carer forum, they said they felt “exceptionally privileged” to take part in what they described as an inspiring day.
They described the conference as “an invaluable opportunity” to bring parent carers and professionals together and help shape “more inclusive opportunities for young people with SEND across Torbay,” adding that this mattered “no matter the pathway they choose.”
They also thanked NDTi, Torbay Council and South Devon College for helping to make the event a success.
Torbay councillor Cordelia Law spoke about the importance of holding the conference in person. She said events like this were “so important, rather than online,” highlighting the value of face‑to‑face connection.
Reflecting on local provision, she noted that post‑16 pathways for young people with SEND in Torbay have historically been underdeveloped, with limited awareness of options beyond college.
“Previously, young people would move on to college, and there wasn’t much awareness of what else was available,” she said, adding that learning more about the range of options and support now available was “really important.”
She also spoke about the need to understand both what should be in place and what families experience in practice. “It’s important that I understand what should be available, and what is actually available,” she said.
“That way, we can ask the right questions and make sure policies reflect real needs.”
Neurodiversity consultant and trainer Loren Snow, CEO of Neurodiverse Training (Mencap), also highlighted the importance of advocacy and access to clear, accurate information.
Loren Snow delivers a neurodiversity training session
Acknowledging that the systems in place do not always work as they should, he said, “We know we’re working with imperfect systems.”
He stressed that meaningful change only happens when people speak up. “The only way the problems get noticed and changed is by us raising our voices,” he said, highlighting the power of collective advocacy.
Despite those challenges, he encouraged families to remain hopeful. “Take heart,” he said, adding that neurodiverse children “can and do thrive” when the right understanding and support are in place.
He also called for more consistent training, clearer and more accurate information, and practical, hands‑on support. These elements, he said, are key to ensuring families leave feeling supported, with “hope and clearer next steps.”
Parents attending the event shared that it was the practical detail that mattered most to them – information that helps them understand how support will actually work for their child in real‑life situations. This included questions about how supported internships work in practice and whether they would be suitable for their child, how individual needs are understood and communicated, and how sensory needs or changes in routine are taken into account.
These were the kinds of questions the team were more than willing to answer on the day, and voices they have committed to continuing to listen to and advocate for moving forward.
Alex Howarth, Head of SEND, Learning Opportunities and Vulnerable Learners at South Devon College, said it was a privilege to both host and contribute to such an important event.
Alex Howarth (right) discussing neurodiversity and inclusive practice.
“Supporting young people with SEND relies on all partners working together to create meaningful opportunities, both now and in the future.”
“Hearing from employers and seeing students with EHCPs move into paid work underlines why this collective effort matters.”
Resources from the conference will be shared soon via a Padlet, giving families and partners the chance to revisit the conversations and information from the day.
This will bring together presentations, contacts and guidance to support parents, carers, employers and partners on supported internships and tailored pathways designed to build skills, confidence and independence.
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