- The providers listed can be funded privately, via EHCP or Adult Social Care (following an Assessment of need and a Financial Assessment)
- Many offer a combination of education/training, employment and day services. Some only offer to those over 18yrs and some only to those with an EHCP.
- Some are outside of the Harrogate and surrounding area but have been included where they have a unique or sufficiently differentiated offer eg Mind the Gap, York College, Northern Ballet.
Available providers
Other key information to support decisions regarding education/training/employment and day activities:
EHCP Annual reviews
From school year 9 (age 13/14), the EHCP annual review should focus on transition, to include a careers advisor in the meeting.
EHCP outcomes should include:
- Employment
- Independent living
- Participating in society
- Being healthy
Social care provision is also likely to be needed to meet outcomes, to supplement education provision. A Child or Adult Assessment must be carried out by Social Care and can be requested from any age.
See useful guidance for all those with EHCP in transition. An EHCP may cease before age 25 if there is no progression evident. IPSEA gives free and independent legal advice to families of young people with SEND via their website, email or telephone hotline and SENDIASS is the North Yorkshire commissioned confidential service to support families of children with SEND.
North Yorkshire Council is implementing a new Digital EHCP system, due to go live in June 2026 for assessment requests and September 2026 for Annual Reviews. This is designed to streamline the statutory process and increase transparency. Information will be shared via a secure portal, with non-digital routes for those who prefer.
EOTIS (Education other than in school or ‘education otherwise’) is distinct from Electively Home Educating by choice, even if the young person has an EHCP. If an educational setting is not appropriate for the young person’s needs, the Local Authority can arrange for some/all of their provision to be delivered elsewhere and this will be set out in the EHCP. The LA is then responsible for continuing to secure and fund that provision within the EHCP framework.
Specialist careers advice is essential for young people, whether in an educational setting or otherwise; this is provided by NYES and the contact is chris.reynolds@northyorks.gov.uk. An Access to Higher Education Diploma may be a useful way to progress to HE for those who do not have the traditional A levels or equivalent qualifications for entry. This can be funded via an Advanced Learner Loan, which is then written off on successful completion of a degree.
Travel
There is no automatic entitlement to home-to-school or college transport beyond compulsory school age (16), even for those with EHCP. Visit the North Yorkshire webpage to apply for assistance for travel if 16-19 yrs and/or email SENDtransport@northyorks .gov.uk directly.
Post 16 Transport Policy Statement is here.
Government financial support for education/work
- The Disabled Student Allowance is available for L4 FE or HE course (not dependent on EHCP) see https://www.gov.uk/disabled-students-allowance-dsa.
- The 16-19 Bursary is to support the continuing education of vulnerable students; currently £1200 per year to help with essential equipment.
- Access to work grants are available from the Department for Work and Pensions to support getting and keeping work if disabled; they are not means tested and don’t affect other benefits. They can be used if employed in hybrid or remote working as well as in a workplace. Visit the Government website to apply for grants for practical support with work eg equipment, support with managing mental health at work and/or money to pay for communication support at job interviews.
The DWP also offers support for employment via work coaches at Job Centres. Search for nearest Jobcentre Plus here, each of which has a work coach to support people with disabilities in their job search. There is also Disability Confident Employers list (national) to help research possible contacts if trying to establish voluntary or paid work.