Employers in Northamptonshire are being encouraged to embrace the extraordinary strengths of young people with special educational needs and disabilities – with Northampton College highlighting the importance of seeing ‘SEND as a Superpower’.
An event held at the College’s Booth Lane campus as part of the national Power of Specialist Further Education campaign challenged misconceptions, celebrated achievements and championed the vital role specialist provision plays in transforming young lives.
On the back of the session, Northampton College has urged local businesses to open their eyes to the potential of SEND students and consider integrating them into their business as part of future recruitment plans.
Principal of Northampton College, Jason Lancaster, said: “Too often, SEND provision is misunderstood or overlooked, but the reality is that our learners are achieving remarkable things every single day. Their talents aren’t defined by limitations – they are powered by them.
“Our SEND as a Superpower event showed policy-makers, partners and the wider community what we see all the time: when young people are given the right environment, the right support and the belief that they can succeed, they unlock potential that benefits not just themselves, but society as a whole.
“This event underlined our ongoing commitment to inclusion, ambition and excellence and proves that SEND is not a barrier, but a catalyst for possibility.”
The event brought together external stakeholders including representatives from the University of Northampton, West Northamptonshire Council and community partners to experience first-hand how tailored programmes help students build confidence, independence and skills for life and work.
Guests met learners, viewed creative projects and saw activities that demonstrate how specialist support empowers students to thrive. Students and staff were dressed as their favourite superheroes throughout the day.
A key feature of the day was the My Superpower student showcase, where young people from across the college’s Supported Learning and Foundation programmes shared personal stories, artwork, digital content and written pieces illustrating the strength, resilience and individuality that define their learning journeys.
A collaborative mural inspired by Van Gogh was on display, while visitors also enjoyed a pop-up café serving themed treats such as ‘confidence cookies’, ‘motivational mince pies’ and ‘big-up brownies’.
Guests toured the Digital and Academic Resources Centre to see how learners use innovative digital tools and library schemes in maths, English and digital literacy, demonstrating how specialist FE opens doors to future opportunities that might previously have seemed out of reach.
Northampton College works with multiple employers to provide supported internships, allowing young people aged 16 to 24 with an EHCP to move confidently from education into a workplace environment.
This structured, work-based study programme sees students spend three days a week in a local job placement while spending the remaining part of the week at college for maths, English and employability skills.
Students receive one-to-one support from a dedicated staff member and gain vital real-world experience to build confidence, independence and essential life skills. During the placement the college works closely with employers to ensure the placement is a success.
Jason added: “We understand that the transition from education to employment can be a big step – especially for young people with additional needs. That’s why our Supported Internship Programme is designed to provide the structure, support and real-world experience they need to succeed.
“We see the difference this programme has not just on the young people themselves but also on the businesses, who benefit from the kind of employee they may previously have glossed over. I’d encourage employers to find out more about joining the programme and help us to create supportive placements that prepare students for paid employment and independent living while also benefiting your business.”
To find out more about the Supported Internship Programme, or for more information about Northampton College.
