Special educational needs: from education to employment exploring perceptions of 'successful transition'

Prof Doc Thesis


Knox, Louise 2011. Special educational needs: from education to employment exploring perceptions of 'successful transition'. Prof Doc Thesis University of East London School of Psychology
AuthorsKnox, Louise
TypeProf Doc Thesis
Abstract

The government paper, 'Valuing Employment Now' indicates that individuals with learning disabilities are underrepresented in the workplace (Department of Health, 2009). Within this thesis it is argued that educational psychologists have a role in enhancing the life opportunities of children with learning disabilities (this includes youth transition from education to employment). In contrast to research that focuses on the negative implications of unemployment and barriers to employment, this paper explores 'successful employment outcomes', from the field of educational psychology. Through an exploration of 13 intensive interviews, the researcher attempts to consider constructs related to; 'successful transition to employment' and 'sustained employment' from within the borough of Sefton. This exploration has considered the perspective; of a local employer responsible for the employment of individuals with learning disabilities, seven professionals identified as having a key role in supporting post education transitions from Sefton Local Authority and the 3 rd Sector, and five young people with moderate to severe learning disabilities in employment. The findings of this thesis may indicate a number of shared narratives perceived to enable 'successful transition' to 'sustained employment'. Key themes have been identified using Thematic Analysis and have been discussed in relation to the roles of the local authority and educational psychologist. It is suggested that further research in this area may help to improve employment outcomes for this group. The researcher argues that research that focuses on 'exceptions' or 'success' may offer a worthwhile method of future enquiry.

Keywordsspecial educational needs; successful transition; from education to employment
Year2011
Publication dates
PrintMay 2011
Publication process dates
Deposited28 Apr 2013
Additional information

This thesis supplied via ROAR to UEL-registered users is protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights, and duplication of any part of the material is not permitted, except for your personal use for the purposes of non-commercial research and private study in electronic or print form. You must obtain permission from the copyright-holder for any other use. Electronic or print copies may not be offered, for sale or otherwise, to anyone. No quotation from the thesis may be published without proper acknowledgement.

Publisher's version
File Access Level
Registered users only
Permalink -

https://repository.uel.ac.uk/item/860x1

  • 158
    total views
  • 5
    total downloads
  • 4
    views this month
  • 0
    downloads this month

Export as