Employers must do more for SEND pupils, says schools leader

But he says the reforms will fail unless employers are prepared to open their doors to young people with SEND. "Putting vocational education on an equal footing with academic education is absolutely the right direction of travel," said Thomas. "Specialist schools across London are preparing young people with SEND for employment every single day. They build confidence, resilience, communication skills and the practical experience employers consistently tell us they're looking for. He is calling on employers across the capital to build stronger partnerships with specialist schools, to create more supported work placements and apprenticeships.