SAND supports young people who:

• Have EHCPs and additional needs

• Have not thrived in traditional college provision

• Require a flexible, adult-focused learning environment

• Need support to build confidence, independence, and work readiness

We are particularly experienced in supporting young people with autism, neurodivergence, social and emotional needs, and anxiety around education, work, or transitions.

The SAND Project is not a Section 41 provider, by design.

Placements are agreed through local authority decision-making processes, based on individual need, suitability, and outcomes. We work openly with SEN teams and provide clear evidence to support placement decisions.

SAND is also not qualification-led by default. Qualifications are offered where they meaningfully support a young person’s personalised goals towards independence or employment (for example, food safety or role-specific training).

This allows us to prioritise meaningful adult outcomes over box-ticking.

SAND delivers a structured educational programme.

• Trainees attend three days per week

• Additional work experience days are arranged individually

• Programmes are personalised and reviewed regularly

• Support adapts as independence grows

All trainees access three interconnected curriculum strands:

• Pathways – employability skills and enterprise

• Life & Living – Preparation for Adulthood outcomes

• Work Experience – graduated, supported engagement with work

Many young people referred to SAND experience anxiety, low confidence, or previous disengagement.

This is expected — and planned for.

Our approach includes:

• Graduated exposure to work and responsibility

• Trained Job Coaches supporting confidence and reflection

• Flexible pacing without lowering expectations

• Recognition that learning what doesn’t work is part of progress

Engagement is supported, not forced.

SAND has a strong focus on employment and independence, including:

• Supported work placements

• Paid work opportunities within SAND enterprises (outside college hours)

• The national Supported Internship programme

• Ongoing job coaching and employer engagement

Our aim is to support young people towards realistic, sustainable adult outcomes, including paid employment where appropriate.

Local authorities can expect:

• Robust safeguarding policies and procedures

• Risk-assessed and vetted work placements

• Clear supervision and communication structures

• Regular review and reporting

• Transparent partnership working

Safeguarding and quality assurance are embedded across all provision, including external placements.

• Young people must have an EHCP

• Placements are agreed by the local authority SEN team

• SAND is discussed at Annual Review or via SEN caseworkers

• All prospective trainees complete three taster days

• Final placement decisions remain with the local authority

This process supports appropriate, defensible placement decisions.

• Placements agreed through LA processes

• Provision aligned to EHCP and Preparation for Adulthood outcomes

• Structured curriculum with clear progression

• Safeguarding and risk management embedded

• Honest review points and exit planning where required