Post 16 Specialist Provision
Live. Learn. Work.
Welcome to Talkback
Welcome to the Talkback Post 16 Specialist Provision.You are either a young autistic person, or have a learning disability; you possess an EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) and are trying to decide where best to go after leaving school. There are a lot of options.Â
Talkback focuses on helping you develop independence, through gaining life skills, and being in the community volunteering and with employment opportunities. All our classes are kept to a maximum of 10 people, to create a small purposeful professional environment that works for you.
The way we work
Your uniqueness is celebrated. We help to remove any barriers to your success. You will:
- Work with high quality and caring qualified training practitioners.
- Build a sense of belonging through trusted relationships.
- Explore and develop skills which build self-esteem and confidence.
- Choose your next step and develop a planned path to get there.
- Take on volunteering or employment including supported internships.
- Find independence and achieve progression every year.Â
Our impact
Over the last 10 years we have supported students in college, our classrooms, and our workshops.
- We have helped 10 people go to university.
- We have helped over 100 people into paid and volunteer work.
Welcome to your future.
Welcome to Talkback.
Preparing for adulthood
1.
Functional Skills
- EnglishÂ
- Maths
- NOCN Qualification in woodwork and employmentÂ
2.
Independent Living
- Life and Domestic skills
- Communication and Self-Advocacy
- Travel Training and Money ManagementÂ
3.
Education and Employment
Career Guidance
Supported Internships and Work Experience
Route to Volunteering and Route to Employment
4.
Being Healthy
Personal safety and care
Healthy Living and Wellbeing
Relationship building
5.
Community Inclusion
Volunteer work experience
Community events and visits
Meeting community organisations
Engage
The Talkback Post 16 Specialist Provision is designed for young people aged 16 to 25 who have found traditional education challenging.
It’s ideal for those who are currently not in education, employment or training (NEET), as well as for young people who need extra support transitioning from home schooling or adjusting to the next stage of their education.
The programme helps build confidence, develop practical skills and create a positive mindset for the future. With a supportive environment and tailored approach, Engage empowers young people to take their next step with clarity and purpose.
Focus Areas
- Reflecting the individual needs of each student, based on their interests, aspirations and personal challenges.
- Personalised pace for development.
- Safe, supportive environment for personal and educational growth.
- Encouraging positive relationships and teamwork through group activities.
- Building confidence through real-world experiences and creative expression.
Key Outcomes
Confidence to engage with the next steps of life.
Pathways into education and employment.
Meaningful personal development.
Stronger self-awareness and an ability to set personal goals.
Educate
If you are a young person leaving school and looking for a nurturing, tailored environment, with smaller group sizes, then Educate is a great option.
Focus Areas
- Life Skills: Money management, social development, anxiety management, communication, and travel training.
Qualifications: Functional Skills in English and Maths (Entry Level 1 to Level 2). Access to Higher Education where appropriate.
Work Readiness: Build confidence for employment, through a unique work experience programme. We cover a number of sectors to give you the chance to try different employment options.
Key Outcomes
Improved independence through practical life skills.
Enhanced communication and social confidence.
Recognised qualifications in English and Maths to support further education or training.
Increased confidence and readiness to enter the workplace.
Broader understanding of career options through hands-on experience.
Reduced anxiety and better ability to manage change.
I have enjoyed travel training and cooking. I have found growth in myself and have developed confidence
A Talkback member
Our five educational routes
At Talkback, we have five educational routes to ensure we meet every person’s needs and aspirations
Route to
Personal Development
Independence
Volunteering
Employment
Internships
Educate
Each of our routes has different elements, but the following is a flavour of what our range of groups cover.
Personal Social
Development Group
The aim of these sessions is to develop confidence and self-esteem, teaching the student to value who they are and what they can do. One term will cover our Relationship Course.
Independent Living
Group
Students will build skills for independent living, including how to do laundry, cook meals, and shop for food. They’ll also complete household tasks and explore future housing options.
Employability
Skills
The students will have access to careers advice. They will discuss employment options, create their own CV, learn about interviews and the world of work, as well as visit an employer.
Work Experience in a
Voluntary Placement
Students will be supported in charity shops, libraries, care homes, animal care, and a wide range of other placements, introducing them to the world of work.
Travel
Training
Students explore their local area and practise road safety. They’ll choose a personal travel goal, then work towards it, building confidence to complete the journey independently.
Work Experience
for Employment
Students will experience two different placements, with options from Retail, Horticulture, Hospitality & Catering, The Accessible Workshop, Care Homes, Animal Care.
Employer
Partnerships
We have work opportunities at over 15 employers, including Sainsburys, Braywick Plant Nurseries, and a variety of professional businesses, farms and retail outlets.
Functional Skills in
Maths and English
We provide the academic support to enable every young person to maximise their potential, developing skills in English and Maths.
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Educate
The Accessible Workshop
The Accessible Workshop offers a comprehensive range of woodworking and practical skills designed to empower individuals. Participants not only learn how to plan and manage projects but also gain the knowledge needed to market and sell their finished items. From basic home safety awareness to repairing, creating, up-cycling, and developing valuable employment skills, The Accessible Workshop provides clear and achievable progression pathways.Â
Each person works from clear, structured plans on commissioned and bespoke projects. We also offer the opportunity to gain qualifications through NOCN accredited courses, ranging from Entry Level 3 to Level 2 in Carpentry and Joinery.
Participants gain a wide range of skills including:
1.
Basic woodworking and DIY skills that can be applied in everyday life.
2.
Confidence to tackle a wide range of DIY tasks.
3.
Proficiency in using a variety of hand and power tools.
4.
Knowledge of up-cycling and how to turn unwanted items into valuable products.
5.
Skills in budgeting, marketing, and selling products.
6.
The ability to plan, execute, and complete projects for home and garden use.
7.
Hands-on experience with advanced power tools and machinery.
The Accessible Workshop feels like home. I love working with other members of the group to create amazing things.
A Talkback member
Employ
If you are a young person ready to take your first steps into the world of work, our Employ programme will support you to build confidence, develop practical skills, and explore real job opportunities.
Focus Areas
Work Experience: Gain hands-on experience through supported placements in sectors such as retail, hospitality, logistics, and administration. Learn what it’s like to be part of a workplace team.
Employment Skills: Build your CV, practise interview techniques, improve time management, and understand workplace behaviour and expectations.
Job Coaching: Access personalised support from job coaches who will guide you through applications, placements, and on-the-job learning.
Key Outcomes
Greater confidence in work environments.
Improved communication and teamwork skills.Real-world experience to include on your CV.
Better understanding of your strengths and job preferences.
Preparation for supported employment or open job roles.
Clearer vision of your future career goals.
Talkback helps me make new friends
A Talkback member
Our eight key skills
In the Post 16 Specialist Provision we look at eight key skills across all our work to make people employment ready.
Communication
Making Decisions
Self Motivation
Leadership Skills
Teamwork Skills
Creativity Skills
Problem Solving
Time Management
Employ
Talkback’s Supported Internship
For 18-25-year-olds with an EHCP, our Supported Internship is a work-based study programme, designed to lead to paid employment. We combine workplace experience with tailored support from a job coach, to develop work skills and independence. Interns will spend most of their time in a work placement, aligned with their career aspirations. The programme runs for 6, 9, or 12 months, typically over three days a week, providing a flexible transition from education to work.
Focus Areas
To build on previous work experiences and achieve realistic career aspirations that enable Talkback to find suitable employer opportunities.
Workplace training and suitable qualifications, relevant to future employment.
Learner Profile
You are 18-25 years old.
You will have an EHCP.
You will have autism or a learning disability as a primary diagnosis.
You will have undertaken a range of work experience and have realistic career aspirations that enable us to match you to an employer.
You have completed an employability, or other school/further-education, programme.
You have previously accessed independent travel training and will be able to travel to your place of work.
You have achieved Entry Level 3 or above in Literacy and Numeracy.
You are willing to undertake workplace training and any qualifications that are relevant to the field in which you wish to work.Â
How to join the Post 16 Specialist Provision
There are several ways a young person can be referred to our programme:
1.
Through your Local Authority ECCHO
We work closely with Educational Health Care Plan Coordinators to ensure the right package is in place for each individual. If you think Talkback may be suitable, please ask your EHCP Coordinator to contact sophie.white@talkback-uk.com
2.
Via schools and sixth forms
We partner with local schools and education providers. If you are a parent or carer, please speak to your school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo) or transition professional and ask them to get in touch.
3.
For Supported Internships
We deliver these programmes in collaboration with schools, the Council, and on behalf of Bucks College Group. For details, please contact hassnain.hanif@talkback-uk.com
4.
General enquiries
If you would like to have an initial conversation with us about suitability, feel free to contact us talkback@talkback-uk.com
The process
Step 1.
Arrange a Visit
If you’re considering Talkback as a placement, we recommend arranging a tour of our centres in Aylesbury or High Wycombe.
Step 2.
Name Talkback in the EHCP
If we are your preferred placement, let your Local Authority know you’d like Talkback named in Section I of your young person’s EHCP.
Step 3.
Formal Consultation
A Local Authority may consult with us either due to parental preference or because they believe we meet the learner’s needs. Once we receive the formal consultation paperwork, our Admissions Team will review it.
Step 4.
Assessment
If we haven’t met the learner yet, we may invite you for a visit or informal assessment during the 15-day consultation window.
Step 5.
Decision and Transition
We will respond to the consultation within 15 working days. If we and the Local Authority agree on the placement, we’ll begin a transition process, which may include initial assessments and planned visits to ensure a smooth and supported start.
Our Post 16 Specialist Provision Brochure
If you’d prefer to explore the Talkback Post 16 Specialist Provision programme in your own time, you can download our brochure to read at your leisure.
It covers all the key information featured on this page, along with helpful insights into how we support young people to develop confidence, independence and essential life skills.
Find out more
If you’d like to discuss our Post 16 Specialist Provision then please just get in touch.
