A youth guarantee that forgets SEND isn’t a guarantee at all

A Youth Guarantee That Forgets SEND Isn’t a Guarantee at All

By Ben Gadsby

If the government’s youth guarantee doesn’t extend Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) protections and invest in further education pathways up to the age of 25, ministers risk failing their own growth targets while sidelining thousands of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

The Promise of a “Youth Guarantee”

The concept of a youth guarantee aims to ensure that every young person has access to education, training, or employment. Yet, current proposals appear to overlook those who need the most support.
For many young people with SEND, suitable FE or training pathways often stop abruptly after school, creating barriers to independence and employment.

“A guarantee that excludes young people with SEND is not a guarantee at all.”

The Need for Continued Investment

Investment in FE resources, skilled staff, and tailored support is essential if this vision is to succeed. Without sustained funding, local authorities and colleges cannot provide the level of individualised education needed under EHCPs, meaning many will fall through the cracks.

Ensuring that EHCP protections continue beyond age 19 is not just a matter of fairness—it’s vital for both social mobility and economic growth. These policies align with the government’s productivity goals, making inclusion both a moral and economic imperative.

A Call to Action

Ministers must commit to a comprehensive youth guarantee that includes full SEND support and development routes to age 25. Otherwise, policy ambitions for a skilled and thriving workforce will remain out of reach.

“We risk writing off a generation if we don’t invest in their potential.”

Author’s Summary: Without extending EHCP safeguards and FE funding for young people with SEND up to age 25, the youth guarantee cannot achieve fairness, inclusion, or national growth goals.

FE Week — 2025-11-27