GovWire

In 2022, the Department for Education (DfE) asked Ofsted to review careers provision in specialist settings. The scope of the review was careers guidance for 11- to 19-year-olds (and for young people up to age 25 with a current education, health and care (EHC) plan) in special schools, independent specialist colleges (ISCs) and pupil referral units (PRUs).

In the summer term 2023, we made 12 research visits to 5 special schools, 3 PRUs and 4 ISCs. We also gathered evidence from:

• interviews with HM Inspectors (HMIs) and with local authority officers
• focus groups with key stakeholders and employers
• a review of a sample of inspection evidence

In 2023, we also published an independent review of careers guidance in schools and further education and skills providers.