Children with significant SEND are more likely to be NEET after school. Youth employment charity Career Connect found 38% of young people with SEMH needs and an EHCP were NEET in Year 12, compared to 20% of all EHCP holders.

The charity warns the rise in SEMH needs has outpaced available resources and placed “overwhelming pressure” on support systems for education, skills, employment, health and welfare. It’s analysis shows that in some areas reviewed, EHCPs for SEMH needs rose from 990 in 2015/16 to 3,899 in 2023/24.

Career Connect’s Sheila Clark highlights that timely career support for young people with social, emotional, and mental health (SEMH) needs can prevent them from becoming NEET. Early intervention, ideally by Year 9, is crucial as delays worsen disengagement and long-term career prospects