Learners with Learning Difficulties and or Disabilities

London Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities

Since April 2008 local authorities have had the duty to arrange a learning difficulty assessment (LDA) for young people with a statement of special educational needs (SEN) during their last year at school where they intend to enter post-16 education or training. Local authorities also have the power to conduct assessments of young people who are over compulsory school age but under 25 who have a learning difficulty and are in or intend to enter post-16 education or training. 

On 1 April 2010 legislation transferred to local authorities the duty to secure enough suitable education and training to meet the reasonable needs of 16-19 year olds as well as for those aged 19-25 who are subject to a learning difficulty assessment.

London Councils: Young People's Education and Skills Group (YPES), operating on behalf of the 32 London boroughs, manages the Strategic Partners Group for Young People with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities (SPG-LDD).  This group leads the implementation and continued development of the London Learning for Living and Work Strategy and provides regional leadership for the London-wide partnership response to meeting the needs of all post-16 LDD.

It aims to ensure that there is consistency across London with regard to the commissioning of provision for 16-25 years olds with LDD and works with adult services for transition to services post-25.

Funded by YPES the LiveLearnWork Opens in a new window website informs all those with an interest, either as a learner or carer, a provider of learning or an organisation, in work that supports learners with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

On 11 May 2011, London Councils: Young People’s Education and Skills held two half day workshops focusing on what we need to do to improve services across London for young learners with learning difficulties and disabilities. Notes and associated papers from these workshops can be found here.