From School to Supported Work: A Meaningful Transition Journey
A Successful Trial with Buckie High School
At Moray Reach Out (MRO), we’ve been proud to partner with Buckie High School in a trial project designed to support young people with additional support needs as they prepare to leave school. The goal was to offer structured work experience placements in their final year of school, followed by the opportunity for a more focused and supportive post-school work placement.
This trial has proven not only worthwhile but genuinely transformative for the young people, their families, and everyone involved in the process.
Bridging the Gap Between School and the Workplace
During their final school year, five young people participated in half-day weekly work experience placements at MRO. These sessions were carefully designed to help them:
- Gain real-world skills
- Build confidence and independence
- Explore future options like supported work placements or employment
For three of the young people (Damien, Kyle and Taylor), this initial experience became the foundation for transitioning into full work placements at MRO after leaving school. One participant chose to pursue college, and another decided not to continue; both outcomes were positive, based on informed choices.
A Person-Centred Approach to Planning
As Sharon Aitken MBE, Principal Teacher of Additional Support Needs, describes, the partnership began with careful, person-centred planning – involving pupils, parents, and professionals working together to tailor the experience to each young person’s needs and aspirations.
“My goals were that they would have a go and realise their potential. Sometimes, in a school setting, young people with additional needs think that’s it and that’s what the future looks like. But this was about showing them that the skills we’d taught them could be used in the real world.”
Sharon utilised visual tools, such as social stories, alongside extensive preparatory work to introduce the idea of a work experience placement at MRO. Engagement from pupils and their families was encouraged at every stage, ensuring that transitions were smooth, supportive, and truly individualised.
“It’s not about just putting someone somewhere. It’s about asking: What will this young person gain from this? And how can we make that happen for them?”
A Safe, Supportive and Successful Transition
The transition journey for each young person was unique, but they all shared a commonality: they all grew.
“Each of the young people were very different in their confidence and their skill sets. But each one grew through the process. And the MRO staff were fantastic, reading through the learning support plans, being open to conversations, and taking the time to understand every individual.”
As the young people settled into their roles within the MRO projects, school staff were gradually able to step back – a powerful indicator of how confident and comfortable the young people became in their new environment.
“Without the work placement, I don’t think they would be where they are now. It was one of those situations where everyone worked together to make it a success. And they’re all flourishing.”
Real Voices, Real Progress
From parents and carers to team leads and school staff, the feedback has been heartfelt and powerful.
From Damien’s Mum:
“The one day a week really helped with Damien’s transition leaving school. I don’t think it would have gone as well without it. Damien takes a long time to build trust and relationships, and the work experience helped with that. He was nervous starting, but as you guys have a good routine going, he soon settled into it. For Damien, knowing what he’s doing and having routine really helps him. I can’t think of anything he disliked.”
“He is really happy and settled, and more confident. He feels like he has a purpose. He sees it as his job and he feels he is included and the same as everyone else, not different because he has a disability.”
From Taylor’s Granny, Katrina, and Great-Granny, Roberta:
“He feels that his ‘work’, which he calls it, is very important. He really enjoys the woodwork. Not only us, but also his social care staff have noticed he’s matured and is turning into a lovely young man. We’re so proud – he’s decided on his own that he no longer needs his phone while working and can now concentrate without it. We never thought this would be possible.”
Reflections from Gemma: Growth in Every Young Person
Gemma Morrison, who supported the transition process from planning to practice and now works with the young people at MRO, shared her reflections:
“I’ve been so grateful to be involved in this transition, from meeting the young adults, being invited into their environment, and witnessing the amazing work happening in the unit. Building relationships with parents and social care teams over the year has made a huge difference, and I hope we can carry that forward.”
Gemma offered this insight into the progress of each individual:
Damien
“Damien is developing his woodwork skills brilliantly. He’s becoming confident to pick up tasks and try them on his own, which is fantastic. The time we’ve had to build trust has really paid off – he’s now comfortable expressing when he’s not feeling right and confident in saying what he needs. That’s a huge step forward.”
Kyle
“I wasn’t sure how to support Kyle at first, but with time and space, he’s flourished. He’s incredibly dedicated – always on time and sticking to routine. His dyspraxia helped us all learn and adapt. His coordination has come such a long way, from struggling with basic sweeping to confidently loading the plastic baler by himself. It’s amazing.”
Taylor
“Taylor is such a joyful member of the team. He’s willing to try anything and really enjoys assembling customer orders. He’s matured so much, even deciding to stop using his phone in the workshop – all on his own. He’s talked about wanting to travel independently to the project one day, and I absolutely believe that’s within reach.”
Making a Real Impact
MRO’s General and Business Development Manager, Shona Radojkovic, reflected on the wider importance of this work:
“It’s been a joy and a privilege to watch the young people transition from school to the workplace. The efforts by the school, the workplace and the individuals themselves have made this a safe and successful transition. The growth in their confidence, skills and personalities is clear to see, and I’m passionate that we continue to support more young people at this incredibly important time in their lives.”
Looking Ahead
These work placements are more than just a stepping stone; they’re a vital part of transitioning into supported employment, continued work placements, or even independent adult life. The foundation laid during the half-day-per-week work experience helped build familiarity, routine and confidence, enabling a smoother and more informed transition into a four-day-per-week placement.
As Sharon summed up:
“It’s about developing confidence, resilience, skills and friendship. It’s about helping these young people feel proud of who they are and what they can do.”
At MRO, we’re incredibly proud to be part of that journey and we can’t wait to welcome more young people as they take their next steps into young adult life.
Let’s Work Together to Support More Young People
If you’re a teacher, parent, carer or professional working with a young person who would benefit from a meaningful work experience or supported placement, we’d love to hear from you.
This successful partnership with Buckie High School shows just how impactful the right opportunity can be. Together, we can build confidence, independence and a real sense of purpose in young people as they prepare to leave school.
Interested in finding out more or starting a conversation?
Please contact us at info@morayreachout.org.uk or call 01542 834434.
Let’s make more positive transitions happen – one young person at a time 💙