Information & Resources

Information Resources - Web Sites

There are links to useful sites throughout the following sections of this website:

The following websites may also be useful:

The Connexions Direct parents and carers website pages

www.direct.gov.uk/parents - this Department for Children, Schools and Families website has all sorts of information and includes a useful 'jargon buster.'

Jobs4u - a database with information on all kinds of occupations, along with details of the qualifications needed.

The Qualification and Curriculum Authority (QCA) information on different qualifications.

www.dfes.gov.uk/qualifications - for qualifications information from the Department for Children, Schools and Families.

Sandwell

MEA Family Support

MEA is a community-based initiative, based in Oldbury, that provides a mentoring service to young people and support to parents.

MEA runs a range of activities including:

Telephone support, with a dedicated parent line on Monday evenings from 5pm -7pm - telephone 0121 553 3075
Parent Networks - to provide parents with the opportunity to share practical advice and strategies of how to deal with challenging behaviour within a group setting.
One-to-one support and surgeries.

For more information telephone Darren McNeil on 0120 552 2153

Information Resources - Centres

All schools, colleges and Connexions centres have a Connexions resource centre, which contain a range of useful information in the areas of:

Choices (education, employment and training)
Free Time
Health
Housing
Money
Personal Relationships
Your Rights

Connexions centres and most schools/colleges will also have computer software designed to help with decision-making on courses, careers and employment. Free Internet access is also available.

Information Resources - Publications

Connexions Black Country produce the following publications:

STEP 1, 2 and 3 - three workbook-style resources, designed to help young people in Years 9, 10 and 11 make decisions about their future. Your child should work through the STEP booklets in Careers/PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) lessons.

From Here On Up - a guide to options and choices after Years 11, 12 and 13. Distributed to all students in those years at schools and colleges across the Black Country.

Your Choices After You Are 16 - a guide for young people with learning difficulties, explaining the options available after school.

Forward - Designed for parents/carers of young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Forward explains choices after 16 and includes a range of other useful information and contacts. Copies are sent direct to the parents/carers of LDD students. If you would like a copy, they are also available from any Connexions centre.