PUPILS from Glenwood special school attended an event to help shape their careers.

Pupils in their final year at the Benfleet school visited Wat Tyler Country Park, in Pitsea, to talk to Essex County Council staff about life after secondary school.

The day gave pupils and their parents the chance to try a new system set up to make it easier for young adults with special educational needs or disabilities to use local services.

The One Plan scheme involved agencies, including schools, colleges, the health service and social care organisations.

Families met representatives from Seevic College, South Essex College, Essex Carers Network, Face, a group for parents of children with special needs, South Essex Partnership NHS Trust and the county council.

Christine Fitzsimmons, whoworks for a service which helps young people with special needs to prepare for adult life, said: “We were delighted with the number and variety of professionals who attended and their commitment to working with other agencies to put the needs of the young person first.

“It was lovely to see the young people actively engaging with the professionals, talking about what is important to them when they leave school. When asked, they said that the day had been fantastic.

“We gathered some valuable feedback we will use to improve upon our first draft of the One Plan.”

Ms Fitzsimmons’ service helps parents to start planning for the future which children are in Year 9 at school and continues until the young person finishes their education.