‘We have to carry on’. A participatory research project with young people enrolled on a supported internship programme during the Covid-19 pandemic

Abstract

Aim(s)This participatory research project gathered the views of young people (YP) with an education, health and care plan (EHCP), enrolled in a supported internship programme (SIP) at a further education (FE) college.RationaleThere is little published researched exploring the experience of FE for YP with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Furthermore, this group have had minimal opportunities to shape the research agenda through participatory involvement.MethodsA participatory design involved four YP with SEND enrolled in a SIP, who acted as co-researchers and participants. Data gathering, chosen by co-researchers, comprised of photo-voice and interview techniques. The primary researcher assisted the co-researchers via facilitating sessions and analysing data using inductive thematic analysis.FindingsDeveloping friendships, independence, work skills and travel skills were valued by co-researchers, although opportunities were limited by the Covid-19 lockdown. Co-researchers indicated specific inequalities and were critical of national policy.ImplicationsSIPs are a positive experience for YP with SEND, widening opportunities for independence and social connections. Lockdown had a negative impact by limiting such opportunities.LimitationsThis project draws on the views of a small sample of YP. Conducting the project remotely posed limitations on supporting YP with communication difficulties. Time limitations hampered opportunities to support co-researchers to develop their ideas for projects and to collaborate extensively in data analysis or discussion of the findings.ConclusionsInvolving YP with SEND in the design of research enhances opportunities for YP to share views on what really matters to them and shape regular and policy planning.