Keys Group is pleased to have contributed to the recent Call for Evidence for the Young People and Work report, an independent project being led by the Rt Hon Alan Milburn.
The submission forms part of a wider national effort to understand and address the growing number of young people who are not in employment, education or training (NEET).
In November 2025 the government commissioned the Right Honourable Alan Milburn to author a report that will seek to:
- understand the drivers of the increase in the number of young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), including those claiming health and disability benefits and childhood experiences
- investigate the root causes of this rise in economic inactivity among disabled young people and those with health conditions
- make recommendations for policy responses aimed at increasing opportunities for young people
The Report will be taken forward in two phases:
- A discovery phase which will provide a diagnosis on the increase in the number of young people, including disabled people and those with a health condition who are NEET.
- A solution phase which will identify potential areas for reform.
With more than three decades of experience supporting children and young people across our schools, specialist education settings, and residential children’s homes, Keys Group welcomed the opportunity to contribute insights from our frontline practice.
In our response, we highlighted that young people with ADHD, autism, and social, emotional and mental health (SEMH) needs often face significant barriers to accessing education, training, and employment. These challenges include:
- Long waiting lists for ADHD and autism assessments
- A rigid, classroom-based education system that does not meet every learner’s needs
- Rising levels of emotionally based school avoidance
- Increasing pressures within the wider SEND system
Collectively, these issues can lead to disengagement from learning and reduced life chances - something our teams work hard every day to prevent.
To support improved participation and better long-term outcomes for young people with additional needs, we recommended that Government policy and system design prioritise:
- Timely diagnosis and early intervention
- Reasonable adjustments across education and employment settings
- A flexible, agile, person-centred education system
- Greater investment in alternative, blended and hybrid learning pathways
These changes would help ensure that young people with additional needs can access meaningful opportunities and move into adulthood with confidence and support.
We look forward to the publication of the findings from the Call for Evidence and to continuing to work collaboratively with national partners to develop solutions that improve the life chances of children and young people.
Our commitment remains to ensure every young person - regardless of their needs - has the opportunity to thrive, participate, and achieve their potential.
