STUDENTS were given the chance to plan their future careers at a Transition Event at Ysgol y Deri special school earlier this week.

The aim of the event was to make parents, as well as current students, aware of what future career paths and higher education youngsters could choose after they left the special school.

A number of local colleges and careers advisors held stalls at the event throughout the day.

Kerrie Pritchard, assistant head teacher at Ysgol y Deri, said parents of pupils were often unaware about the opportunities available to children with learning disabilities.

She said that after finishing school they could pursue opportunities including colleges, training and day activities, as they strived to overcome barriers and find forms of employment.

“The purpose of the day is for parents to have the opportunity to share information, consider the transition process between classes and opportunities available beyond school, receive practical advice, and gather advice and information that they might need,” she said.

Some of the organisations holding stalls at the event included: Local & Specialist Colleges, Day Service Providers, Supported Living Providers, Careers Wales, Cardiff & Vale Social Services, Supported Employment and Voluntary Opportunities, External Family Information and support Services, and Internal Services at YYD

Several pupils also gave a presentation about their hopes and dreams, as well as the barriers to employment and how they can be overcome.

Ysgol y Deri head teacher Chris Britten said the day had been a great success, with more than 80 families in attendance.

The event, held on Tuesday, was open to parents of pupils from Year 9 up to Year 14.