Mentally handicapped school leavers: where do they go?

This study presents the findings of a population-based study of severely educationally subnormal (ESN(S] and moderately educationally subnormal (ESN(M] school leavers in the borough of Trafford over a 4-year period. The ESN(S) school leavers attended adult training centres (ATCs), day centres or remained at home. Some later obtained part-time places at these centres. The numbers varied from year to year and the trends are examined. The numbers of ESN(S) pupils outside the borough were small and there were only 10 such leavers during the 4 years. Most of these (five) needed continuous inpatient care at the hospital attached to their residential school. Three of the 10 leavers were accommodated in a bungalow project in the borough. Almost half of the ESN(M) school leavers made use of government schemes to help youth unemployment. A large group progressed to further education, usually on the life skills course. The numbers entering open employment were small (23 out of 214) and of these the largest single number went into their families' businesses or worked in shops. The combined benefits of the special school, government youth training schemes and the courses of further education designed for the ESN(M) group are reflected in the small number of pupils who became unemployed after leaving school (13 out of 214). This proportion (6%) is less than the 8% total unemployed school leavers in the borough.