Parents & Carers :

What is Connexions?



Connexions is a free information, advice and support service for 13 –19 year olds and up to 25 for those with additional needs. Connexions welcomes the opportunity to work with you to help your son or daughter.

Connexions Personal Advisers (PAs) work in schools, colleges and other places where young people meet. They are available to help in whatever areas young people need additional support and to help them deal with issues which might be preventing them from reaching their potential. PAs encourage young people to access personal development opportunities and make a smooth transition to adulthood and working life.

How can you access Connexions?

The local service is Connexions Bedfordshire and Luton. PAs are available at regular times in Connexions community points and drop in centres around Bedfordshire and Luton or will arrange to meet young people at times which suit them. For more information about Connexions Centres including opening times look on our Contact us page or call 0800 032 1319.

We have a CD in 18 alternative languages – listen to a podcast – or pick up one from a PA or in our drop in centres

Terminology

Education is often in the news and new phrases and words are constantly being introduced. Here’s a brief explanation of some key terms:

  • Academic

    Refers to traditional school subjects and qualifications such as GCSEs or A levels.
  • Vocational

    Describes courses and qualifications that are designed to prepare someone to work in a certain industry or to carry out a particular job.
  • National Qualifications Framework (NQF)

    The NQF sets out all the different levels of recognised qualifications, starting from entry level (pre-GCSE) to higher education and postgraduate level. This makes it easier to compare the levels of different qualifications.
  • Labour Market Information (LMI)

    Facts and figures about employment in different areas of work. These may be local, regional, national and, increasingly, international and include past and present information as well as predicting future trends.
  • Children's Trusts

    Children’s Trusts will integrate education, social care, some health services and local partners, including Connexions, in order to deliver a better integrated services for children, young people and their families. These are currently being set up and will all be in place by 2008.