Transition planning
Preparing for adulthood, also known as transition, begins when young people with SEND are in year 9 at school and carries on until they are 25.
Early transition planning is important for young people with SEND as they may have additional support needs as they get older.
Year 9 annual review
The process starts in year 9 with the annual review meeting of a young person’s EHCP. This helps professionals prepare for the young person’s transition.
To support a young person through their teenage years and prepare for adulthood they will look at:
- health
- education
- housing
- employment
- social care.
The meeting will be held with:
- the young person
- their parents or carers
- the school
- other professionals who work with the family
The contributions of all those involved is important to support the young person’s current and future needs.
The young person’s transition plan should be recorded with:
- clear objectives
- outcomes
- roles allocated to specific people
Year 9 onwards
Several planning meetings take place every year with the young person until they leave school in year 11 or year 14.
Throughout the transition to adulthood, young people will have an individual transition assessment and plan to help ensure that their adult needs are identified and relevant services put in place.
These are reviewed annually or when required. It will reflect their changing needs as they grow older.
At 17.5 years old
Their transition assessment and plan is reviewed by the 0 to 25 Disability Team. This is to see if they still need social care services when they reach 18. It is also to see if they are still eligible for support.
This is done alongside their current EHCP. Assessments such as adult continuing healthcare can also be completed at this stage.
A lot of information and advice is given to the young person and their family at this time to help them make informed decisions. Advocacy support can also be provided.
Post 18
Young people with assessed ongoing needs post 18
Young people carrying on in full-time education will continue to be supported by services provided by the 0 to 25 Disability Team.
Young people without assessed ongoing needs post 18
These young people will be signposted to universal services when they reach 18.