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Preparation for adulthood for SENCO's

Preparing for Adulthood starts early, find information on how to help young people start to prepare for the transition into adult life.

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Preparation for adulthood starts from the earliest years for all young people. This can be as simple as conversations about what they want to be when they grow up.

This section is for professionals. If you are a parent or carer, visit our Preparing for Adulthood for Young People with SEND section.

Preparing for Adulthood

Young people's future should hold personalised opportunities for 

  • Further education and paid employment.

  • Developing independence.

  • Good health.

  • Friendships, relationships and community participation.

Preparation for Adulthood must be a focus in reviews of any support plans and EHC Plans from year 9. This means that young people with SEND over the age of 13 or 14 should:

  1. Include SMART outcomes related to Preparation for Adulthood themes.

  2. Show consideration of the Care Act 2014 transition assessments.

The Care Act transition assessments can be shown by:

  • Requesting a Child's Needs Assessment (CNA) if a young person is likely to need and benefit from care post-18.

  • Having a transition plan in place if there are eligible needs. This should be aligned with the EHC Plan and shared outcomes.

  • Preparing young people and their families for decision making on their EHC Plan.

  • Considering how to develop decision making skills for young people over the age of 16. This is in line with the Mental Capacity Act 2005.

  • Continuing to be person-centred. This means evidence of the young person's voice throughout the plan.

  • Continuing to link aspirations, outcomes, need and provision. This means plans have a 'golden thread'.

Preparation for Adulthood Outcomes

Outcomes for young people need to focus on Preparation for Adulthood from year 9. Here is some guidance for that.

Employment and Higher Education

It is important to provide evidence of long-term planning for employment. This should include:

  • Skills development.

  • Vocational profiles.

  • Support to identify opportunities such as work experience, supported internships, apprenticeships and volunteering.

Independent Living

Independence means different things to different people. It is important to consider the support needed to allow a young person to be as independent as possible.

Some examples of independence include:

  • Looking after their own assistance dog. This may be by feeding, walking and brushing them.

  • Be able to prepare their own simple breakfast.

  • Being able to manage their own personal care needs.

  • Using and being responsible for their equipment on their own.

Good Health

All young people with SEND aged 14 or older should be having an annual health check with their GP. It is important to consider what other health needs a young person may have as they move into adulthood. Where possible, you should involve health professionals in any reviews and when making any changes.

Some examples of health outcome topics include:

  • Training with a local sports team that meets their needs.

  • Attending appointments without parental support.

  • Taking medication independently

  • Reaching a healthy weight for their height.

Friends, Relationships and Community Inclusion

This is often the most important topic for young people. It is important they receive support to develop and maintain healthy relationships. Outcomes should encourage young people to take part in activities they have interest in.

Examples of topics for community inclusion outcomes include:

  • Going away with close friends over the weekend.

  • Attending a music festival with friends.

  • Take part in dancing lessons outside their educational setting.

  • Meeting new people.