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Preparing for adulthood

Preparing for adulthood

When a young person with SEND is in Year 9 at school (aged 13 or 14), support starts for planning the move to adulthood, and carries on until they reach 25.

This is called ‘preparing for adulthood’, sometimes referred to as ‘transition planning’.

It is an exciting stage in life but it can also be a difficult and uncertain time for a young person with SEND.

There are some key aspects of life which this planning focuses on:

  • education, employment and training
  • living independently
  • social inclusion – including having friends and supportive relationships
  • being healthy

Your child’s school and the council will be involved in helping your child and your family plan.

Preparing for adulthood website

This video introduces Brent's Preparing for Adulthood website

Our Preparing for Adulthood website has been designed by, and specifically created for, young people.

It is a single place for young people to visit if they are looking for information including:

  • employment, training and education advice and opportunities
  • activities on offer
  • support with finding your own accommodation
  • moving from child to adult health services

Year 9 annual review

If your child has an education, health and care (EHC) plan, preparing for adulthood support begins with the Year 9 annual review.

This means reviews from this point onwards will include transition planning around the key aspects of life described above.

If you are a young person with an EHC plan, and you would like to have any specific questions answered about the EHC plan post 16, please contact sen.post16@brent.gov.uk

You can find out a little more about each of the main areas of preparing for adulthood below.

Higher education, employment and training

At 16, young people need to start planning for the next stage of their education.

All young people need to be in some form of education or training until they are 18 but there are different options to consider:

  • full-time education, such as sixth form
  • an apprenticeship or traineeship
  • a supported internship
  • part-time education or training combined with employment or volunteering

There’s a wide range of support available including the Connexions careers advice service and courses and training through Brent Start.

Find more information on these options on the education and employment page of our preparing for adulthood website.

Living independently

Young people with SEND may start thinking about living independently as they get older.

For young people with an EHC plan, this is considered as part of the annual review process.

This area of support with planning includes:

  • considering how independently a young person may be able to live
  • help with finding accommodation
  • help with life skills, such as travelling alone, handling money or cooking

Find out more on the living independently area of our preparing for adulthood website.

Social inclusion

Friendships, relationships and being a part of the community are really important to a young person's quality of life.

The activities page of our preparing for adulthood website has much more on the wide range of things there are to do, including sporting activities and short breaks.

Being healthy

As a young person with ongoing social care needs approaches the age of 18, a review happens to see if they will need adult health or social care services when they reach 18.

This is done at the age of 17.5 in consultation with you and your child, and alongside their current EHC plan.

This involves a review of your child’s transition assessment and plan, and is carried out by our Disabled Children and Young People's Service (0-25) or a health care professional.

A lot of information and advice is given to you and your child to help you make informed decisions. Advocacy support can also be provided.

More information, including moving to adult health services, can be found on the being healthy page of our preparing for adulthood website.

Last updated 14/08/24