Getting started with preparing for adulthood

Your preparation for adulthood will start when you are in Year 9 or 10, usually with your school and, if you have an education, health and care plan, through your annual reviews.

In preparation for adulthood, most young people will require support in four main areas to ensure the transition is smooth. These are:

• higher education and employment
• independent living and finding somewhere to live
• participating in society
• being as healthy as possible

You may have a transition assessment and a plan may be implemented. This will look at a range of things, including whether you need support in the future and your higher education, employment or plans to live somewhere else in the future. It will also look at your overall health and wellbeing.

Section 58 to 66 of the Care Act 2014, sets out how the transition process for children moving to adult social care, and other services, if appropriate, will work.

Preparation for adulthood can go on up until age 25.

We want the transition process to focus on meeting the hopes, aspirations and potential of young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) to maximise their life chances, choices and independence.

Getting the transition process right can set up young people for the rest of their lives.