What does Preparing for Adulthood mean for my child?

From Year 9 onwards if your child has a Statement /Education Health and Care Plan (EHCP), their annual review will be called a Preparing for Adulthood Review. This will help to continually update an all rounded active plan to show your child’s changing health, social care and educational needs. 

The SEND Code of Practice is very clear that discussions about longer-term goals for young people should start early at Year 9 (age 13-14). These discussions should be person-centred and focus on your child’s strengths, capabilities, outcomes they want to achieve and will take place at every annual review from Year 9 onwards. 

They will include preparation for:

•    continuing education, training or employment
•    independent living
•    participating in society
•    being as healthy as possible in adult life.

For more information on when a young person prepares to move into adulthood, please visit Transition.

You may also want to know about:

For further guidance view National Development Team for Inclusion (NDTi) resources for preparing for adulthood.

Who attends the Preparing for Adulthood Meeting?

The most important person at Preparing for Adulthood meetings is the young person. Your child will be asked if they want to attend.

  • You, as a parent or carer, will be invited. If the young person is being looked after by the local authority their social worker, residential care worker or foster carers will be invited
  • Your child’s Connexions Careers Adviser will be there.
  • There will also be invitations for:
    • your child’s teacher
    • a representative from Wolverhampton SENSTART
    • Social Services
    • Health Service worker

You may also want to ask for invitations for other people who support your family such as a friend, an advocate, or someone who helps your child, such as an 'independent supporter'.

Help in getting ready for the Preparing for Adulthood meeting

Connexions Career Adviser will help your child prepare for the Year 9 Preparing for Adulthood meeting by completing the person centred ‘Getting Ready’ document. You will have an opportunity to contribute to this.

The person-centred tool that covers a wide range of factors about your child that supports your child to express their wishes and needs. These factors include:

  • Hopes and dreams for the future
  • Future plans for getting a job
  • Keeping safe and healthy
  • How your child likes to be supported. 

Further information about the service can be found at Connexions Wolverhampton.

Options for Post 16 Education, Training and employment

Compulsory Education

There is an expectation for young people to remain in Education until they are 18 years old. Although this does not mean you have to remain at school, and you can explore other options. Young people who are 16 or 17 can work but they must -

  • Take a job with training - for example an Apprenticeship or
  • Take a part-time course while they are at work

Further Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) support

A young person with an education, health and care plan (EHCP) will continue to share their views to help shape their future and they are likely to need support to help them with this. They can access education, health and care support up to the age of 25.

Within Year 11, if you have SEN support or an Education Health and Care plan (EHCP) you will be referred through your school to Connexions careers service to discuss transition planning to post 16 education and training. 

The below options will be discussed in further detail with you and your parent/carer. You will be provided with advice and guidance on your options to ensure you are making informed decisions. You and your parent/carer will be directed to appropriate provision that matches with the young person’s aspirations.

After Compulsory Education (after Year 11) you can:

  • Stay in education, but not necessarily at the same school – although many young people in special schools do choose to stay where they are until they are 19 years old
  • Go to college for a full-time education course or to do a Study Programme.
  • Do a Study Programme or Traineeship with a training provider.
  • Take an Apprenticeship or job with regular training.
  • Undertake a Supported Internship.
  • Take part in a Supported Employment programme.
  • Volunteer and train at the same time.
  • Take a job, become self-employed or do some volunteering – and do some part time study.
  • Undertake a ‘package’ of provision and support across education, health and care that is appropriate to meet your needs and covers 5 days a week.

School Sixth form

Sixth Form – 16 – 19 year olds

Some schools will have their own sixth form offer. Your school can tell you what subjects they are offering for sixth form learning. Qualifications are usually offered at level 3 such as A levels, T levels and BTec certificates and awards.

For a list of links to local sixth form provision within Wolverhampton, please visit Workbox.

Specialist School Sixth Form – 16 – 19 year olds

Specialist school sixth forms offer programmes of learning from Entry Level up to Level 2. They usually focus on functional skills and vocational subjects and include support with life skills and preparation for work. Remaining in specialist sixth form ensures you continue to receive the same level of support you have had in school.

Colleges

Tips for applying to colleges

  • Call the college(s) you’re interested in
  • Ask for a prospectus or college course guide.
  • Look at their website.
  • Is there an open day when you could visit?
  • See facilities on offer and ask any questions you may have.
  • Make an application as soon as possible. This is because places on some courses are limited.
  • Some people apply to more than one college and make up their mind at a later stage.
  • Keep in touch with the Careers Adviser who can advise you on which course(s) and college(s) may be suitable.

What do Colleges offer for young people with additional needs?

Colleges offer a wide range of courses including some that are specially designed for people with moderate and severe learning difficulties.

Every college has a Learning Support Department and a Learning Support Co-ordinator.

If you have an Education Health Care Plan (EHCP) then apart of the Preparing for Adulthood will include contact being made with the co-ordinator. They can explain more about courses and discuss learning support needs.

Higher Education

All higher education institutions have designated staff (such as a Disability Co-ordinator or a Student Welfare Officer) who can advise students. They should be contacted before completion of the UCAS application to discuss individual requirements.

According to the law, universities must try their best to support students who have SEND.

Example of things a university can do to help you with your studies might include:

  • Making sure class materials are available in a format you can understand.
  • Giving you extra time to complete coursework or exams.
  • Providing extra support around study skills, how to use computer software, the library etc.
  • Assigning you a support worker who can help you organise your studies.
  • Arranging for specialist equipment

These changes are called “reasonable adjustments”. They make sure that young people with SEND have the same access to a university education.

You can read more about your rights to reasonable adjustments from the websites below:

Young people with Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) going to university

If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), this will no longer apply when you go to university. It can, however, be a good idea to share your plan with the university you want to go to. This will help them understand your needs and make sure the right reasonable adjustments are put into place.

Can I get help with money?

When all young people apply for university, they can apply for student finance. This is a loan which covers the cost of your course and helps with living expenses. You will pay this back over time, once you have graduated and start working.

Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA)

If you are a student with a disability, you may also be entitled to a Disabled Student’s Allowance (DSA). This is extra money available to buy any specialist equipment or support needed to meet your needs whilst you study. For more information on Disabled Student’s Allowance help if you're a student with a learning difficulty, health problem or disability please visit Disabled Students' Allowance.

Hardship funds

Some universities have money available in case you have difficulty paying for your studies. These are called hardship funds. Universities have different rules around who can apply for this money and how much you can get. For more information, you can contact the university, or visit University and college hardship funds.

For information about higher education options visit: WorkBox - 18-29 years Directory of Resources

Pathways to employment

The Access to work scheme can help you at work if you’re disabled or have a health condition.

Workbox provides useful resources for employment, education, training and advice in Wolverhampton.

Workbox holds information about:

To find more information, training, resources and services relating to Learning Disabilities and being more independent please visit Learning Disabilities - Directory of Resources.