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Preparing for Adulthood

Factsheet for Parents and Carers

From the last Friday in June after they turn 16, your child will become a young person according to SEN Law. They will be encouraged to make decisions about their EHCP, learning and life choices.

As a parent or carer, you are probably used to making these decisions for your child and you will continue to have a vital role in encouraging your young person to make and share their views, goals and ambitions for future life and have a smooth and positive transition to adulthood.

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Preparation for adulthood should start when your child is in nursery or primary school but after Year 9 there will be more focused planning for:

  • Education / training after leaving school
  • Post 19 education and / or employment
  • Independent living
  • Being healthy
  • Being part of society

Key decision-making rights around the EHC Plan processes pass to your young person after compulsory school age (last Friday in June after 16th birthday)

They can:

  • Ask for an assessment for an EHC Plan (they can do this up to their 25th birthday)
  • Ask for changes to the content of the EHC Plan
  • Ask for a particular learning setting to be named in their EHC Plan
  • Ask for a personal budget to fund parts of the provision in the EHC Plan
  • Appeal to the SEN and Disability Tribunal about decisions concerning their EHC plan

Preparation for Adulthood is a shared, gradual process for young people

Who will be part of the preparation for adulthood?

Young Person

The laws says that the young person must be closely involved in decisions about their future. This will usually be with the support of their parents/carers, but the young person must agree to any decisions reached. They can also be supported by an advocate who will ensure that their views are considered by everyone involved. These will include:

  • Parents / Carers – If your young person wants this, you will continue to be part of discussions and decisions about their future.
  • School / College – Will provide information about your young person’s progress and any support they need to enable them to progress.
  • C and K Careers Advisors - Will support your young person from Year 9, to make decisions about their future learning, training, or career options.
  • Any other professionals actively involved.
  • Health and Social Care professionals - When the young person is likely to need continuing support from these services.

What can you do to support your young person?

Talk to them about the changes, now that they are 16 and encourage them to think about:

  • What they like doing and are good at.
  • What things are most important to them now and for the future.
  • What types of support have worked well for them and what might be done better in a different way.
  • What they need to learn to enable them to fulfil their ambitions for life and what support would help them to do this.

Where can we get information, advice and support?

The law says that children and young people can access information, advice and support independently from their parents. The advice that they receive must be impartial, confidential and free.

At Kirklees Independent Advice Service (KIAS) and Calderdale SENDIASS we can give free, legally based, confidential, impartial advice and support including:

  • Advice on SEN support at school / college aged 0 - 25 years
  • Explain the EHCP assessment process and your rights
  • Support in Annual reviews and meetings
  • Support in mediation and appeals
  • Advice on school exclusions

Who do I contact?

We would be happy to hear from you on:

KIAS – (Kirklees enquiries)
Telephone: 0300 330 1504

SENDIASS – (Calderdale enquiries)
Telephone: 01422 266141