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Preparing for adulthood

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Requesting an EHCP (Education Health & Care Plan)

Transitioning to adulthood

As young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) grow older, they begin to move from children’s services into adult life. This process is called “transition” and it can involve changes in education, health care, social care, and support for independent living. Planning for these changes should start early and be centred around the young person’s hopes, strengths, and needs. This page explains what to expect at different stages, from Year 9 onwards, and how families and young people can be supported to prepare for adulthood with confidence.

Post-16 transitions

A young teenage boy wearing headphones looks to the side.

When a young person with SEND finishes school, they may move on to:

college or sixth form
apprenticeships or training
supported internships
employment
community based learning or day services

If a young person has an EHC plan:

the local authority must review the plan and name the next setting by 31 March before the September start
you can request a specific college or training provider to be named in the plan
the plan must include support for preparing for adulthood, including:
- education and employment
- independent living
- community participation
- health and wellbeing

If you disagree with the LA’s decision, you can appeal to the SEND Tribunal.

If a young person does not have an EHC plan

They may still receive SEN Support in college or training. Providers must:

use a graduated approach: Assess, Plan, Do, Review
make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010
work with the young person and their family to plan support

Post-19 transitions

A young teenage gurl with Down's Syndrome wearing blue headphones. She is looking at her phone, with her laptop on the table in front of her, as her mum tidies in the background.

When a young person with SEND turns 19, they may move on to:

further education or training
supported internships or employment
adult social care services
community-based learning or day opportunities
independent or supported living

EHC plans after age 19

EHC plans can continue beyond age 19 if the young person is still in education or training and the plan is helping them achieve their outcomes. The local authority must:

review the plan at least annually
consider whether the young person is making progress
decide whether the plan is still needed
if the LA decides to cease the plan, they must:
consult with the young person and their family
provide a written explanation
offer support through adult services if appropriate

You can appeal the decision to the SEND Tribunal.

Support without an EHC Plan

Young adults without an EHC plan may still receive support through:

adult social care (via a Care Act assessment)
reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010
local authority adult learning services
Jobcentre Plus and supported employment schemes.

Education and Employment Pathways

Young people with an EHC plan may continue on a study programme up to age 25. These programmes should include English and maths at an appropriate level. Some students may work towards academic qualifications like GCSEs, while others benefit from work experience and non-qualification programmes that prepare them for adult life.

Supported Internships are structured study programmes based mainly at an employer. They help young people with SEND develop skills for work through real-life experience. Internships usually last a year and include unpaid placements of at least six months, with the aim of moving into paid employment.

Traineeships are education and training programmes with work experience, designed for young people aged 16 to 24 who need help becoming work-ready. They include job preparation, English, maths, and practical experience.

Access to Work grants can help cover the cost of support needed during a supported internship or traineeship. These grants are available to young people aged 16 or over with a disability or health condition. They can be used for equipment, travel, job coaching, mental health support, and more.

Social Care and the Care Act 2014

The Care Act 2014 places legal duties on local authorities to support young people transitioning from children’s to adult services. If a young person is likely to need adult social care, the local authority must carry out a transition assessment before they turn 18. This applies even if they haven’t previously received children’s social services.

Assessments should happen when it’s easier to understand what the young person’s needs will be beyond age 18. If the local authority decides not to carry out an assessment, they must explain why in writing and offer advice on how to prevent or delay future care needs.

For young people aged 18 or over who still have an EHC plan, adult social care support is provided under the Care Act. The care and support plan should form the “care” element of the EHC plan.

Young adults may need to contribute to the cost of their care. The local authority will carry out a financial assessment to determine this. Costs may include home care, day activities, supported living, or support from a personal assistant.

Carer’s assessments are also available. These look at the impact of caring on the parent or carer, and explore whether they want to continue caring, work, study, or take part in social activities. If eligible, a support plan will be agreed.

Health Transitions

Moving from child to adult health services can be challenging. Young people may see a different team or attend a different hospital. It’s important that the transition is well planned, with clear communication between teams. A young person should not be discharged from children’s services until they have been successfully transferred to adult services.

Annual Health Checks are available for young people with learning disabilities. These checks include physical exams, mental health assessments, medication reviews, and checks for chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. If a learning disability has a specific cause, additional tests may be offered, for example thyroid checks for people with Down’s syndrome.

The health check is also a good opportunity to review any transitional arrangements that need to be in place before the young person turns 18.

If a young person’s main SEND need is health-related, they should be referred for an Adult Continuing Health Care Assessment well before their 18th birthday. This allows time to complete the assessment and plan the care they are entitled to. If there is no adult health service to transition to, their GP will manage their health needs.