Overview
Helping children and young people, especially those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), become more independent and employment-ready can be life-changing. Support should start early and focus on their goals, interests, and needs.
All professionals should share high aspirations and understand how to support them to achieve their ambitions effectively.
Preparing for adulthood means preparing for:
- further education, higher education and employment
- independent living
- participating in society
- being as healthy as possible in adult life
The SEND Code of Practice 2015 sets out the requirements of the Children and Families Act (2014). It states the need for:
- high aspirations – emphasises the importance of early discussions about long-term goals, focusing on strengths and desired outcomes
- transition planning – details the transition into post-16 education and from post-16 education into adult life, including support from Year 9 onwards
- pathways to employment - highlights the need for work-based learning opportunities such as Supported Internships and Accessible Apprenticeships
- Health and Social Care transition - stresses the importance of coordinated health and social care services to ensure smooth transitions to adult services
For information on Essex County Council's PfA strategic approach, please contact Suzanne Davis, SEND Strategy Lead - Preparing for Adulthood on suzanne.davis@essex.gov.uk
Further information about Preparing for Adulthood can be found on the following websites:
Essex County Council (ECC) SEND Information Advice and Support Service
National Development Team for Inclusion
We also have a Padlet available. This is a resource bank which provides resources aimed at educational practitioners, staff, and our wider SEND colleagues. It contains "Preparing for Adulthood" materials that can be downloaded and may be useful within your practice.
Please do not share this link with families, instead direct them to the Essex Local Offer website for further information.