As your child grows into a young person, your role as a parent changes. Previously you may have made decisions on their behalf. Now they will be encouraged to form and share their own views. They will need to think about their aspirations, and the outcomes they want for the future. This factsheet is about the role of parents and others in supporting young people to set and achieve these outcomes.
The definition of a young person in this context is a person over compulsory school age (last Friday of June in the academic year in which they reach 16) and under 25. The law also makes provision for those young people who will not be able to make all of their own decisions. This legislation is called the Mental Capacity Act. SENDIASS can give you more information about this if you ask.
The Children and Families Act says that discussions about long term goals should start early – ideally well before year 9.
If your child already has an education, health and care plan (EHC plan) or a Statement of SEN, the plan and review meeting will include a focus on preparing for adulthood from year 9 onwards.
EHC plans can now remain in place until a young person is aged 25. The EHC plan will only remain in place after19 where there are education or training outcomes in the plan which have not yet been achieved. (For more information see our factsheet on education, health and care plans (EHCPs) and EHC Needs Assessments.)
Some specific decision making rights pass to the young person after compulsory school age (the end of the Academic year in which they turn 16). These are –
However! – the SEND Code of Practice says that parents should still be involved in discussions about a young person’s future and the young person may well still need your help with this process.
If your child still has a statement there will be a transfer review meeting in year 9.
Apprenticeships, traineeships and supported internships may also be available.
All will have to consider how they prepare for work, where they will work or where their future income will come from.
A small number of young people may need a continuing health care (CHC) plan.
The My Plan and EHC plan will be reviewed annually and the review must include a focus on preparing for adulthood every year from year 9 onwards. The plan should grow and evolve as the young person learns new skills and achieves existing outcomes. Planning must be centred around your young person and explore their aspirations and abilities. Discussions about a young person’s future should focus on what they want toachieve and the best way to support them to do this. Outcomes should be ‘ambitious and stretching’.
Young people can also ask for the support of an advocate. This person’s role is to make sure that the young person’s views are acknowledged and valued by all who are involved.
The school or college will provide information about progress made and learning programmes.
The SEND Code of Practice says that there is a statutory duty for pupils to be provided with independent careers advice. Careers South West are commissioned to provide this in Cornwall.
Other professionals actively involved with your young person.
Health and Social Care professionals if your young person is likely to need continuing support health or care services.
Some young people, especially those with the most complex needs may be eligible for a personal budget. For more information see our factsheet Personal Budgets for SEN.
Talk to your young person and explain what they need to think about. You and your young person should think about the list of ‘what should you plan for?’ together.
You could think about:
Don’t forget – preparing for adulthood is a process and happens gradually. That’s why it’s good to start early and have a plan to work towards!