Tips for preparing for transition to adulthood

  • Contact the head of SEN at the local authority and ask who is personally responsible for transition planning. You should also ask what opportunities they have in place for your child’s level of support needs.

  • Try to identify a key worker, such as a social worker or SENCO, who will act as a link through the years between 14 and 19. Some local authorities now have Transition Social Workers.

  • Make sure that you’re clear about who is responsible for following up each point in the Transition Plan, so you can check that actions really do happen.

  • With your child’s school, explore opportunities to build work experience into the curriculum. There’s increasing emphasis on getting disabled people into employment, through schemes like Valuing Employment Now, and Job Coaches are becoming more common. This raises expectations for all.

  • Ideally work experience should start at school, in the school setting itself if necessary.

  • Visit colleges and other further education settings personally and prepare questions in advance.

  • Put your child’s name down as soon as possible, as many colleges have long waiting lists.

  • If your child’s level of need is sufficient, involve an adult education provider in the transition planning process from the age of 14. This will ensure continuity and make sure your child’s needs are fully understood.