For children with an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan or a Statement of Special Educational Needs (SEN), the transition to adulthood and adult services presents a number of challenges. Understanding the legislative context is important in facilitating this transition, though by no means sufficient.
As part of
statutory special educational provision planning, local authorities and schools must
consider the long-term aspirations and desired life outcomes of a child/young person
and take account of their parents' opinions. In this clip, Emma's mother talks about
her concerns for
the future.
Where a child/young person has an Education, Health and Care (EHC) Plan or a Statement
of Special Educational Needs, Year 9 usually marks the beginning of an extended review
process to include planning for the young person's adult life. This continues through
their remaining school years and involves a range
of agencies.
This 'transition planning' is a legal obligation, and supports the young person on their journey to adulthood through secondary education and, where appropriate, into further education and training until 25 years of age.