Preparing children with special educational needs for adulthood

The Children and Families Act 2014 reinforces the importance of promoting high aspirations and of achieving better outcomes and greater independence for young people with special education needs or disabilities.

Preparing for adulthood will begin at age 14 (Year 9) and discussions about the future will be raised at the young person's annual school review.

The education, health and care plan will continue up to the age of 25 if the young person remains in education or training. If the young person chooses to leave education or training they will be supported until the age of 18.

At an individual level young people and their families will be encouraged and supported to make an active contribution to their education, health and care plan and reviews to enable them to work towards achieving their individual aspirations and life outcomes.

Four key outcomes have been prioritised by young people nationally as the most important outcomes for them when thinking about and planning for adulthood and the future. They are:

• good health

• employment

• independent living/housing

• friends/relationships and a sense of belonging in the community.

You can find more information on better life outcomes for disabled young people at Preparing for Adulthood and Getting a Life.

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