When does transition start?
Preparing for adulthood should begin early — ideally from age 13 or 14. For young people with an EHCP, the plan must focus on preparing for adulthood from Year 9 onwards.
Transition is not a single moment. It is years of small steps, choices and skill-building.
The four pathways
Government guidance describes four areas of preparing for adulthood:
- Employment — paid work, supported employment, supported internships, volunteering
- Independent living — where and how the person will live, with what support
- Community inclusion — friendships, relationships, leisure and being part of the community
- Health — staying well physically and emotionally, and managing health independently as far as possible
A good transition plan covers all four — not just college.
Education and training options after 16
- Sixth form or college courses
- Supported learning or life skills courses
- Apprenticeships and traineeships
- Supported internships — work-based programmes for young people with an EHCP
- Specialist further education colleges
- Adult learning and community courses
Young people can stay in education or training up to age 25 with an EHCP.
Work and employment
Many people with learning needs can and do work — with the right support. Options include:
- Supported employment with a job coach
- Part-time and flexible roles
- Self-employment and micro-enterprise
- Voluntary roles to build confidence and skills
- Access to Work — government funding for workplace adjustments
Employers must make reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act.
Independent living
Independence is built slowly and safely. Skills to practise from early on:
- Personal care and hygiene
- Cooking, shopping, laundry and tidying
- Money — recognising coins, paying, budgeting
- Time and timetables
- Travel — walking routes, buses, safety
- Using a phone and technology safely
- Asking for help; recognising trusted people
- Health appointments and medication
Living options later may include: family home, supported living, shared lives, residential care, or independent living with floating support. The right option depends on the person.
Social care assessments
From age 18, social care moves from children's services to adult social care. The young person can request a Care Act assessment of their needs. Carers can request a carer's assessment too.
Ask early — assessments can take time. Aim for adult services to be in place before the 18th birthday (this is called transition planning).
Benefits and money
Young people may be entitled to:
- PIP (Personal Independence Payment) from age 16
- Universal Credit from age 18
- Council tax reductions
- Access to Work funding
- Direct payments for care
Citizens Advice and your local SENDIASS or learning disability charity can help.
Advocacy and decision-making
From 16, young people are usually presumed to be able to make their own decisions. The Mental Capacity Act protects this and sets out how to support decision-making.
- Offer choices in simple, accessible ways
- Use easy-read information
- Take time
- Involve a trusted advocate
- A young person can have an independent advocate for big decisions
If a young person cannot make a specific decision, a best interests meeting involves them, family and professionals.
Person-centred planning
Person-centred planning asks:
- What matters to this person?
- What are their strengths and what do they enjoy?
- What helps them communicate?
- What support do they need?
- What choices can they make?
- What does a good life look like for them?
- What are their hopes?
- Who is important to them?
The young person should be at the centre of every meeting about their life.
Key message
Adulthood is not something that happens to a young person with learning needs — it is something they grow into, with the right support, real choices and people who believe in them.
Start early. Plan together. Aim high.