Education doesn't stop at 16
EHCPs can stay in place up to age 25 if the young person is still in education or training. Options include:
- Mainstream sixth form or college with SEN support or EHCP
- Specialist colleges for higher-needs students
- Supported internships — 1-year unpaid work-based programme leading to paid employment
- Apprenticeships — paid, with reasonable adjustments
- Traineeships and pre-apprenticeships
- Day services and life-skills programmes
- University with Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA)
Supported internships
A flagship route into paid work. The young person:
- Spends most of the week at a real employer
- Has a job coach
- Learns workplace skills
- Often ends with a paid job
Ask the local authority and college about supported internship places — they're underused.
Access to Work
A government grant that pays for:
- Specialist equipment
- A support worker or job coach
- Travel to work
- Communication support
- Mental health support at work
Apply before starting a new job. Renewable. Hugely underused by SEND young adults.
Reasonable adjustments at work
Under the Equality Act 2010, employers must make reasonable adjustments, e.g.:
- Quiet workspace
- Written instructions
- Flexible hours
- Sensory-friendly uniform
- Extra breaks
- Predictable routine
DSA at university
If your young person goes to university, Disabled Students' Allowance can fund:
- Assistive technology
- Specialist tutoring
- Mentoring
- Note-takers
- Extra exam time
Do
- Visit lots of colleges
- Ask "what happens after this?" at every stage
- Build work experience early — even one morning a week
Don't
- Don't assume the only option is the local college
- Don't drop the EHCP without specialist advice
- Don't wait for the system to suggest options
Meaningful work, in any form, builds identity, confidence and belonging.