Young people will be allocated a named worker, who will act as a single point of contact for all the professionals supporting them. This will usually be a Connexions Adviser, from the local authority. However, for young people with more complex needs it may be another worker from Children’s Services.
The following is a brief outline of the key points in the transition process and what you may expect to happen.
Year 9 (age 13 to 14)
Annual reviews take place, to discuss your son/daughters progress and review the EHCP. At year 9 it is important that you attend, as discussions start to take place about your son/daughter’s future.
The school will invite any other professionals that are involved with the young person, to ensure that everyone supports the decisions that are made. Post 16 options will be discussed at this stage too.
Discussion may also take place at this time with regards to adult social care involvement in the future, the different legal frameworks that apply to “adult services” and what this might mean for your family.
Also at this time you may be introduced to a care and support planning tool help plan for your son or daughter becoming more independent. This can then be updated regularly alongside the review of the EHCP.
Year 10 (age 14 to 15)
At the year 10 Annual Review, if you have had the opportunity to visit any post 16 providers, you and your son/daughter may have already made a decision on where they would like to go next. This should be noted on the transition plan although it doesn’t mean that they cannot change their mind. If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit any providers, you should really make this a priority, to ensure that you all have a good overview of what is available.
Year 11 (age 15 to 16)
Hopefully, by the time this review happens, you will have had the opportunity to visit post 16 providers and your son/daughter will have a preference as to where they would like to go after school.
However, if this hasn’t been possible, then it is important at this review that preferences are stated. At this stage Connexions will provide help and support to complete applications to providers.
Adult social care should also attend this review if they are going to be involved in your child’s future plans and the adult’s statutory assessment will be scheduled for completion which determines eligibility for public funding as an adult.
If adult social care services are to be involved after age 18 a transition plan will be agreed.
Year 12 and beyond
Annual reviews will continue and key agencies will be invited to focus on future plans, for example, further education/training or adult services provision. Formal transfer to adult services (where appropriate) takes place at 18.
Throughout these years there are agencies available to support you, these include:
Connexions, The SEND team, SENDIASS provided by KIDS, social care and your son/daughter’s school team.
