Family Hub

Next Steps:
Navigating Life After School

We understand that exploring post-education options can feel overwhelming. That’s why we are passionate about providing dedicated support to help young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families navigate this important transition.

In England, young people must continue in education or training until at least 18. This does not mean they have to stay in school, and a variety of options are available at this stage. For more information on the different options, visit the learner's hub.

Available Options Post-16

If a young person has an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP), it remains active up to age 25, provided they continue in:

Further education - Post 16, into college or another setting where they offer education
Training provider
A supported internship
An apprenticeship

If your young person moves into adult social care, the EHCP will be stopped by your local authority. We advise you to take time to consider all of your options with your young person to find the most appropriate provider. Please speak with the transition lead within your school, who will be happy to give you advice and support.

Transition Support

Transition is the process of moving from childhood to adulthood, keeping the young person’s needs, aspirations, and wishes at the heart of every decision. For young people with SEND, planning early and preparing for adulthood helps build confidence and ensures a positive experience.

"We recommend that parents begin supporting their child’s journey from Year 9, helping them explore and identify the most suitable options for life after Year 11 (post-16) and beyond school (post-18). Early planning opens up more informed choices and reduces pressure later on."

All of our Creating Tomorrow education partners have trained staff ready to support families through this crucial time.

Tips for Supporting Transition

Prioritise Their Voice: Make sure your young person’s opinions and preferences guide the decision-making process.
Facilitate Open Discussions: Create a safe space for honest conversations about their ideas, concerns, and aspirations.
Support Self-Exploration: Encourage activities like volunteering, internships, or hobbies to discover interests and strengths.
Encourage Decision-Making: Help your young person practice making decisions, building confidence along the way.
Respect Their Choices: Support their decisions, even if they differ from your own expectations, while offering guidance.

Wooden stepping stones out into the sea

Local Opportunities and Support

In our counties, a range of colleges offer diverse courses, programs, and qualifications. However, please note that transport costs apply after Year 11.

To explore local options, visit your area’s Local Offer:

When applying for college or moving to a new provider. We advise you to:

Inform the college if the young person has an EHCP
Verify entry requirements
Arrange a tour of the college and introduce the young person to staff to ensure their needs are met

You may find it helpful to complete a communication passport for your young person to help others understand their needs.

Funding Information

At 16, young people can begin to claim benefits independently or through their guardians. It’s important to seek free, independent advice before making any decisions, as claiming certain benefits may affect existing payments.

Benefits for Young People

Personal Independence Payment (PIP): Young people who need help with daily living may be eligible for PIP, which replaced Disability Living Allowance (DLA). For more information, visit the PIP Checker.

Helpful links

Supporting information for Personal Independence Payment (Easy Read)

What to expect at your Personal Independence Payment assessment (Easy Read)

Important things to know about our Personal Independence Payment decision (Easy Read)

Introduction to Universal Credit: easy read

Funding for adult social care

For those planning to attend an adult social care setting, it’s important to understand the potential financial implications for post-18 care. Referrals to the adult social care team can be made from age 16 to explore available options.

Funding for care may come from:

Social Services
Direct Payments
Private Funding
‘In Control’ Personal Budgets

Personal budgets are designed to empower individuals to manage their finances and choose services that best meet their needs. If you need support navigating these options, we would advise you to make contact with your local adult social care team and Job Centre Disability Advisors.