Post-19 education and training options
This information has been produced as a tool to support young people make informed decisions. It is also available to view and download as a visual routemap.
Who decides if a young person continues into post-19 education?
The Local Authority makes the decision based on the EHCP annual review and the completed Vocational Profile. The requested setting will make a decision based on the age, aptitude and ability of the young person to access the provision.
If a young person or their parent carer disagrees with a decision they have the statutory right of appeal.
What categorises a young person as not suitable for employability routes?
Evidence from assessments (by an Educational Psychologist, health professionals or social care), where necessary or identified as needed, may show that employability is not a realistic outcome at present. If this is the case the focus then shifts to working towards independent living and community participation.
Mental capacity act (MCA) compliance
The Young person's views must be central; if lacking capacity, decisions follow Mental Capacity Act best interest principles. My Adult Still My Child has helpful information.
See case studies below and view frequently asked questions and answers.
Post-19 education and training pathways for young people with SEND
Options depend on whether the young person:
- has an EHCP
- has a learning disability and/or autism
- is supported by adult social care
Options for young people with an EHCP:
- continue formal accredited learning at a further education setting
- formal accredited learning course with a focus on employability outcomes (through either South Essex Colleges Group, Southend City Community College or USP College):
- level 1, 2 and 3 vocational qualifications
- T levels
- A' levels
- Pathway to Employability programme at the Independent Living Skills Academy, South Essex Colleges Group (SEC) or USP College.
- Supported internship programme at SEC or USP College
Options for young people without an EHCP:
- self-funded adult learning opportunities
- Government funded adult learning for those who have not yet reached the minimum criteria in Maths or English - Courses for jobs and Skills Bootcamps leading to an interview and job opportunity
Options for young people with learning disabilities and/or autism who are supported by adult social care:
- lifelong learning through community-based provision
- supported employment opportunities through Making It Work (supported employment service).
These options can be explored with your Social Worker
For all young people:
Employment, apprenticeships and/or training
Ready to Work programme
This is a programme for young people aged 16 to 19 who are not in education, employment or training (also known as NEET) who are looking for support to get into work or to return to education or training.
The programme is for young people who have special educational needs, Looked After Children, and those who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
To find out more, speak to your career's advisor, Southend Virtual Schools Education Advisor or EHCP Co-ordinator.
Case Studies
Case study 3: Year 14 – preparing for adulthood and employment dreams
Scenario:
Sam is in Year 14 at a specialist setting and has an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). He's been following a Preparing for Adulthood curriculum, completing ASDAN (Award Scheme Development and Accreditation Network)courses and working towards Entry Level qualifications.
Sam wants to be more independent and dreams of becoming a train driver because he loves trains. Due to his complex needs, driving a train isn't realistic, but he could work in a role connected to trains
Common misconception:
“If my child can't do their dream job exactly as they imagined, there's no point in planning for work.”
The facts:
- young people with an EHCP can stay in education or training until age 25 if it helps them achieve their outcomes
- Preparing for Adulthood pathways focus on employment, independent living, community inclusion, and health
- there are many roles in the rail industry beyond driving trains, such as station assistant, customer service, or maintenance support
- the SEND Code of Practice requires local authorities and providers to support ambitious but realistic outcomes and help young people move towards work
Practical solutions for Sam:
1. Annual Review and career planning:
- use the EHCP review to set employment-related outcomes linked to Sam's interests (e.g., working in transport or customer service)
- involve careers advisers in Sam's transition meeting
2. Complete a Vocational Profile
- a vocational profile helps identify Sam's aspirations, strengths, and support needs
- it provides a clear roadmap for steps and adjustments needed to achieve his goals
3. Post-19 pathways:
- specialist Post-19 provision: continue with life skills, travel training, and vocational tasters
- work experience: explore placements in transport settings (for example, stations and ticket offices)
- Supported Employment Programmes: these help young people with complex needs gain real work experience with job coaching
4. EHCP support:
- include travel training, job coaching, and social skills development in the EHCP to prepare for work
Positive outcome:
Sam completes a vocational profile and a tailored programme focused on employability and travel training. He gains work experience at a local train station, supported by a job coach, and later moves into a paid role in customer service within the rail industry.
Case study 4: Year 14 – transition to Adult Social Care and lifelong learning
Scenario:
Ella is in Year 14 at a specialist setting for young people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). She has significant health needs and is unlikely to live independently.
Ella has reached her peak academically but would benefit from lifelong learning and embedding skills to maintain her quality of life.
Common misconception:
“When formal education ends, there's nothing more to learn.”
The facts:
- at 18+, if education is no longer the most appropriate route, the EHCP review should consider transition to adult social care under the Care Act 2014
- lifelong learning doesn't have to mean formal education, it can include community-based activities, sensory experiences, and supported routines that maintain skills and wellbeing
- local authorities must ensure a smooth transition from children's to adult services, involving health, social care, and community support
Practical solutions for Ella:
1. Annual Review and transition planning:
- use the EHCP review to agree that Ella's outcomes will now focus on health, independence (where possible), and community inclusion
- involve adult social care early to plan support packages
2. Adult Social Care support:
- Ella may be eligible for a Care Act assessment to determine her needs and funding for day opportunities, personal care, and therapies
- support can include personal assistants, specialist equipment, and access to community activities
3. Community learning and lifelong engagement:
- activities such as sensory sessions, music therapy, hydrotherapy, and supported volunteering can help maintain skills and quality of life
- embedding learning means continuing routines and communication strategies Ella already knows, so she stays confident and engaged
4. Health and therapy continuity:
- ensure physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, and medical support remain part of Ella's care plan
Positive outcome:
Ella transitions smoothly to adult social care with a tailored support package. She attends a local day opportunity centre offering sensory activities and community inclusion, maintaining her skills and enjoying a fulfilling routine.
Other teams, organisations, services and resources that can help
Southend-on-Sea City Council Preparing for Adulthood Team (for young people with an EHCP). Speak to your EHCP Case Co-ordinator.
The Southend Vocational Profile
Southend-on-Sea City Council Adult Social Care
Making it Work supported employment service
Day opportunities and services for adults with learning disabilities
Greater Essex Your Futures website - information about post-16 study options and jobs and opportunities across Essex.