This timeline outlines key statutory requirements and decision-making milestones for young people navigating Preparing for Adulthood pathways, based on the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations 2014, and the SEND Code of Practice (0 to 25 years).
You can also view and download a visual routemap of the process.
Year 9 (age 13 to14)
Key actions and statutory requirements:
- Annual Review of Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) must include preparing for aduthood (PfA) planning (SEND Code of Practice, chapter 8)
- focus on outcomes for employment, independent living, health, and community participation
Decision-making notes:
- start discussing aspirations and long-term goals with the young person and their family
- begin the Vocational Profile
Year 10 to 11 (age 14 to 16)
Key actions and statutory requirements:
- continue preparing for adulthood focused annual reviews
- careers advice and post-16 options must be provided
Decision-making notes:
- attend post-16 evenings or open days at local further education (FE) colleges and settings. These are usually in September to December. View information about open events
Year 11 (age 15 to 16)
Key actions and statutory requirements:
- phase transfer planning: EHCP must be reviewed and amended by 31 March for transfer to post-16 education (SEND Regulation number 18)
- update young person's Vocational Profile with Careers and Guidance Officer
Decision-making notes:
- young person/parent to make their own application to post-16 provision (it is good practice to complete this before January)
- confirm post-16 placement and transport arrangements with the Southend-on-Sea City Council Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Team
Year 11 (age 16 to 17)
Key actions and statutory requirements:
- young person gains legal rights to make decisions about EHCP (can request Education, Health and Care Needs Assessment, name institution, request personal budget and appeal decisions)
Decision-making notes:
- assess mental capacity if needed (Mental Capacity Act 2005)
Year 12 to 13 (age 16 to 18)
Key actions and statutory requirements:
- continue annual reviews with preparing for adulthood focus
- begin planning for adult social care assessment under Care Act 2014 (can be requested from 17 and a half years of age)
Decision-making notes:
- discuss housing, health transition, and independent living options in annual reviews with Co-Ordinator's and social workers
Year 14 plus (age 19 to 25)
Key actions and statutory requirements:
- phase transfer planning: a focus within this annual review should consider employment options, independent living and community inclusion
- EHCP can continue if education/training is needed to achieve preparing for adulthood outcomes (Children and Families Act section 45 and SEND Code of Practice paragraphs 9.199 to 9.210)
Decision-making notes:
- annual reviews remain statutory
- decisions on continuation or cessation of EHCP must be based on progress toward outcomes, not age alone
- a completed Vocational Profile will support the young person in making appropriate employment decisions as well as support for independence