Executive summary
The Southend Preparing for Adulthood (PfA) Strategy 2025 to 2027 sets out Southend-on-Sea City Council's vision and priorities for supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), with and without an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP), as they transition from childhood into adulthood.
It provides a shared, system-wide framework for how education, health, social care, employment services and the voluntary and community sector will work together to improve outcomes for young people aged 14 to 25. The strategy reflects statutory duties under the Children and Families Act 2014, SEND Regulations 2014, and the SEND Code of Practice (0 to 25 years), including the requirement for coordinated, person-centred Preparing for Adulthood planning from Year 9 onwards.
Developed through extensive co-production with young people, parents/carers, education, health, social care and the voluntary sector, the strategy responds directly to local lived experience and the national evidence base, including findings from Ofsted's thematic review of Preparing for Adulthood arrangements (2024). It emphasises early intervention, coordinated transitions, and high aspirations for employment, independent living, community participation and health — reflecting the four national PfA outcomes.
Vision
Southend aims to empower children and young people with SEND to transition into adulthood with confidence, independence, good health, and access to meaningful opportunities. The vision is underpinned by the principles of “Empower, Enhance and Thrive”, ensuring that young people are supported not only to achieve qualifications or placements, but to build sustainable, fulfilling adult lives. Through inclusive communities and coordinated multi‑agency working, young people will be supported to make informed decisions, achieve their ambitions, and thrive.
Local Picture
Southend mirrors national challenges, including inconsistent early transition planning, limited accessible work experience, and variations in mental health support. While 93.4% of 16 to 17-year-olds with SEND participate in education or training, many do not complete their programmes. This increases the risk of young people becoming not in education, employment or training (NEET) and experiencing poorer long-term outcomes. Young people and families consistently report that Preparing for Adulthood support begins too late and that information is difficult to navigate.
However, Southend also benefits from strong partnership working, with our Youth Forum and Youth Council, specialist support services, and growing regional collaboration. Existing local strategies—Southend SEND Strategy, Living Well Strategy, and Tackling Poverty Strategy—provide a strong platform for coordinated action.
Priority Areas
Through engagement with young people, families and professionals, six strategic priorities have been agreed:
- Enhanced Employability and Education Pathways
Expanding inclusive work experience, strengthening employer partnerships, and improving early, high‑quality careers guidance. - Improved Access and Continuity in Post‑16 Education and Training
Increasing specialist pathways, flexible entry points, and transition support to reduce NEET rates. - Improved Health Access and Wellbeing
Providing clearer health pathways, timely mental health support, and consistent application of the THRIVE Framework across services. - Person‑Centred Transition Planning From Year 9
Ensuring coordinated planning across education, health and social care, with shared accountability and clear outcomes. - Inclusive Community Participation
Improving access to leisure, social opportunities, and volunteering through accessible information and targeted support. - Greater Independence and Independent Travel
Expanding structured travel training, strengthening independence skills, and ensuring young people have genuine choice and control.
Implementation and accountability
A multi‑agency action plan underpins each priority, with named leads, timelines and defined measures of success. The SEND Strategic Partnership Board will oversee delivery, conducting termly monitoring and publishing annual progress reports. Young people and families will continue to shape the work through regular feedback and ongoing co‑production.