The national context
The journey from childhood to adulthood is an important time for all children and young people, particularly for those with special educational need and/or disabilities (SEND). It is vital that children receive the right support and guidance at the earliest opportunity to prepare them for becoming an adult, and help them to reach their full potential and lead a fulfilling life. (Ofsted Preparation for adulthood arrangements in local areas: a thematic review; Published 16 December 2024).
Some key issues highlighted within government reports and research focus on the access to health services and transition planning not happening early enough.
Children and young people with SEND often face greater difficulty in securing employment or training opportunities. In a recent report on special educational needs, the National Audit Office latest statistics found that in 2021/22, 69% of those with SEN at key stage 4 were in sustained education, employment or training after leaving 16 to 18 study, compared to 85% for those without.
The four areas of preparing for adulthood that local authorities and commissioners should consider ensuring positive outcomes for children and young people are:
- employment: the timeliness and quality of careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG), and employment and training options available to children and young people with SEND as they reach adulthood, and how local area partners are supporting children and young people with SEND to transition to adulthood
- independent living: the support available for children and young people with SEND to develop independence and life skills, and how local partners are working together to enable this
- community inclusion: how local area partners are encouraging children and young people with SEND to be visible and actively take part in the community, and what opportunities are available to them to make friends and build strong relationships
- health: how effective the commissioning arrangements are for transitions to adulthood, whether children and young people with SEND who do not meet the threshold for adult health services have their needs met, and whether primary health services are making reasonable adjustments to help children and young people with SEND to prepare for adulthood