Parents and carers may find that the teenage years can be turbulent as young people find their own identity. Preparing a young person for adulthood is everyone’s responsibility and it helps to start thinking about this transition phase early.
The preparing for adulthood pathway starts when a young person is in year 9 (13 or 14-year-olds) and continues until they leave education.
During year 9, there will be opportunities for young people and their families to talk about options for post-16 pathways. The following information is to help you and your child in preparing for adulthood and to make you aware of support that may be available. Transition support from other agencies may continue until the young person is 25.
Guidance and resources for young people aged 14 and over
- Preparing for adulthood transitions guidance - a guide for parents, carers and young people about preparing for becoming an adult.
- Parents of children aged between 14 and 25 transition guidance (PDF, 506KB) - a guide for parents, carers and young people about preparing for becoming an adult.
- Supporting resilience workbook - a guide aimed at young people starting secondary school. Parents, carers or school staff may need to support the young person to work through the guide.
- Who, where, when, what (PDF, 505KB) - a resource which helps to answer questions children and young people might have when moving to a new class or school. Parents, carers or staff can help fill these in with words or pictures.
- Pupil passport - blank (PDF, 83KB) - a simple form to help children and young people share what helps them as well as their likes and dislikes. Parents, carers or staff may complete this with or for the child or young person, depending on their age and needs.
Information and resources for parents and carers
- Deciding on a place to learn - a guide and resources to help parents and carers choose the right school for their child.
- BBC Bitesize - Tips for visiting schools - things for parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities to consider when visiting schools.
- Looking at schools (PDF, 92KB) - tips for parents and carers of children with SEND visiting schools before applying for a place.
- Transitions - planning for families (PDF, 152KB) - this resource uses symbols to help children and young people understand what will change and what will stay the same when they move to a new school or college.
- Whole school SEND transition resources for parents and carers
Information and resources for schools
- Supporting learners with autism during transition (PDF, 3.9MB) - a guide for parents, carers and staff. Although written for learners with autism, the practical strategies and resources in this guide would be helpful for most children and young people.
- National Development Team for Inclusion - guidance and resources for parents, carers and staff.
- Transition ideas (PDF, 129KB) - things for staff in nurseries, schools and colleges to consider when a child or young person with SEND will be starting at their setting.
- Transition meeting (PDF, 79KB) - a transition meeting template which helps highlights support that may be required.
- Pupil passport - example (PDF, 159KB) - a completed example of a simple form to help children and young people share what helps them as well as their likes and dislikes. Parents, carers or staff may complete this with or for the child or young person, depending on their age and needs.
- Young Minds YouTube video for staff - supporting transitions - a webinar for staff supporting children and young people with transitions.
- Transfer form for new school, college or setting (PDF, 200KB) - a form for school and college staff to complete.