Local Offer - Preparing for Adulthood

The transition from childhood to adulthood is often a difficult time of change for many young people and especially those with a disability. There are many decisions for a young person and their families to take regarding the future. This can be a complex stage as support from agencies such as health, education and social care can change from the age of 18.

Disabled young people tell us that they want the same things in life as their non-disabled peers:

opportunities to succeed in education and work
to live independently and healthily
to be active members of their communities
have positive friends and relationships

The choices for young people with special educational needs and disabilities leaving school have a significant impact on their experience of moving into adulthood. The aim of this section is to ensure that the family begin to prepare for the young person’s transition into adulthood and that they have clear expectations about what options and services are available and are able to make informed choices about the future.

For further help and information on next steps in Education, Health, accessing the Community and advice regarding future Independent Living options click HERE.

Preparing for Adulthood Guide

Click here to view the Preparing for Adulthood Guide

The guide is aimed at young people with SEND who are approaching their latter school years, it gives information on the preparing-for-adulthood process, what to expect, what they should be considering at each stage and who to contact for support and information.

Parents and carers can also use the guide to find more information about the future options for young people in their care.

Topics covered in the guide include further education, training and employment, independent living, healthy lifestyle choices and how to participate in our communities.

The guide has been co-produced with staff from Sefton Council, Buddy Up, Health and Sefton Carers Centre in partnership with young people and the Sefton Parent Carer Forum.

Click here to open a Print Version of the Preparing for Adulthood Guide.

Click here to open a Print Version of the Preparing for Adulthood Guide.

When does the transitions process start?

Transitions planning begins at year 9 when the Transition Co-ordinators start attending the young person's annual education reviews. Future plans are made looking at opportunities including further education, living arrangements, leisure services, healthcare needs, day services and employment. The Co-ordinators are available throughout the transitions process to support, guide, and assist families to ensure a seamless transition to adulthood.

Click here to visit Sefton's Transition Service page.

Sefton's Transition Service

Click here to read the Sefton's Transition Service page.

Links to Useful Resources and Information

Click here to view Useful Resources and Information

Sefton Transition's Team from Childhood to Adulthood protocols

Click here to view Sefton's Transition's Team from Childhood to Adulthood protocols

Career Connect Services

Career Connect delivers Careers Information Advice Guidance, known locally as NEET ( Not in Education, Employment or Training) Reduction and Prevention Service, we are Commissioned by Sefton Council. Our Service supports NEET or ‘at risk of becoming NEET’ young people aged 16 -18 year old. We provide impartial bespoke Careers Information, Advice and Guidance to support transition into education, employment and training.

We support particular vulnerable groups of young people across the borough: -

We work closely with our colleagues in Sefton council. We will provide a named advisor or careers coach to all young people who are NEET young people to support career planning and give individual advice to look at next steps. Our aim is to help young people reach their true potential in finding education, employment, and training. This is underpinned by strong partnership working with local social work teams, Sefton@work, colleges, training providers and employers to ensure young people have the support needed to progress and achieve.

We offer targeted support to SEND young people with an Education, Health, Care plans and or High Needs Funded (From Year 9 to Year 14) who may be at risk of NEET - we have a team of SEND advisers that work closely with schools/colleges and the L.A. statutory assessment team to support work the council undertake in relation to young people with an EHC plans or HNF and their transitions.

Menu of support Career Connect can provide;

Careers Advice and Guidance to support career planning
Person Centred Support in looking at short- and long-term goals for career journey
Motivational Interviews
Job Search
Employability Skills
Applications for college, post 16 training, education and employment.
Interview preparation
Named case worker to provide frequent contact
Transition support for post 16
Attendance at SEN annual review at key transitions and where possible.
We work in partnership with all professionals to provide co-ordinated support

If you have a Sefton resident 16-18, concerned about school, college, apprenticeships or work during this current situation you can call 07807 128 907 or email sarah.vaughan@careerconnect.org.uk

Post 16 Education, Training & Employment Information

Click here to read the Post 16 Education, Training & Employment page.

Young Person's Next Steps Annual Transition Event

In February 2022, local Special Schools participated in the annual Transition Event. This gives young people with additional needs an opportunity to see what life might look like as they take their next steps in education.

Local Further Education Colleges and School 6th Forms were on hand to give an insight into the type of courses and support that could be available and, importantly, pupils were able to hear from students who had already made the transition from school to Post 16 education.

For a sample of the type of information that was provided on the day, please click on the link below to see the Presfield video: